Job Description:

Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), is an NSF-funded program, NSF Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine, that is positioning the state as a global energy transition leader through high-impact technology development and innovation that supports the energy industry in lowering carbon emissions. FUEL brings together a growing team of universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, and industry and capital partners led by LSU. The Director of Use-Inspired Research & Development will be responsible for working closely with the FUEL Executive Director, industry members, universities, and community stakeholders to promote, develop, design, implement, and monitor all use-inspired research & development activities under the project. This position will supervise and manage all industry-directed use-inspired R&D projects including the Use-Inspired R&D network, Use-Inspired R&D round table discussions, Use-Inspired R&D support programs for HBCUs/MSIs/CTCs, and Use-Inspired R&D projects ranging from $50k to $500k and beyond.

Job Responsibilities:

Relationship Management: Serve as the FUEL Director of Use-Inspired R&D. This position will require engagement with the 50+ partner organizations, NSF, the Executive Director, the Use-Inspired R&D Governance Subcommittee, and other stakeholders. FUEL is structured to bring representation from various stakeholders with the vision of aligning research initiatives with special emphasis on energy transition issues impacting the Region of Service, Louisiana. The Director will serve as a liaison across FUEL industry partners to identify, develop, and solicit use-inpsired R&D project needs. This position will be responsible for ensuring all Use-Inspired R&D reporting obligations are satisfied for NSF, LED, and other partners. (20%)

FUEL R&D Projects: The Director of Use-Inspired R&D will be responsible for developing, establishing, and implementing all R&D Projects. These projects will range from $50k to $500k. These project opportunities will be solicited and developed with industry partners across the Region. Once defined, the Director will develop and implement an RFP process to deploy across the Region in a fair and inclusive manner. This position will manage external evaluators to evaluate, score, and proposals to provide guidance and feedback to the Use-Inspired R&D Governance Subcommittee, which will make the final funding decisions under the direction of the Director of Use-Inspired R&D. (20%)

Project Management: The Director will work directly with the Use-Inspired R&D Governance Subcommittee to propose, develop, establish, and implement appropriate policies and procedures to deploy all FUEL project deliverables and programming associated with the Use-Inspired R&D activities of the FUEL engine. The Director will be responsible for convening quarterly meetings with the Use-Inspired R&D Governance Subcommittee as well as maintaining regular communication with the Subcommittee between convenings. The ultimate goal for all Use-Inspired R&D activity is to identify, develop, and implement a sustainable model for FUEL Use-Inspired R&D across the Region. (15%)

FUEL Use-Inspired R&D Network: The Director will be responsible for developing, establishing, engaging, and managing, a Use-Inspired R&D network across the FUEL region to help engage all stakeholders. The FUEL Science, Technology, and Research (STAR) Use-Inspired R&D Network will create world-leading mechanisms to unearth current research projects, solicit industry-specific use cases, and engage and integrate faculty and industry representatives to ensure strong collaboration throughout the Region. (10%)

FUEL Round Table Discussions: The Director of Use-Inspired R&D will work with the Executive Director and the other FUEL Directors to develop, establish, engage, and convene regular round table discussions for ongoing knowledge sharing across industry, small business, state agencies, federal agencies, and active FUEL investors to bring more external funding to the FUEL region. These round table discussions will be critical for the ongoing collaborations across all organizations. (10%)

FUEL Inclusive R&D Support Fund: The Director of Use-Inspired R&D will be responsible for developing, establishing, engaging, and implementing an inclusive R&D support fund to provide R&D infrastructure support for the HBCUs/MSIs/CTCs across the Region. This fund will deploy personnel support for HBCUs, MSIs, and CTCs in the Region to grow the capacity of these institutions. The funding will be time-limited and the organization receiving the funds will be responsible for ongoing support beyond the term of the fund. The ultimate goal of this activity is to grow R&D activities across the Region into a strong, thriving, sustainable initiative. (10%)

Grant and Budget Management: The Director of Use-Inspired R&D will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Use-Inspired R&D budget under the leadership of the Executive Director. Budgets will be established on an annual basis in support of all Use-Inspired R&D activities in alignment with need, scope, and project requirements. Management of the Use-Inspired R&D portion of FUEL, including tracking, budgeting, documenting, and reporting on all Use-Inspired R&D key metrics. Provide key programmatic and administrative support, including scheduling meetings, maintaining records, tracking outputs and outcomes, and providing program oversight. (10%)

Other duties as assigned by the FUEL Executive Director. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field and 7 years experience; must have valid driver's license.

Proven track record of relationship-building Strong, demonstrable track record of project management and program delivery Experience working in or adjacent to Institutions of Higher Education or in a Research Management capacity

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in science, engineering, or related field and 10 years experience;

Ph.D. or an advanced degree related to the energy field Grant writing and management experience Advanced degree in communications, business management or public administration