Laboratory Director / Alliance CEO & President
Apply NowCompany: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Location: Golden, CO 80401
Description:
Posting Title
Laboratory Director / Alliance CEO & President
Location
CO - Golden
Position Type
Regular
Hours Per Week
40
Working at NREL
Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world's energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.
Learn about NREL's critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.
Job Description
The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC (Alliance) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Managed by the Alliance-a partnership between MRIGlobal and Battelle-the director also serves as the Alliance CEO/President and reports to the Alliance Board of Directors. This role requires a visionary leader to guide NREL's impactful mission of advancing energy technologies, fostering global partnerships, and driving innovation that catalyzes the transformation to a resilient and sustainable energy future.
NREL's workforce includes over 3,700 employees and 500 contractors, dedicated to delivering scientific discoveries, engineering breakthroughs, and systems innovations to integrate energy systems at all scales. The laboratory supports an annual operating budget of approximately $1 billion and maintains over 1,100 active partnerships with organizations across 49 states and 37 countries. These collaborations accelerate technology development, commercialization, and deployment, driving economic growth and enhancing energy resilience. Each year these alliances and other NREL activity pump as much as $1.9 billion into the U.S. economy, make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
Learn more about NREL here.
NREL operates two major research campuses and other smaller facilities. The 327-acre South Table Mountain (STM) campus near Golden, Colorado, houses capabilities to support research in foundational materials, biology, and advanced energy systems, including solar, bioenergy, geothermal, renewable fuels, and energy-efficient technologies. It is home to the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), which offers unique hardware-in-the-loop experimental capabilities, high-performance computing, and research for secure, efficient energy systems. The NREL Flatirons Campus (FC), located near Boulder, Colorado specializes in validating prototype megawatt-scale wind turbines, blades, and control systems, as well as hybrid energy systems and storage research, with a controllable grid interface for studying integration challenges.
The next NREL director will be a dynamic leader with expertise in energy technologies, a proven record of managing complex organizations, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. As the face of NREL, the director will inspire innovation, champion partnerships, and uphold the laboratory's commitment to safety, inclusivity, and operational excellence while advancing DOE's mission and global energy goals.
Key Responsibilities
Inspire & Engage
Develop People and Foster a Safe Environment
Set Vision & Strategy
Build Collaborations & Partnerships
Enhance Institutional Reputation
Personal Competencies
Procedure for Candidacy
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV (or resume), and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this position description. Professional references are not requested at this time. Applications may be submitted at NREL Lab Director.
Any inquiries may be directed to: LDsearch@nrel.gov
Basic Qualifications
Applicable PhD in science or engineering and/or an advanced technical degree relevant to technical credibility in energy technologies.
Exceptional record as an executive leader in a complex technical and/or research organization.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.
Ability to travel extensively both nationally and internationally.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
The preferred candidate will possess many of these qualifications:
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Projected Salary Range: $512,000 - $712,000 (this position is also eligible for an annual bonus)
NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
Laboratory Director / Alliance CEO & President
Location
CO - Golden
Position Type
Regular
Hours Per Week
40
Working at NREL
Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world's energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.
Learn about NREL's critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.
Job Description
The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC (Alliance) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). Managed by the Alliance-a partnership between MRIGlobal and Battelle-the director also serves as the Alliance CEO/President and reports to the Alliance Board of Directors. This role requires a visionary leader to guide NREL's impactful mission of advancing energy technologies, fostering global partnerships, and driving innovation that catalyzes the transformation to a resilient and sustainable energy future.
NREL's workforce includes over 3,700 employees and 500 contractors, dedicated to delivering scientific discoveries, engineering breakthroughs, and systems innovations to integrate energy systems at all scales. The laboratory supports an annual operating budget of approximately $1 billion and maintains over 1,100 active partnerships with organizations across 49 states and 37 countries. These collaborations accelerate technology development, commercialization, and deployment, driving economic growth and enhancing energy resilience. Each year these alliances and other NREL activity pump as much as $1.9 billion into the U.S. economy, make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
Learn more about NREL here.
NREL operates two major research campuses and other smaller facilities. The 327-acre South Table Mountain (STM) campus near Golden, Colorado, houses capabilities to support research in foundational materials, biology, and advanced energy systems, including solar, bioenergy, geothermal, renewable fuels, and energy-efficient technologies. It is home to the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), which offers unique hardware-in-the-loop experimental capabilities, high-performance computing, and research for secure, efficient energy systems. The NREL Flatirons Campus (FC), located near Boulder, Colorado specializes in validating prototype megawatt-scale wind turbines, blades, and control systems, as well as hybrid energy systems and storage research, with a controllable grid interface for studying integration challenges.
The next NREL director will be a dynamic leader with expertise in energy technologies, a proven record of managing complex organizations, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. As the face of NREL, the director will inspire innovation, champion partnerships, and uphold the laboratory's commitment to safety, inclusivity, and operational excellence while advancing DOE's mission and global energy goals.
Key Responsibilities
Inspire & Engage
- Lead NREL as a world-class research institution, driving innovation and excellence.
- Represent NREL as a thought leader in energy technologies nationally and internationally.
- Foster alignment with DOE leadership, stakeholders, and laboratory staff.
Develop People and Foster a Safe Environment
- Build and lead a high-performing executive team.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and innovative work culture.
- Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent in science, engineering, and operations.
- Be a model of integrity and inspire action through authentic leadership.
Set Vision & Strategy
- Develop and implement a visionary strategy to achieve global energy impact.
- Enhance research infrastructure and sustain NREL's status as a premier institution.
- Ensure operational excellence, manage risks, and maintain high performance standards.
Build Collaborations & Partnerships
- Strengthen relationships with DOE, Alliance Board, national labs, industry, academia, and government entities.
- Engage effectively with elected officials at local, state and national level.
- Expand connections with local, regional, and global communities.
Enhance Institutional Reputation
- Serve as a credible and respected leader, representing NREL with technical depth.
- Build recognition for NREL's contributions to energy transformation, resiliency, and impact.
- Uphold high standards for quality, objectivity, and credibility.
Personal Competencies
- Credibility & Integrity: Earn trust through honesty and transparency.
- Compassion and Empathy and Sensitivity: Foster a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Critical Decision Making: Make sound, timely decisions.
- Coach and Develop Others: Empower staff growth and development.
- Courage: Act decisively and persevere under pressure.
- Communication: Convey ideas clearly and effectively across all audiences.
Procedure for Candidacy
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV (or resume), and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this position description. Professional references are not requested at this time. Applications may be submitted at NREL Lab Director.
- Application Deadline: For full consideration, submit candidate materials by April 18, 2025.
- Projected Start Date: Target start date for the successful candidate is October 1, 2025.
Any inquiries may be directed to: LDsearch@nrel.gov
Basic Qualifications
Applicable PhD in science or engineering and/or an advanced technical degree relevant to technical credibility in energy technologies.
Exceptional record as an executive leader in a complex technical and/or research organization.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.
Ability to travel extensively both nationally and internationally.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
The preferred candidate will possess many of these qualifications:
- Experience in balancing mission and operational requirements and demonstrated skill to align an organization for success in a changing environment.
- Background in energy technologies, markets, and infrastructure.
- Extensive familiarity with DOE missions.
- Experience building public-private partnerships.
- Demonstrated ability to foster and commercialize innovation.
- Demonstrated managerial courage, political awareness, and business acumen.
- Effective communicator with strong relationship-building skills.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Projected Salary Range: $512,000 - $712,000 (this position is also eligible for an annual bonus)
NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.