Director, Institute for Energy and the Environment and Professor of Energy Policy

Full-time, Tenure-Track

Reports to: Dean of the Graduate School

Location: South Royalton, VT

Salary: $90,000-119,000 + administrative stipend

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community. 

Position Summary:

The Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) at Vermont Law and Graduate School seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Director. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission to drive innovative research and practical solutions in the fields of clean energy, climate, energy justice, energy systems and their environmental implications, and the energy transition. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the energy industry, demonstrated success in securing funding, and a proven track record in higher education leadership. This position can be coupled with a tenure-track appointment for a candidate with requisite experience.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and long-term goals for the Institute.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the institution and with external partners to address pressing energy and environmental challenges.
• Advocate for the Institute’s mission and enhance its profile nationally and internationally.

Research and Programmatic Oversight:

• Lead and support cutting-edge research and other programmatic initiatives in energy technology, policy, sustainability, law, energy justice, and environmental impact.
• Ensure research programs align with emerging industry trends and institutional priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration among researchers, advocates, and industry stakeholders to promote innovative solutions and practical applications.

Funding and Resource Development:

• Identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities from government agencies, private sector partners, and philanthropic sources.
• Oversee grant writing and proposal development to support research activities and Institute operations.
• Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize the impact of research and education programs.

Academic and Administrative Leadership:

• Provide leadership and mentorship to faculty, researchers, and staff within the Institute.
• Enhance academic programs and curricula related to energy law and policy.
• Help design and champion experiential opportunities for energy law and graduate students, including in collaboration with the faculty of the VLGS Energy Clinic.
• Ensure effective management of administrative functions, including strategic planning, personnel management, and operational efficiency.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, policymakers, community organizations, and alumni.
• Represent the Institute at conferences, workshops, and public forums.
• Promote the Institute’s research findings and educational achievements to various stakeholders.

Education: Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Policy, Energy Science, Public Administration, Environmental Policy, Economics, Law etc.).

Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the energy industry, including current trends, technologies, and policy issues.
• Proven track record of successful leadership in higher education, including experience managing research programs and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing research funding from diverse sources.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on achieving impactful results.

Additional Attributes:

• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus among various stakeholders.

ABOUT IEE

Through its Institute for Energy and Environment, VLGS leads the nation in equipping students for the clean energy transition. Our energy law and policy program offers the largest selection of clean energy courses, esteemed experiential learning opportunities in renewable energy, new clean transportation classes and research options, and seamless integration with a world-class environmental law and policy program –including unparalleled climate law course offerings.

The IEE is a renowned resource – nationally and globally – focused on the energy policy of the future. The institute combines a research associate program, which serves as a center for graduate research on the transition to a clean energy future, with a vibrant student-staffed energy clinic, which works on legal and business models for community energy development. Our unique year-round  Energy Clinic works on the cutting edge of renewable energy development, including powering VLGS with over 50% local solar energy.

The IEE Research and Energy Clinic teams continue their work on the important issues of clean transportation, climate justice, community solar ownership, and cybersecurity policy. In collaboration with the VLGS Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, IEE’s Farm and Energy Initiative addresses the interrelated issues of agriculture and energy sustainability.

Applicants must complete an online application and electronically submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a research agenda; and (4) the names and contact information of three references. VLGS will only contact references for finalists. VLGS strongly encourages applications from those who would bring increased diversity to our community. Direct inquiries about the position to Faculty Appointments Committee Chair, Anna Connolly at aconnolly@vermontlaw.edu. The positions will remain open until filled.   

As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at jobs@vermontlaw.edu. Vermont Law and Graduate School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.