Senior Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

Job Description

Job Title:                     Senior Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

Department:               ELECTRI International

Reports to:                  Executive Director, ELECTRI International

FLSA Category:          Exempt Position

Salary Range:              $170,000 to $190,000

Direct Reports:           None

SUMMARY:

The Senior Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives leads ELECTRI’s research program from the request for proposals through final publication, keeping research projects on schedule and on budget. This role offers the opportunity to share industry knowledge on digitization and electrification and to play a critical part in moving the electrical contracting industry forward.

Working under the direction of the Executive Director, the Senior Director shapes the strategic direction of ELECTRI research, identifies emerging technology and industry trends for future study, and turns completed research into practical education and tools for NECA contractors. This person also builds industry partnerships and represents ELECTRI’s work to the electrical contracting industry through presentations, webinars, panels, and media.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·      Builds and maintains a multiyear research roadmap tied to contractor business needs

·      Monitors technology and industry trends to identify new research opportunities

·      Promotes the adoption of research findings beyond publication through tools, education, and chapter programming

·      Creates strategic ways to put research into practice through NECA Education, under the “NECA Education, Powered by ELECTRI” program

·      Oversees and coordinates all ELECTRI research, working closely with funded researchers and task forces

·      Creates and manages research requests for proposals (RFPs) and communicates with researchers to shape their proposals

·      Develops partnerships with electrical contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), labor, utilities, and other industry partners

·      Represents ELECTRI externally through speaking engagements, panels, and media

·      Speaks to electrical contractors on emerging trends and ELECTRI research findings, and presents research to chapters upon request

·      Supports the Executive Director in Council, committee, and volunteer leader engagement

·      Serves as staff to the Program Review Committee and Construction Technology Committee

·      Manages the Business Coaching Program

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions of the position. Duties may change over time based on organizational and departmental needs.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·      Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.

·      Five or more years of experience in general, electrical, mechanical, or sheet metal contracting, or closely related work, with the credibility to speak to contractors.

·      Familiarity with construction technology and the electrical construction industry required.

·      Experience managing research projects, RFP development, programs, or vendor contracts from start to finish.

·      Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to review technical research and make findings clear, practical, and accessible to a contractor audience.

·      Strong organizational skills, with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets at once.

·      Confident public speaker, comfortable presenting to contractors, chapters, and committees, in person and by webinar.

·      Experience working with a nonprofit, association, or foundation preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

·      Travel and public speaking are required.

·      Employees based in the Washington DC metro area are required to work a hybrid schedule, with at least two days per week in the office.

·      Candidates located outside the Washington DC metro area may work remotely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·      Work is performed in a typical office environment.

·      Requires extended periods of sitting and working at a computer.

·      Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting may be required at meetings and events.

BENEFITS:

·      NECA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer paid employee insurance, a generous 401(k) contribution, and a transportation subsidy.

ELECTRI International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ELECTRI International, The Foundation for Electrical Construction, was established in 1989 by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the voice of the $270 billion electrical construction industry responsible for lighting, power, communication and low voltage, energy efficient, and sustainable systems in buildings and communities across the United States.

ELECTRI International works to help electrical contractors meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges by funding, conducting, coordinating, and transforming research results into meaningful, useful educational and consulting programs and practical publications. On the international scene, the Foundation conducts seminars, briefings, and studies on cross border relationships to encourage business and cultural exchanges among contractors.