Senior Director for Research

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a nationally recognized nonprofit advancing practical, scalable solutions that make the U.S. energy system more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. Since 1980, ACEEE has positioned energy efficiency as the nation’s most dependable and cost-effective resource. Through independent, peer-reviewed research and strong partnerships with policymakers, businesses, and communities, ACEEE delivers insights that shape standards, guide investment, and accelerate emissions reductions across buildings, industry, transportation, and the power sector.

ACEEE helps federal, state, and local leaders navigate rapidly growing energy demand driven by electrification, data centers, and industrial expansion. The organization provides clear, evidence-based strategies that lower costs, protect public health, strengthen grid resilience, and support equitable, community-centered outcomes.

Equity is core to ACEEE’s mission. The organization works closely with local governments and community organizations to reduce energy burdens and ensure the benefits of efficiency reach those most affected by high energy costs and climate impacts. Internally, ACEEE fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports staff growth and reflects the communities it serves.

The energy system is transforming quickly, and ACEEE is expanding its research capabilities to stay ahead particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced analytics that are reshaping both energy use and research methodologies. Grounded in a long track record of research excellence and nonpartisan credibility, ACEEE is pursuing an ambitious goal: cutting U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, with major progress by 2030.

For candidates motivated by impact at scale, ACEEE offers a unique platform to influence national policy, shape the next generation of research, and help lead one of the most respected organizations in the energy and climate field.

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The Opportunity

ACEEE seeks a Senior Director for Research to lead and elevate the organization’s nationally recognized research portfolio. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving on the five-person senior management team, the Senior Director will guide ACEEE’s research agenda, ensure the highest standards of quality and rigor, and strengthen the connection between research, policy, and practice.

The Senior Director will also guide ACEEE’s evolving approach to emerging technologies, including assessing the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. This leader will evaluate how current data and research methodologies must adapt in response to rapid technological change and will collaborate with ACEEE’s leadership and communications teams to ensure publications and research products reflect these shifts.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leading research expert with deep expertise in energy efficiency and climate solutions, a proven record of managing diverse teams, and a strong commitment to equity. The Senior Director will collaborate across sectors, from government to industry to community partners, to ensure ACEEE’s research is cutting-edge, impactful, and inclusive, driving solutions that lower costs and reduce carbon pollution and accelerate a clean energy future.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Liz Lombard, Managing Director and Angie Sessoms, Managing Associate. Express interest in this role by  emailing the Angie Sessoms directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

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