Senior Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

National Electrical Contractor•Washington, DC

1d•$170,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The ELECTRI Senior Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives leads ELECTRI’s research program from requests for proposals through final publication, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget. The role sets the strategic direction for research, maintains a multi-year roadmap connected to contractor business needs, identifies emerging technology and industry trends for future study, and turns research into practical education and tools for NECA contractors. The Senior Director oversees research projects and works closely with funded researchers and task forces. The role also builds partnerships across the electrical contracting industry and represents ELECTRI through presentations, webinars, panels, and media. It supports the Executive Director in engaging Council, committee, and volunteer leaders, serves as staff to the Program Review Committee and Construction Technology Committee, and manages the Business Coaching Program. The position requires travel and public speaking. The work schedule may be hybrid for candidates within commuting distance of the Washington, DC office, or work from home for candidates outside the DC area. ELECTRI International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field.
Five years of experience in general, electrical, mechanical, or sheet metal contracting, or closely related work, with credibility to speak to contractors.
Familiarity with construction technology and the electrical construction industry.
Experience managing research projects, RFP development, programs, or vendor contracts from start to finish.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to make technical research findings clear, practical, and accessible to contractors.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets.
Confident public speaking skills and comfort presenting to contractors, chapters, and committees, in person and by webinar.
Ability to travel and speak publicly.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience working with a nonprofit, association, or foundation.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a multi-year research roadmap aligned with contractor business needs.
Monitor technology and industry trends to identify research opportunities.
Translate research into adoption through tools, education, and chapter programming.
Develop ways to put research into practice through NECA Education, under the “NECA Education, Powered by ELECTRI” program.
Oversee and coordinate ELECTRI research, working with funded researchers and task forces.
Create and manage research requests for proposals and communicate with researchers to shape their proposals.
Develop partnerships with electrical contractors, OEMs, labor, utilities, and other industry partners.
Represent ELECTRI externally through speaking engagements, panels, and media.
Speak with electrical contractors about emerging trends and ELECTRI research findings, and present research to chapters upon request.
Support the Executive Director in Council, committee, and volunteer leader engagement.
Serve as staff to the Program Review Committee and Construction Technology Committee.
Manage the Business Coaching Program.