New

Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas

University of North Carolina Charlotte

United States, North Carolina, Charlotte

Sep 02, 2026

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes/CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. The finalist will be subject to a criminal background check and motor vehicle report.

Rebecca Kennedy, Managing Partner
Karson Freeman, Associate
Ryan Smillie, Managing Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-north-carolina-charlotte/chief-executive-officernsf-grid-modernization

Position Information

General Information

Position Number	001531
Vacancy Open to	All Candidates
Working Title	Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
Position Designation	EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type	Time Limited - Full-time
Months per Year	12
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (exempt)
Hours per week	40
FLSA Status	Exempt
Division	Research
Department	Div of Research (Adm)
Work Location	TBD
Salary Range	$275,000
Primary Purpose of Department	The Division of Research strives to advance knowledge and strengthen the quality, variety, and growth of research and creative accomplishments at UNC Charlotte by enhancing the environment for scholarly and artistic endeavors, encouraging the highest standards of quality, and fostering innovation to enable discoveries that enrich and improve lives. The Division administers and manages the University's sponsored research activities, performs comprehensive research development, proposal preparation, and post-award functions, including identifying and publicizing funding opportunities, coordinating the proposal review and submission process, interacting with external funding agencies and sponsors on behalf of the university, processing grant and contract award documents, administrating sponsored projects from startup through close out, overseeing research compliance and protections, and preparing and disseminating reports of sponsored program activity.
Primary Purpose of Position	A powerhouse coalition led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte-joined by Clemson University, the South Carolina Research Authority, York Technical College, Joules Accelerator, and more than 100 public and private partners-has been selected as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine ( NSF Engines) to modernize the nation's electrical grid and transform the regional economy across the Carolinas. Backed by up to $160 million in federal support over 10 years, the award is built to deliver transformational impact: an estimated 20,000 new jobs and $2 billion in economic activity across North and South Carolina. When fully realized, this intensely competitive award will be one of the largest grants in the history of the UNC System. CEO will establish the organization's strategy and operations, build and lead a high-performing executive team, cultivate partnerships across more than 100 organizations, oversee implementation of the NSF award, and serve as the public face of one of the nation's most ambitious regional innovation initiatives.
Summary of Position Responsibilities	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.
Minimum Education/Experience	Education Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred Experience Progressive executive leadership experience in building alliances, coalitions, tech hubs and/or innovation districts Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-organizational initiatives involving industry, academia and government Experience managing large budgets, building executive teams and scaling organizations
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience	Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading an NSF Engine, NSF ERC, DOE hub, Manufacturing USA institute, or similar large-scale federally funded initiative. Ability to work with electric utilities, state economic development organizations, or public-private partnerships. Interest and ability to develop a national reputation within the energy innovation ecosystem. Advanced degree in engineering, business, public policy, or related discipline. Experience: Progressive executive leadership experience in energy, advanced technology, research commercialization, innovation, economic development, or a closely related field. Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-organizational initiatives involving industry, academia, and government. Experience managing large budgets, building executive teams and scaling organizations. Knowledge and Expertise: Deep understanding of the electric power sector, energy infrastructure, grid modernization, or related technologies. Experience translating research and innovation into commercial, workforce or economic outcomes. Familiarity with federal funding programs and complex grant administration.
Necessary Certifications/Licenses
Preferred Certifications/Licenses
Special Notes to Applicants	The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes/CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. The finalist will be subject to a criminal background check and motor vehicle report. Rebecca Kennedy, Managing Partner Karson Freeman, Associate Ryan Smillie, Managing Search Coordinator Isaacson, Miller https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-north-carolina-charlotte/chief-executive-officernsf-grid-modernization
Posting Open Date	09/02/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Proposed Hire Date
If time-limited please indicate appointment end date	08/31/2028
Contact Information

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