Director of Energy Innovation

Louisiana State University is hiring a Director of Energy Innovation to manage the Energy Innovation Fund, facilitating applied research in the energy sector. The role involves engaging with industry and government, ensuring alignment with donor intent, and fostering collaboration among faculty. The position requires familiarity with academic and industry landscapes but does not necessitate technical training. It is based in Baton Rouge, LA.
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Job Posting Title:

Director of Energy Innovation

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM ORED - Institute for Energy Innovation (Robert R Twilley (00009725) (Inherited))

Work Location:

1067 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

Louisiana State University seeks a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Energy Innovation, a key role within the LSU Energy Institute. This position is responsible for managing the Energy Innovation Fund, a donor-supported initiative designed to catalyze applied, interdisciplinary research that advances innovation in the energy sector.

The Director will play a central role in connecting the needs and insights of industry and government with LSU's research expertise. While the position does not require technical training, the ideal candidate will have strong familiarity with the academic, governmental, and private-sector landscapes. Their primary function will be to help translate real-world challenges into research opportunities and ensure that the Fund is used in alignment with donor intent.

Job Responsibilities:

Fund Management & Allocation: Administer the Energy Innovation Fund, including planning, budgeting, and performance tracking; Develop and implement structured, transparent protocols for soliciting, reviewing, and awarding funds to LSU faculty based on clearly defined deliverables; Ensure all project selections are aligned with donor intent and foucsed on energy-related innovation with real-world relevance. (25%)

Strategic Integration: Identify applied research opportunities by engaging with government and industry stakeholders and matching those needs with LSU's technical expertise; Foster collaboration among faculty from different disciplines to tackle complex, use-inspired research questions; Serve as a connector across sectors, helping faculty recognize the significance of specific industry or policy challenges that may otherwise go unnoticed; coordinate with government entities at the federal, state, and local levels to understand and anticipate emerging policy, regulatory, or technical challenges that could be addressed through innovation supported by the Energy Innovation Fund. (20%)

Donor & Stakeholder Engagement: Support the Executive Director and LSU Foundation in fundraising activities aimed at growing the Energy Innovation Fund; Communicate fund outcomes and opportunities to donors and potential partners, ensuring transparency and alignment with donor intent; Participate in strategic discussions about fund development and use, without direct responsibility for fundraising targets. (20%)

Coordination with Strategic Initiatives: Work closely with the Future Use of Energy In Louisiana (FUEL) initiative to ensure continuity of its mission beyond the expiration of its 10-year NSF funding period; Help embed FUEL's applied, interdisciplinary, and stakeholder-informed approach into the long-term operations of the Energy Innovation Fund and the LSU Energy Institute. (15%)

University & Public Engagement: Represent the Energy Innovation Fund and LSU Energy Institute at internal and external events; Participate in LSU-hosted energy-related conferences, workshops, and seminars; Attend LSU Energy Advisory Council meetings and engage with key stakeholders in the broader LSU energy ecosystem. (15%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply—a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Additional Information:

This position is designed to support long-term innovation at LSU by stewarding a fund that enables faculty to pursue meaningful, real-world energy research. The Energy Innovation Fund is supported by donations from private companies. The Director will not be responsible for generating operating revenue through grants or sponsorships. Rather, the goal is to ensure that the fund's interest earnings are deployed effectively and transparently, supporting innovation while maintaining independence and avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring (if applicable).

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with LSU FASOP HR-04 and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Melissa Henderson at mesnau1@lsu.edu.

Posting Date:

August 26, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 9, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu
. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.