Julie Edwards Washington Apr 7, 2010 8:49 am

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a leading national nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., seeks two people for a new research program on behavior and the human dimensions of energy use and energy efficiency practices and investments: one to direct and coordinate the work of the program, and one to assist the Director, direct specific projects and conduct independent research. ACEEE is dedicated to advancing and deploying energy efficiency technologies, policies, and programs as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.

Position Description:

ACEEE is looking for dynamic, self-motivated individuals with experience and skills in conducting research and managing projects on the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of energy use and energy efficiency practices and investments to help us establish a new behavior and human dimensions program. This will be a cross-cutting program working closely with many of ACEEEs other research programs including buildings, transportation, industry, economic analysis, and utilities. ACEEE has developed some critical initiatives in this area in the past and has obtained funding to expand these efforts to start a full behavior and human dimensions program.

The Behavior and Human Dimensions Program Director will be responsible for directing the new ACEEE Program including:

Working with other staff to develop program priorities and work plans and overseeing implementation of these work plans;
Leading research projects (initial projects address advanced metering and consumer feedback, identifying exemplary programs for behavioral change, and developing a better understanding of automobile purchasing decisions);
Working closely with other program directors on cross-cutting projects and also helping to add a behavioral dimension to the work of other programs;
Fundraising to support the program (funds are already in place to cover more than a year, but in the second year some fundraising will be needed).

The Research Associate will assist in the research and cross-program coordination activities of the Program Director, and will also direct and carry out research projects independently.

The positions are full time and will be based in ACEEEs office in downtown Washington, D.C.

Required Skills/Qualifications for the Research Associate:

1. Masters degree or PhD from an accredited college or university in a behavior-related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, behavioral economics, etc.) or an interdisciplinary degree with a significant behavioral focus.
2. 3 years experience in energy and/or environmental field, including some experience working on energy efficiency and behavior/human dimension issues.
3. Some familiarity with state and utility energy efficiency programs and practices.
4. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead implementation of projects; fundraising experience a plus.
5. Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
6. Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team. Proven ability to meet project deadlines.
7. Set of accomplishments that demonstrate leadership and an ability to have an impact in terms of advancing energy efficiency.
8. Judgment and initiative with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
9. Outstanding critical thinking skills and creativity.
10. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
11. Zest for the challenge of working as part of a dynamic and growing organization.

Required Skills/Qualifications for the Director include those listed for the Associate and additional experience:

1. PhD preferred.
2. 10 years experience in energy and/or environmental field, including at least 5 years of experience working on energy efficiency and behavior/human dimension issues.
3. Demonstrated ability to raise funds for projects and manage complex projects from start to finish.
4. Demonstrated management abilities including staff supervision and being able to manage multiple projects at the same time.
5. Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within a cross-departmental team.

Timing: The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are found.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus ACEEEs generous fringe benefit package, which includes a cafeteria-style benefits plan, a portion of which can enhance total compensation.

To Apply: Please send a resume with cover letter and short writing sample to [email protected]. Please use Behavior and Human Dimensions Program Director or Behavior and Human Dimensions Research Associate in the subject header.

Julie Edwards
ACEEE
United States
http://aceee.org