Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas

Position Number: 001531

Department: Div of Research (Adm)

Employment Type: Time Limited - Full-time

Months Per Year: 12

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Drive the overall vision, strategy, and execution to build and scale a high-impact grid modernization and energy transition initiative.

• Establish management operating structures and internal processes to support rapid organizational scaling and long-term sustainability.

• Recruit, retain, and mentor a high-performing leadership team within a technically driven, innovation-focused environment.

• Direct federal compliance and financial oversight and reporting to satisfy complex federal funding and regulatory requirements.

Partnership Building & Stakeholder Management

• Cultivate and manage multi-sector coalitions across academia, electric utilities, government agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations around a shared regional vision.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Governance Board, advisory councils, and committees, aligning diverse stakeholder interests with organizational priorities.

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with regional funders, elected officials, and community leaders to strengthen institutional standing.

Technology Commercialization & Innovation Deployment

• Oversee the transition of early-stage grid technology research into scalable, market-ready products and commercial solutions.

• Align academic R&D initiatives with utility needs and market demands to accelerate technology adoption across the energy sector.

• Establish metrics and reporting structures to measure the impact of commercialization efforts on regional economic development, supply chain growth, and workforce readiness.

Resource Development & External Representation

• Act as the chief external spokesperson at regional and national forums, industry conferences, and high-level stakeholder convenings.

• Identify and pursue outside investment to continually expand the initiative’s programs and regional footprint.

Minimum Experience / Education:

Education

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred

Experience

• Progressive executive leadership experience in building alliances, coalitions, tech hubs and/or innovation districts

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-organizational initiatives involving industry, academia and government

• Experience managing large budgets, building executive teams and scaling organizations

Preferred Education Skills and Experience:

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading an NSF Engine, DOE hub, Manufacturing USA institute, or similar large-scale federal or state-funded initiative.

• Interest and ability to develop a national reputation within the energy innovation ecosystem.

• Experience with energy, advanced technology, research commercialization, innovation, economic development, or a closely related field.

• Awareness of the electric power sector, energy infrastructure, grid modernization or related technologies.

Preferred Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience translating research and innovation into commercial, workforce, or economic outcomes.

• Familiarity with federal funding programs and complex grant administration.

• Ability to work with electric utilities, state economic development organizations, or public-private partnerships.