Program Development Leader for Energy Engineering

Position Overview

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Utah State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Program Development Leader for Energy Engineering in order to develop a new academic and research program focused on energy engineering. This program received state legislative support in 2024 and has as its goal to make Utah State the leader in the field of energy engineering education in Utah. This exciting new initiative aims to address serious workforce and economic needs throughout Utah, particularly rural locations. 

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering, the Program Development Leader will guide the development of this comprehensive educational, research, and innovations program, making Utah State an Energy Knowledge Hub for Utah. The developing endeavor will focus on conventional hydrocarbon, nuclear, critical minerals, and other important energy sectors. The program is financially supported to the level of $2.1 million on-going per year and $450,000 one-time funding to initiate the project development. The program will employ nine new faculty distributed across four of USU’s campuses. Utah State seeks an experienced professional in the field of energy engineering from industry and/or academia to lead the establishment and on-going success of the program. 

Located in Logan, Utah, the College of Engineering at Utah State University is a regional leader in teaching and research. We are home to the world-famous Utah Water Research Laboratory and the National Science Foundation-funded ASPIRE Engineering Research Center for sustainable electrified transportation. Each year, our college welcomes an average of 2,000 undergraduate and 300 graduate students from around the globe. The college offers six ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees and 15 graduate degree programs. In 2023, the college generated $40 million in research expenditures. Our award-winning faculty regularly secures competitive funding, and our students excel at national design and scholarships challenges.

Minimum qualifications for the position include: a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, a proven track record as a successful professional and senior leader in the energy engineering field with a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in the field, and a demonstrated ability to organize and launch new initiatives and make rapid progress. Preferred qualifications along with additional information about the position and Utah State University can be found in the leadership profile located above. Although the Program Leader is approved to be a full-time, on-going position, someone from academia or industry on a two-year leave of absence to develop the program would also be considered.

Nominations and Applications

AGB Search is pleased to assist Utah State University with this search. For best consideration, applications should be submitted by November 26, 2024, to the AGB Search Portal: Utah State Energy Engineering Program Leader. Candidates are requested to submit the following: a curriculum vitae or resume; a letter of interest that addresses the leadership opportunities and desired experiences and attributes in this profile; and contact information for five references (to be contacted at a later date with candidate’s permission). 

Inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest in the Energy Engineering Program Development Leader position are encouraged. Please direct them to USUEnergyEngineering@agbsearch.com or to the AGB search consultants listed below: 

Jerry Gilbert, PhD, Executive Search Consultant, jerry.gilbert@agbsearch.com

Kimberly Templeton, J.D., Principal, kimberly.templeton@agbsearch.com 

Anne Hoffman, Executive Search Associate, anne.hoffman@agbsearch.com