Inaugural Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment (2025)

The University of California, Berkeley invites nominations and applications for an inaugural Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment (AP-ECE), with an anticipated start in spring 2026, depending on the availability of the candidate selected. Nominations, including self-nominations, can be submitted via this survey by October 15, 2025.

The inaugural AP-ECE, who will report to the Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost (EVCP), will work collaboratively across campus and with external partners to promote research excellence, curricular innovation, community-engaged scholarship, and sustainable campus operations aligned with the university’s broader strategic goals to provide long-term societal benefit. Establishing the office of AP-ECE will be a key duty, as will identifying resources, including philanthropic.

The role of AP-ECE is something of an experiment. For that reason, the tenure will be limited to a two or three-year term. As that term draws to a close, the position will be evaluated. Should the decision be to retain it, it is likely that a national search will be launched for someone to fill a full five-year term (the inaugural AP-ECE would be welcome to apply).

The AP-ECE will have the support of an executive assistant (partial FTE), a communications professional (partial FTE), a philanthropic development professional (full FTE), and a staff-level executive director (full FTE).  In addition, the Provost’s office will provide budget planning and management services. This is envisioned as at least a 50%-time appointment (full-time desirable, although an actual percentage between half and full time can be negotiated). Compensation will accord with UC policy and campus practice for faculty administrators (series governed by APM 241 or 246 depending on percentage time). 

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates should have most or all of the preferred qualifications given below:

  • Be a tenured member of the UC Berkeley faculty;

  • A distinguished record of research and teaching in energy, climate, and/or environmental sciences or related fields;

  • Demonstrated leadership in advancing interdisciplinary research or programs focused on energy, climate, sustainability, or environmental issues;

  • Demonstrated record of supporting, fostering, and advancing research and teaching that yields societal benefits; advances the well-being of all communities, including those that have been disadvantaged and marginalized; and reflects UC Berkeley’s commitment to a just and fair society;

  • Experience working effectively with a broad range of campus stakeholders, including faculty, students, community organizations, industry partners, funding agencies, and donors;

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic-planning skills; 

  • An entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrated capacity to lead a community of scholars with minimal discretionary financial resources and authority; 

  • Willingness to serve between 50% and 100% time through June 30, 2026 and as much as 100% time starting June 1, 2026; and

  • Willingness to serve with an ambiguous end of appointment, which will be determined, at the discretion of the EVCP and in consultation with the incumbent, as the initiative evolves and in conjunction with an anticipated national search for a permanent Associate Provost. 

Nominations & Applications

  • Nominations, including self-nominations, can be submitted via this survey by October 15, 2025.

  • For best consideration, application materials should be sent to evcp@berkeley.edu by October 22, 2025.

    • Applications should include a statement of interest no more than two pages in length and a curriculum vitae or resume. 

    • Individuals are encouraged to apply even if not nominated; applications are also welcomed from all interested candidates. 

    • All nominations and applications will be kept confidential.

Inaugural Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment Search Committee Roster 2025

  • Kathy Yelick, Vice Chancellor for Research (chair)

  • Ashok Gadgil, Distinguished Chair Emeritus of Safe Water and Sanitation, Distinguished, Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Distinguished Professor of the Graduate School

  • Jeffrey Neaton, Professor of Physics

  • Meredith Lynn Fowlie, Professor, Agricultural and Resource Economics