Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas

UNC Charlotte

Full-Time
Closes on Monday, November 30, 2026

Job Description

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth
  • Drive the overall vision, strategy, and execution to build and scale a high-impact grid modernization and energy transition initiative.
  • Establish management operating structures and internal processes to support rapid organizational scaling and long-term sustainability.
  • Recruit, retain, and mentor a high-performing leadership team within a technically driven, innovation-focused environment.
  • Direct federal compliance and financial oversight and reporting to satisfy complex federal funding and regulatory requirements.
Partnership Building & Stakeholder Management
  • Cultivate and manage multi-sector coalitions across academia, electric utilities, government agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations around a shared regional vision.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Governance Board, advisory councils, and committees, aligning diverse stakeholder interests with organizational priorities.
  • Build and maintain trusting relationships with regional funders, elected officials, and community leaders to strengthen institutional standing.
Technology Commercialization & Innovation Deployment
  • Oversee the transition of early-stage grid technology research into scalable, market-ready products and commercial solutions.
  • Align academic R&D initiatives with utility needs and market demands to accelerate technology adoption across the energy sector.
  • Establish metrics and reporting structures to measure the impact of commercialization efforts on regional economic development, supply chain growth, and workforce readiness.
Resource Development & External Representation
  • Act as the chief external spokesperson at regional and national forums, industry conferences, and high-level stakeholder convenings.
  • Identify and pursue outside investment to continually expand the initiative's programs and regional footprint.
UNC Charlotte
Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas - 178919