Director of Energy Research Partnerships - College of Engineering

The CMU Director of Energy Research Partnerships (DERP) will provide Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal energy-related research strategy development, pursuit, acquisition, support and coordination functions. The DERP will both lead and support the development of a new CMU-wide strategy to enhance the ability of our faculty to contend for DOE and energy-related federal research awards. Once developed, the DERP will focus on the execution and implementation of that strategy. While formally reporting into the College of Engineering (CoE) under the direction of the Chief Partnership Officer (CPO) and the Scott Energy Institute, the incumbent will support all of CMU’s colleges for federal energy pursuits. This position will be a vital contributor to a bold strategy to ensure our faculty can play a direct role in crafting the national and global agenda in critical energy technology fields.

As a University-wide resource, this person will also be a key member of the central CMU government relations team and will work in close collaboration with the central CMU Government Relations Team, Corporate Relations Team and Vice Provost of Research to develop and implement a strategy for improving the ability of CMU faculty to contend for DOE and other energy-related research awards.

This position may also lead ongoing DOE-related relationships and serve as a primary liaison with other external organizations, faculty, and other key partners to review, develop and deliver proposals with the goal to increase DOE-related research support. The DERP will assume and achieve an annual DOE research funding and activity goals.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Develop strategies to enhance faculty engagement with energy program managers to enhance the ability of faculty to secure DOE funding.
  
  
• Design and implement a strategy to support faculty in helping define program requirements in DOE and energy related programs.
  
  
• Track and see opportunities for CMU faculty to engage in advisory boards and other agency leadership activities.
  
  
• Develop and implement strategies for tracking emerging trends in DOE and national laboratory program funding and initiative development.
  
  
• Assist in identifying and shaping effective national lab partnerships that can directly improve faculty competitiveness for funding.
  
  
• Assist in developing objectives and metrics for growing energy related research funding.
  
  
• Work as a core member of the government relations team to align policy level engagement with agency strategies to enhance the ability of our faculty to set research agendas.
  
  
• Work with the government relations team on the planning preparation and execution of events and briefings and associated materials that support a focused advocacy strategy.
  
  
• Design and implement strategies for improving faculty engagement with specific DOE related agencies - including agency “101s” and capacity building sessions.
  
  
• Work with CMU leadership and targeted faculty to support initiatives to attract center level funding.
  
  
• Comfortable working multiple technical fields and pursuing opportunities across all of the different fields of science and engineering.
  
  

Flexibility, partnership, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the College of Engineering. Inclusion, teamwork and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to optimally work well with a dynamic population of partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of how the R&D functions within DOE, and how R&D works with corporations and universities
  
  
• Ability to assimilate and understand a broad range of engineering technologies and markets
  
  
• Understanding of basic intellectual property and contract engagement principals
  
  
• Ability comfortably interact and engage with both senior management and senior technical leadership within government agencies and corporations
  
  
• Knowledge of the principals of research funding, fundraising and the ability to integrate with and support the broader institutional partners
  
  
• Ability to visualize, understand and articulate the opportunities for partners for CIT
  
  
• Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and tactical engagement opportunities
  
  
• Ability to work well within teams and within a highly matrixed and fluid organization
  
  
• Knowledge of business and marketing techniques and the ability to apply these principles effectively
  
  
• Strong communication and writing skills and capacity to work in a team
  
  
• Strong self-starter with ability to proactively engage with diverse partners both inside and outside of CMU
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree in a scientific field preferred
  
  
• At least 5 years of related experience; 10 years of related experience preferred
  
  
• Direct experience in working in and/or with DOE and related federal agencies and laboratories
  
  
• A proven understanding of DOE-related federal research policies, programs and procedures
  
  

Requirements:

• Successful background check
  
  

Additional Information:

• Based in Pittsburgh but with regular travel to the Washington D.C. area
  
  

Are you interested in this opportunity?! Apply today!

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus .

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Corporate and Foundation Relations

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  
  
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  
  
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
  
  
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