Director, Applied Energy Programs Portfolio

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

About The Position

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a Director for the Applied Energy Programs Portfolio. This position is responsible for strategic coordination, growth, and disciplined execution of SRNL's programs across the Department of Energy (DOE) applied energy mission areas, including the Office of Electricity, the Office of Nuclear Energy, the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, and ARPA-E. The Director will work in close collaboration with program leads, division leadership, and principal investigators to drive strategic alignment across these mission areas. The Director will provide strategic leadership for transformative research initiatives by fostering collaboration, defining priorities, ensuring strong execution, and shaping themes for proposal development. This role will play a crucial role in driving cross-cutting opportunities that span multiple technical disciplines, sponsors, and programs across SRNL. This senior-level role will report to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Science, Energy & Innovation (SEI). Role Scope Leads a team responsible for day-to-day engagement with individual DOE program offices. Ensures consistency in sponsor engagement quality, program management rigor, and portfolio reporting. Drives portfolio growth aligned with SRNL core capabilities. Integrates scientific programs with facilities, advanced manufacturing assets, and technical divisions. Proactively elevates issues requiring ALD or laboratory leadership attention. Authority is exercised through strategic leadership, governance processes, and sponsor accountability. This role does not serve as the primary relationship owner for every DOE office but ensures alignment, performance, and strategic cohesion across them.

Requirements

PhD and 10+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree and 13+ years; or Bachelor’s degree and 16+ years.
For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required
Experience managing federal research programs or technical portfolios is required.
Demonstrated experience managing or supporting DOE-funded research programs.
Proven ability to lead through influence and structured delegation.
Strong understanding of DOE funding mechanisms and national laboratory dynamics.
Experience overseeing multi-million-dollar annual research portfolios.
Strong financial management and program reporting skills.
Excellent communication skills suitable for sponsor and leadership engagement.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience within a DOE national laboratory or federally funded research organization.
Track record of growing research portfolios.
Background aligned with SRNL technical strengths (nuclear materials, isotopes, fusion-related science, advanced manufacturing, computational science, environmental systems, etc.).
Experience leading multi-institution collaborations.

Responsibilities

Portfolio Strategy & Alignment Develop and implement an integrated strategy for SRNL’s energy programs portfolio.
Identify growth opportunities, mission-adjacent expansions, and cross-office initiatives.
Align program plans with SEI strategic priorities and laboratory objectives.
Lead annual portfolio planning, forecasting, and roadmap development.
Matrix Leadership & Coordination Partner with division directors and program leads to align priorities and performance expectations.
Facilitate regular portfolio reviews to assess financial health, execution status, and risk.
Promote shared best practices in program management and sponsor engagement.
Resolve cross-organizational friction points impacting portfolio execution.
Sponsor Engagement & Coordination Maintain working-level and senior-level sponsor relationships.
Personally engage on strategic initiatives and high-impact opportunities.
Coordinate laboratory responses to funding opportunities, lab calls, and major proposals.
Represent SEI in cross-laboratory working groups when appropriate.
Portfolio Execution & Stewardship Ensure disciplined financial management and reporting integrity.
Monitor performance metrics and milestone delivery.
Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with DOE requirements and laboratory policies
Cross-Directorate Integration Coordinate with technical divisions, facilities leadership, and business systems.
Promote collaboration across scientific areas to avoid siloed growth.
Align program growth with workforce development and infrastructure planning.