Chief Executive Officer - Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas

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-officer-nsf-grid-modernization

General Information

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 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

Partnership Building & Stakeholder Management

Technology Commercialization & Innovation Deployment

Resource Development & External Representation

Minimum Education/Experience Education Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred

Experience

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Knowledge and Expertise

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-officer-nsf-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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