Director of Energy Management
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: Director of Energy Management
Division Name: Finance and Planning
Department: Office of Energy Management
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
The Director of the Office of Energy Management provides leadership to an operating unit consisting of approximately 50 skilled, supervisory, professional, and management personnel. The unit is responsible for the procurement and distribution of utilities, energy conservation and infrastructure improvement, operation and repair of facility mechanical systems, and the automation and management of building control systems. With responsibility for the operation of the University's power plants, the unit has employees working 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Many of the employees are subject to working multiple shifts, as the needs of the University warrant.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$150,000 - $165,000
Required Qualifications
1. Minimum bachelor’s degree in Mechanical /Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology with 7+ years of experience working in a higher education facility in the State of Illinois and 1+ years in a director’s role, or 15+ years of experience in higher education to offset bachelor’s degree requirement
2. 15+ years of experience in providing leadership, oversight, and management or construction of utility systems and services in a large commercial or industrial setting, including working knowledge of:
a. Utility infrastructure planning, management, and maintenance
b. Strategic energy planning for current and future consumption goals, sustainability goals, and environmental initiatives
c. Benchmarking energy performance against peer institutions and past performance
d. Tracking and reporting energy KPI’s that improve operational efficiency
e. Identifying and evaluating ROI for energy projects
f. Supporting and executing long-term carbon reduction and resilience plans, including renewable energy strategy
g. Engaging with external partners and remain current with emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and best practices in higher education
h. Personnel management and training
i. Budget management
j. Procurement of utilities services
k. Regulations and policies regarding utilities procurement and systems
l. Compliance with local/state/federal and environmental standards
3. Strong team leadership & collaborative interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive and effective relationships across campus with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external constituencies, as required, in a professional, business-like manner.
4. Ability to effectively communicate complex information clearly in written and oral format to a variety of audiences.
5. Demonstrate ability to be a creative problem-solver, a strategic thinker, and decision-maker.
6. Demonstrate commitment to quality, customer service, staff development, and safety.
7. Ability to work, to develop professionally, and to adapt to challenges and changes in the areas of energy management and sustainability.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Successful and progressive professional and administrative experience.
2. Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to work in a large institutional environment.
Work Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30; based on business needs, additional hours may be required outside the core
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
3. Distinguish colors on a monitor.
4. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
Proposed Starting Date
August - September 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Contact Information for Applicants
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.