Director, Energy

About AIR

AIR is seeking an entrepreneurial Director, Energy to build and scale a new energy-focused portfolio aligned with AIR's mission to generate rigorous evidence and deliver high-impact services. Reporting into the AIR Growth Office, and with strong support and engagement from AIR's senior leadership, the Director, Energy will establish AIR as a trusted partner to federal agencies, foundations, utilities, and other public- and private-sector funders working across power generation and storage, grid interconnection, and energy markets. Within these areas, AIR brings distinct capabilities in education, workforce development, and community impact — applying behavioral and social science methods to the human dimensions of energy transition and system change.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories. The role requires regular domestic travel for project work, funder engagement, and partnership development.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities

Strategic Direction & Portfolio Growth

• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities across federal, non-federal, and commercial markets, including U.S. federal agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, utilities, and other public- and private-sector funders.
• Lead key components of the business development cycle, including opportunity identification, funder engagement, opportunity qualification, teaming and partnership strategy, proposal development, and advising on negotiation and project execution.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of AIR's value proposition in the energy space, emphasizing evidence-based policy, rigorous evaluation, applied research, and learning partnerships.
• Represent AIR externally through participation in energy and climate convenings, funder meetings, and policy forums in support of relationship development and portfolio growth goals.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a team of researchers, technical specialists, and staff to support the energy portfolio's growth and execution.