ACEEE Senior Director for Research

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.

With a team of more than 70 experts across the country, ACEEE conducts rigorous, independent research that delivers real-world results. Our analysis and technical assistance help shape policy, inform programs, and guide investments across every major energy-using sector.

Recent examples of our research impact include:

• Our analysis and modeling have informed major U.S. Department of Energy appliance standards, including for water heaters, dryers, and refrigerators, helping agencies design rules that cut waste and lower costs for households and businesses.
• Through the Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) initiative, our applied research and technical support have helped more than forty local teams expand energy upgrades in affordable housing and underserved commercial buildings.
• Our codes research and state technical assistance support the adoption and implementation of modern building energy codes, laying the groundwork for healthier, more efficient homes and commercial buildings.
• Our transportation research has informed EPA vehicle rule makings and now supports ongoing efforts to defend strong vehicle standards and accelerate clean mobility at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Through the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance, we combine technical analysis with stakeholder engagement to help shape federal investments in clean industrial demonstration projects and accelerate the deployment of industry-ready solutions.
• Our State, City, and Utility Scorecards distill extensive data and analysis into benchmarks that governments, utilities, advocates, and the media use to drive accountability and healthy competition.

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…