Director, Research Programs

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Director of Research Programs & Strategic Partnerships is a key member of the Center on Global Energy Policy's senior leadership team, reporting to the Founding Director. This role shapes CGEP's cross-cutting research and program agenda, working closely with the Director of Research to ensure the Center's work is policy-relevant, fundable, and strategically aligned with external partners and audiences.

The Director plays a leading role in developing high-impact program concepts and supports CGEP's institutional visibility and influence by representing the Center externally. In addition, the Director contributes original scholarship and helps frame the broader narrative around CGEP's research agenda. The role includes collaborative engagement with CGEP's scholar community on recruitment, research reviews, and the integration of cross-pillar initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for research affairs and strategy, and board operations.
• Represent the Center on Global Energy Policy externally with key partners in philanthropy, government, industry, and multilateral institutions to support engagement and visibility.
• Drive the content agenda-setting process across research pillars and scholars, working closely with the Director of Research to ensure alignment and focus.
• Design and develop fundable program initiatives that integrate research, communications, and policy engagement, and align with external opportunities.
• Oversee program implementation and assess impact by ensuring the Center on Global Energy Policy's major initiatives are relevant, timely, and connected to key policy and funding priorities.
• Plan and monitor impact metrics to ensure the external impact of the research program, have strategic program model oversight, and create value propositions for partners.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, oversee the strategic program budgets related to research, totaling approximately $7M.
• Contribute public-facing scholarship and thought leadership that shapes the Center on Global Energy Policy's institutional voice and strengthens its visibility in the energy and climate field.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Research on scholar recruitment, mentoring, and research review processes.
• Support internal prioritization, including identifying timely opportunities to elevate the Center on Global Energy Policy's work in public and policy debates.
• Mentor and collaborate with scholars involved in cross-functional or externally facing research programs.
• Advise the Founding Director on strategic partnerships and external positioning.
• Maximize the impact of the Center on Global Energy Policy's Distinguished Visiting Fellows program through structured engagement and output.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least ten years of related leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of energy systems, climate policy, or international economics demonstrated through prior experience.
• Track record of designing and leading impactful, fundable programs or initiatives in complex environments.
• Experience engaging senior external stakeholders across philanthropy, government, and industry.
• Strong writing and communication skills with demonstrated public scholarship or thought leadership.
• Collaborative leadership style and the ability to work across functions and teams.
• Proven ability to shape institutional direction and translate complex research into strategic opportunities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work across a wide range of stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.A., M.P.P., M.B.A., Ph.D., or J.D.) in a relevant field.
• Experience in research institutions, government, think tanks, or philanthropy.
• Background in fundraising or grant-making in energy and climate-related fields.
• Expertise in one or more CGEP focus areas (e.g., energy geopolitics, innovation policy, electricity systems, global development.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.