Senior Director for Energy Development

The Senior Director for Energy Development provides leadership at the university level and within Administrative Operations (AO) in providing visionary direction for campus energy sourcing and use.  You work will primarily be centered around furthering Purdue’s investigation  into nuclear energy use, leading the AO sustainability team, and developing new energy solutions for campus. 

In furthering Purdue’s investigation into the use of nuclear energy, the senior director will build on work performed to date (Purdue’s Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Reactors Feasibility Interim Report) to progress institutional knowledge of nuclear energy use for campus.  You will lead investigations into new clean and renewable energy sources, tying together sustainability efforts and utility service goals.  You will be responsible for mapping out a plan for further investigation into the technologies, developing operational/financial/policy recommendations, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and readying campus for implementation of the plan.  This position has stakeholder involvement with people and entities at the highest level, both internal and external to the university, will be required.  This includes Purdue’s Board of Trustees, President’s Office, Provost’s Office, University Senate, academic leadership, federal/state/local elected officials, federal and state regulatory agencies, and other industry partners.  

Come and be part of our exciting adventures within Administrative Operations. One of our new initiatives is The Purdue University and Duke Energy feasibility study was announced in April 2022. The interim report, released in May 2023, culminates hundreds of hours of research and evaluation from world-renowned leaders and industry experts.

To date, the study revealed several findings – spurring questions about the future of clean energy and recommendations for how to advance new nuclear development in the 2030s and beyond. 

Small Modular Reactor and Advanced Reactor Feasibility Study Interim Report , June 6, 2023

No technology has been selected, and no decision to build a new plant has been made. However, to further evaluate the viability of small modular reactors for the university and the State of Indiana, Purdue University and Duke Energy will work together on the next steps outlined in the interim report. 

Purdue University is a land-grant university with a mission to lead through technological innovation and by bringing to the capital Purdue’s unique strengths in tech diplomacy, national security, and semiconductor talents. 
Purdue University recently invested $1.3 billion in capital projects to support these and other initiatives. Insert attached pdf to support the growth of the university. The Office of Research has over 300,000 square feet assigned for its use in 25 buildings across campus including on-campus laboratory, classroom and office space, related infrastructure systems, and core laboratories. By leveraging knowledge and information regarding these facilities and the people using these facilities, emerging and future opportunities for expanding and creating new research opportunities will be identified, documented, nurtured, and communicated to university leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Must be a graduate from an accredited college or university with at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, energy management, public administration, or a related field
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible management, leadership, and/or policy development experience

Preferred:

• Energy/utility leadership & management experience 
• A relevant graduate degree or industry licenses/certifications is strongly 

Skills Needed:

• Thorough knowledge of Indiana state energy policy
• Thorough knowledge of energy management, strategic planning, performance measurement, human resources, and financial management 
• Must:
  • be a proven leader, with analytical, organizational, management, problem-solving and strong interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution
  • be able to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations
  • have a demonstrated ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships and build mutual trust and respect with others and maintain them over time
  • have a high standard of integrity, performance, and professional behavior

 
Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days