Program Director - WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research - West Virginia University Research Corporation

WVU Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for General and Operations Director/Program Manager within the WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research.

About the Opportunity

This position supports the WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER).   The Program Director will lead and manage transdisciplinary projects focused on energy and sustainability, emphasizing their impact on West Virginia and Central Appalachia. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic oversight, and cultural fit within our dynamic team, ensuring WISER’s mission and vision are upheld through collaborative and innovative efforts.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
  

What You'll Do

• Project Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Develop project plans, manage resources, and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Funding and Proposal Development: Secure funding for research projects by developing proposals and collaborating with potential partners. Assemble research teams, develop work plans, and write proposals for submission to funding agencies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, students, and external partners to ensure the success of research projects. Foster teamwork, provide mentorship, and promote best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain relationships with project partners and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals.
• Strategic Direction: Provide strategic direction for WISER’s projects, ensuring alignment with the institute’s mission and vision. Stay informed of emerging energy trends and technologies.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure daily operational oversight of programs, including staff management and performance monitoring. Promote best practices and provide mentorship and training to staff and the research community.
• Communication and Representation: Represent WISER at conferences, community events, and meetings. Promote activities of WISER and WVU, including performing community outreach and providing technical assistance to federal or state agencies, industry, or campus groups.

• Bachelor's Degree with a preferred focus in Management, Energy Science, Environmental Science, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of program management experience, of which at least 3 years were responsible for leading complex projects or equivalent 
• PMI certification or PMP is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven leadership experience in managing complex research projects.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to WISER’s mission and vision.
• Experience in energy and sustainability sectors.
• Knowledge of regional energy challenges and opportunities.
• Successful track record of securing research funding.
• This position reports to the Director of WISER. Normally receives no instructions on routine work, and general instructions on new assignments. Typically determines methods and procedures on new assignments. General sharing of knowledge and team participation is expected in the role. Program, project, or activity lead and work coordination responsibilities may occur or be assigned in this position. Guidance or supervision of others may be required.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University.  We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

Job Posting

Schedule