About PSE Healthy Energy: PSE Healthy Energy is an independent science and policy research institute dedicated to generating science-based energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and public health professionals conducts research and actionable work products across five key practice areas: Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas. We design our research around real-world challenges, proactively connecting our audiences with actionable, evidence-based information they can trust.
Position Overview
The Director of Scientific Programs is a visionary leader who spearheads our cutting-edge science-policy research initiatives in energy and climate solutions. This pivotal role combines deep scientific expertise with strategic acumen to drive innovation and impact across the organization. With comprehensive knowledge of Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas, the Director will provide strategic oversight and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-driven outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing the research and science-policy agenda
- Ensuring scientific rigor and quality in all work products
- Building strategic partnerships and securing funding
- Overseeing program management and resource allocation
- Disseminating research findings to key stakeholders
- Evaluating program impact and ensuring strategic alignment
- Leading and mentoring program staff
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in environmental science, public health, energy, climate science, or a related discipline, with a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and driving impactful research and policy outcomes. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director will foster collaborations with internal and external stakeholders and serve as a brand ambassador for our mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific Oversight: Ensure scientific rigor, quality assurance, and innovation across all program work products and processes, fostering a culture of excellence and cutting-edge research.
- Program Strategy and Vision: Leads the development and execution of a forward-looking research agenda, identifying priority areas and crafting long-term strategies that align with PSE goals and mission, while delivering impactful reports and presentations to the Board of Directors.
- Program Management and Resource Optimization: Oversees departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and workforce planning in collaboration with other leaders, dynamically adjusting priorities to meet program demands and ensuring proposal alignment with strategic objectives before final approval.
- Strategic Partnerships and External Influence: Elevates PSE’s visibility and impact as a brand ambassador by forging strategic partnerships, fostering external collaborations, and expanding funder relationships to secure resources and advance our mission. This includes identifying funding opportunities and overseeing grant proposal efforts in collaboration with subject matter experts and the development team.
- Research Dissemination and Thought Leadership: In collaboration with project teams and leaders, support the dissemination of research findings through high-profile conferences, publications, and stakeholder engagements, overseeing team communications to position the organization as a leader in energy and climate solutions.
- Impact Evaluation and Strategic Alignment: Evaluates the impact of projects, initiatives, and the Programs department, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, research quality, ethical standards, and compliance requirements.
- Team Leadership and Mentorship: Provides strategic oversight of program staff, fostering a culture of excellence and mentoring the Associate Director to support their professional growth and leadership development.
- Organizational Collaboration and Governance: Promotes effective internal communication, decision-making, and delegation within the Programs team, collaborating with executives to align departmental efforts with organizational priorities and governance processes.
Qualifications
- Education: A doctoral degree (e.g., PhD or MD) in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, public health, energy, climate science, or related discipline).
- Expertise: Broad expertise and strategic understanding of Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas, coupled with proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary scientific teams to deliver high-impact research and policy solutions.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in climate and energy research at the policy interface, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role leading teams and driving program and policy initiatives.
- Funding Success: Demonstrated ability to secure funding for research and science-policy initiatives.
- Leadership Skills: Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with proven experience leading successful teams and driving strategic development and implementation of research or programmatic initiatives.
- Analytical Skills: Proficiency in advanced research methodologies and data analysis.
- Policy Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of relevant regulations and ethical guidelines governing research activities.
Our Values
- Scientific Integrity: We believe in honest and transparent scientific methods and observation, follow rigorous protocols, and only produce and rely upon empirically defensible data.
- Communication: We proactively support the exchange of knowledge across disciplines and diverse audiences, and make information sharing accessible, collaborative, and multi-directional.
- Impact: We work to inspire, refine, and reform energy and climate policies in ways that protect and benefit society, public health, and the environment.
- Justice: We recognize the historical, current, and future distribution of environmental hazards and seek to inform equitable and just solutions for overburdened communities.
- Sustainability: We support energy options that adequately address societal needs, minimize harms to the environment and public health, and ensure energy supply for future generations.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. (Range: $120,000 - $150,000/annually)
- Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer match.
- Flexible spending accounts
- Flexible time off and 15 Paid holidays
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education and training.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and remote work options.
To Apply
Please submit a resume or CV, provide a cover letter, provide responses to question prompts, and provide any relevant certifications in the online portal. Applications received by May 30, 2025, will be given priority review.
Equal Opportunity Employer
PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
E-Verify Notice
PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.
