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Director of Utilities Distribution and Energy Management

Cornell University
132,942.00 - $162,484.00
United States, New York, Ithaca
Dec 22, 2025
Energy & Sustainability is comprised of three interactive teams: Campus Sustainability Office, Utilities Distribution and Energy Management and Utilities Production,which work together to provide mission-critical utilities to the Ithaca campus and manage the University's climate commitments.

The Utilities section of Energy and Sustainability operates the Universitydistrict energy system, potable water system and wastewater systems on a 24-hour, 365 day per year basis. Production facilities include a combined heat and power plant, a hydroelectric plant, a water filtration plant, and multiple chilled water plants. This team also manages storm and sanitary conveyance systems.

The Energy Management team has two primary responsibilities. First is real-time metering and billing for each utility which serves as the funding source for the Department. Second, is the Energy Conservation Initiative which includes capital projects and maintenance activities to ensure building's use energy responsibly.

The department is vertically aligned along the energy system - from procurement, to production, to distribution, and all the way to the outlet. This maximizes optimization and decision authority which drives our success.

Position Summary

The Director of Utilities Distribution and Energy Management provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for campus-wide utility distribution systems, energy management, and metering programs. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and compliant delivery of electric, thermal, water, and wastewater services while advancing energy efficiency, demand management, and decarbonization objectives. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Energy and Sustainability, the position oversees daily operations, long-range planning, staff management, and significant capital and operating budgets, while serving as a key advisor to senior leadership on utility infrastructure, energy strategy, and climate action implementation.

The Director leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for utility system operations, energy conservation programs, and metering and data systems; directs master planning and forecasting for campus energy demand and infrastructure; and collaborates extensively with facilities leadership, production staff, finance, regulatory agencies, and external partners. The role also acts as the University's primary subject matter expert for utility distribution systems, represents the institution in regulatory and technical matters, and may serve in an acting capacity for the AVP as needed.

The role is expected to manage utility outage recovery and trouble calls 24/7.

All employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, integrity; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities. Facilities Services employees are required to attend staff training.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

We are a value-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Required Qualifications

  • BSME, BSEE, BSCE or related degree and at least 7 years of a broad spectrum of experience in a directly related field including industrial scale utility production equipment and systems, instrumentation and controls, building energy and HVAC systems, high level economic analysis, management of multi-million-dollar projects, managing consultants and contractors, and supervision of technical staff.

  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, writing and presentation skills.

  • Highly proficient in the use of personal computing tools and specialized data gathering software.

  • Previous supervisory experience.

  • Must successfully complete a background check.

  • Professional Engineer License.

  • Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced education and/or experience in an area directly related to business administration, central campus utilities and energy management.

  • Certified Energy Manager certification.

  • Experience with public approval processes, NYS SEQRA and local/state approvals, risk-based decision making, and public speaking.

Working Environment

-Typically lifts less than 10 lbs

-Normal concentration

-Limited exposure to hazards

University Job Title:

Director Facilities

Job Family:

Facilities & Safety Services

Level:

H

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$132,942.00 - $162,484.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Tonya Eiklor

Contact Email:

tle37@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-12-22
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