Director, Behavior and Human Dimensions

~ The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a leading national nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., seeks a qualified research analyst for its Industry Program. ~

ACEEE is an independent, nonprofit organization of around 50 staff members founded in 1980 that acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.

Position Overview 

ACEEE seeks a director for its Behavior and Human Dimensions program. We're looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual with experience and skills in conducting applied research and managing projects on the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of energy use and energy efficiency practices and investments.

The Behavior and Human Dimensions program is a cross-cutting program and the director works closely with other ACEEE research programs and a network of national experts.

The new director will hold a senior leadership position at ACEEE and will report to the executive director. The director will have a strong degree of discretion in shaping the work of the program. The position is full time and will be based in ACEEE's office in downtown Washington, D.C.

ACEEE has developed some critical initiatives in the behavior area in the past. We are seeking a new director to build on the work accomplished to date.

Note: Preferred start date for this position is by December 1, 2014.   

Expectations and Responsibilities 

The Behavior and Human Dimensions Program Director will be responsible for directing and growing the program. Duties will include:

• Realizing, developing, and leading a visionary research program with new thinking about energy efficiency;
• Conducting peer-reviewed research on behavioral aspects of energy use and energy efficiency practices and investments; developing and maintaining strong area expertise; publishing research findings; and representing ACEEE externally;
• Overseeing quality and relevance of all project work within the Behavior and Human Dimensions program;
• Working closely with ACEEE program directors to add a behavioral dimension to the work of other programs (current projects include research on multifamily buildings and a potential project to test behavioral strategies in commercial offices);
• Collaborating with management on organizational planning and implementation of organizational policies;
• Developing program budgets, priorities, and work plans and overseeing their implementation;
• Supervising interns, and as funding permits, hiring, training, and supervising a research assistant;
• Maintaining relationships with behavior professionals focused on energy efficiency; and
• Identifying and securing new funding support for the program, primarily for 2016 and beyond. 

Qualifications 

Prospective candidates must have a commitment to ACEEE's mission and a zest for the challenge of working in a dynamic and growing organization. A strong, practical background in behavioral science and research is a prerequisite. While energy efficiency program experience is not a prerequisite, understanding these programs is key. 

Candidates should have these demonstrated skills and attributes: 

• A Master's degree (PhD preferred) in a behavior-related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, behavioral economics) or an interdisciplinary degree with a significant behavioral focus. 
• 15 years of experience, including five years of experience working on behavior/human dimension issues. Excellent candidates with less experience will be considered, and if successful would be hired at the senior manager level until she/he performs at the level of a program director.
• Experience in energy and/or environmental field preferred. Familiarity with state and utility energy efficiency programs and practices is desirable.
• Accomplishments that demonstrate leadership and an ability to have an impact in terms of advancing energy efficiency.
• Demonstrated management abilities including staff supervision and being able to lead and manage multiple, complex projects at the same time and meet project deadlines; results-oriented.
• Proven ability to build consensus and work effectively within and across departmental teams. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as well as independently. Open to input from others and able to achieve consensus. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and obtain funding for research projects.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Sound judgment and outstanding critical thinking skills. 
• A spirit of entrepreneurship and initiative, creativity, self-confidence, high energy, and a strong work ethic. 

About the Behavior and Human Dimensions Program:

In 2009, ACEEE started a new program on Behavior and Human Dimensions of Energy Use, building on previous work done in this area since the 1980s. Behavior is a cornerstone of energy efficiency: it affects the purchases we make, the buildings and systems we design, and how we use energy-consuming equipment.

Understanding how customers think about their energy use can help business and other sectors select technology and engage participants in reducing energy use through energy efficiency improvements. Several on-going projects illustrate this work: 

• A pilot program using behavioral strategies to reduce energy use in moderate-income multifamily housing, working closely with the city of Takoma Park, MD.
• Research on the use of games to spur individuals to save energy, reviewing a broad array of games and their applications and identifying best practices. 
• The annual Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference which ACEEE plans and hosts with Stanford University's Precourt Energy Efficiency Center and the California Institute for Energy and Environment; the 2014 BECC Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. from December 7-10, 2014. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience; ACEEE provides a generous benefits package. 

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample.
• Type "Behavior Program Director" in the subject line.
• We do not accept phone calls.