Executive Director

About I3 The Intelligent Infrastructure Institute is a new, nonpartisan organization focused on how infrastructure systems are built, how they operate in practice, and how they can be strengthened over time. Our goal is to understand how these systems actually perform, what it takes for them to work well over time, and how to translate that understanding into practical strategies for reform. We do this by building public understanding, aligning stakeholders, and developing clear, repeatable approaches to change. Our work is centered on energy infrastructure in California. We focus on how policy, public investment, and regulatory systems shape real-world outcomes, and on translating that complexity into clear, actionable insight for partners, policymakers, and the public. This work requires people who can turn complex systems into practical strategy and build alignment across the institutions that shape and deliver these systems. Over time, the Institute may expand into other infrastructure systems. The Opportunity This is a founding Executive Director role. You will set strategy, build relationships, and help define what I3 becomes. The Board and leadership team have already done substantive groundwork. This is not a blank slate, but we are early. You will have the space to apply your expertise and shape both the organization and the team needed to execute the work. In your first 90 days, you will assess what has been developed, spend time in the field, and translate that into a clear three-year strategic direction. From there, you will lead execution. This role requires someone who can work through ambiguity, make decisions with incomplete information, and stay focused on what is actually needed to move the work forward. Success will depend on your ability to earn trust quickly and work effectively with people who expect rigor and clarity. Key Responsibilities Develop and lead I3’s three-year strategy in partnership with the Board Build trusted relationships across California’s infrastructure, energy, policy, and civic ecosystems Represent I3 externally and position the Institute as a credible voice on infrastructure reform Lead organizational development, including team culture, hiring, and internal operating practices Partner with the VP of Operations and CFO on budgeting, financial stewardship, and operations Support the Board on governance, strategic alignment, and board development Contribute to fundraising strategy and cultivate philanthropic relationships Qualifications At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, including responsibility for organizational strategy and team leadership Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through periods of growth, transition, or early-stage development Experience working closely with nonprofit boards and supporting strong governance practices Familiarity with infrastructure or energy policy, particularly within California’s regulatory landscape Track record engaging philanthropic partners and contributing to fundraising strategy Strong systems thinker able to translate complex ideas into focused, executable priorities Excellent communicator comfortable engaging policymakers, experts, funders, and cross-sector partners Process + Start Date Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a six-week application window. Candidates will move through the process on a rolling basis as well, including an introductory conversation, a short written exercise, and interviews with the hiring team and Board of Directors. We aim to move candidates through the process efficiently while ensuring a thoughtful and thorough evaluation. The anticipated start date is May–June 2026 , with flexibility depending on how candidates progress through the process and individual availability.

About I3 The Intelligent Infrastructure Institute is a new, nonpartisan organization focused on how infrastructure systems are built, how they operate in practice, and how they can be strengthened over time. Our goal is to understand how these systems actually perform, what it takes for them to work well over time, and how to translate that understanding into practical strategies for reform. We do this by building public understanding, aligning stakeholders, and developing clear, repeatable approaches to change. Our work is centered on energy infrastructure in California. We focus on how policy, public investment, and regulatory systems shape real-world outcomes, and on translating that complexity into clear, actionable insight for partners, policymakers, and the public. This work requires people who can turn complex systems into practical strategy and build alignment across the institutions that shape and deliver these systems. Over time, the Institute may expand into other infrastructure systems. The Opportunity This is a founding Executive Director role. You will set strategy, build relationships, and help define what I3 becomes. The Board and leadership team have already done substantive groundwork. This is not a blank slate, but we are early. You will have the space to apply your expertise and shape both the organization and the team needed to execute the work. In your first 90 days, you will assess what has been developed, spend time in the field, and translate that into a clear three-year strategic direction. From there, you will lead execution. This role requires someone who can work through ambiguity, make decisions with incomplete information, and stay focused on what is actually needed to move the work forward. Success will depend on your ability to earn trust quickly and work effectively with people who expect rigor and clarity. Key Responsibilities Develop and lead I3’s three-year strategy in partnership with the Board Build trusted relationships across California’s infrastructure, energy, policy, and civic ecosystems Represent I3 externally and position the Institute as a credible voice on infrastructure reform Lead organizational development, including team culture, hiring, and internal operating practices Partner with the VP of Operations and CFO on budgeting, financial stewardship, and operations Support the Board on governance, strategic alignment, and board development Contribute to fundraising strategy and cultivate philanthropic relationships Qualifications At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, including responsibility for organizational strategy and team leadership Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through periods of growth, transition, or early-stage development Experience working closely with nonprofit boards and supporting strong governance practices Familiarity with infrastructure or energy policy, particularly within California’s regulatory landscape Track record engaging philanthropic partners and contributing to fundraising strategy Strong systems thinker able to translate complex ideas into focused, executable priorities Excellent communicator comfortable engaging policymakers, experts, funders, and cross-sector partners Process + Start Date Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a six-week application window. Candidates will move through the process on a rolling basis as well, including an introductory conversation, a short written exercise, and interviews with the hiring team and Board of Directors. We aim to move candidates through the process efficiently while ensuring a thoughtful and thorough evaluation. The anticipated start date is May–June 2026 , with flexibility depending on how candidates progress through the process and individual availability.