The posting
Job Description
The Energy Manager serves as the University of Memphis’ strategic and operational lead for energy, utilities, and related sustainability performance across a large, complex research campus. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing a comprehensive energy management program that reduces utility costs, improves system reliability, and advances institutional sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
The Energy Manager provides oversight of campus energy systems, including central plants, electrical and thermal distribution, building automation systems, metering infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives. The role requires strong collaboration across Facilities Operations, Planning & Construction, Finance, Sustainability, and academic partners to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
Strategic Energy Management & Sustainability Leadership
- Develop and implement a long-term, campus-wide energy management and decarbonization strategy aligned with institutional sustainability goals.
- Establish measurable energy performance targets (e.g., energy use intensity, emissions reductions, cost savings) and monitor progress.
- Lead development and execution of energy conservation measures (ECMs), retro-commissioning initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
- Support carbon reduction planning, including renewable energy integration and electrification strategies.
Energy & Utilities Operations Oversight
- Oversee the performance of campus energy and utility systems, including central plants, chilled water, steam, electrical distribution, and building automation systems.
- Monitor energy consumption and operational performance using energy management information systems (EMIS) and advanced metering infrastructure.
- Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions to optimize reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle cost.
Data Analytics, Reporting & KPI Management
- Track and analyze utility consumption, costs, and key performance indicators across the campus portfolio.
- Develop dashboards and reporting tools for leadership to inform data-driven decision-making.
- Measure and verify energy savings using established protocols and best practices.
- Maintain centralized energy data systems and ensure accuracy of reporting.
Financial & Utility Management
- Develop and manage the institutional energy and utilities budget, including forecasting and cost control.
- Lead utility procurement strategies, including rate analysis, contract negotiation, and market monitoring.
- Identify and secure rebates, incentives, and grant funding opportunities to support energy initiatives.
- Perform lifecycle cost analyses and return-on-investment evaluations for capital projects.
Capital Planning & Project Delivery
- Collaborate with Planning, Design, and Construction teams to integrate energy efficiency and sustainability standards into new construction and major renovations.
- Review project designs to ensure compatibility with campus energy systems and long-term performance goals.
- Support commissioning, retro-commissioning, and measurement and verification processes for capital projects.
- Provide technical oversight on major infrastructure and utility system upgrades.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure university compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local energy, environmental, and utility regulations.
- Monitor evolving legislation and recommend institutional responses to regulatory changes.
- Lead compliance reporting for energy usage, emissions, and sustainability programs.
Stakeholder Engagement & Campus Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison for energy-related matters across campus, including academic units, administration, and external partners.
- Promote energy awareness programs and behavioral change initiatives among faculty, staff, and students.
- Communicate performance results and sustainability progress to leadership and external stakeholders.
- Represent the University in professional organizations, utilities coordination, and sustainability networks.
Team Leadership & Program Management
- Supervise and develop energy management staff, analysts, and/or engineers as assigned.
- Establish annual and multi-year work plans for energy analytics, system optimization, and capital initiatives.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Energy), Facilities Management, Sustainability, or related field.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in energy management, utilities operations, or facilities engineering.
- Demonstrated experience managing energy consumption, utility systems, and/or sustainability programs in a large, complex environment (higher education preferred).
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, building automation systems, and energy efficiency technologies.
- Experience with energy data analytics, budgeting, and performance reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a research-intensive (R1) university or similarly complex institutional environment.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED AP, or related credentials.
- Experience with central utility plants, district energy systems, and large-scale infrastructure.
- Knowledge of decarbonization strategies, renewable energy systems, and carbon accounting.
- Experience with energy procurement, demand response, and utility contract management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to interpret complex energy data.
- Advanced understanding of building systems, energy conservation principles, and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to translate technical information into clear, actionable insight for executive leadership.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
Working Environment & Scope
- Oversight of large campus portfolio, potentially exceeding millions of square feet across academic, research, residential, and healthcare facilities.
- Direct impact on institutional operating costs, sustainability performance, and infrastructure reliability.
- Occasional after-hours work may be required to support critical operations or major system projects.
Key Performance Indicators (Examples)
- Reduction in energy use intensity (EUI)
- Utility cost savings and budget adherence
- Progress toward carbon reduction targets
- Completion and performance of energy conservation projects
- System reliability and uptime metrics
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
About Us
The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.
