Coordinator, Sustainability

The coordinator will take a student-centered approach to engaging and advising students through educational programs, sustainability initiatives and leadership opportunities that promote environmental awareness and stewardship while contributing to a caring and supportive campus environment and the holistic success of students.

Characteristics of a successful candidate

• Integrity, kindness, creativity, and decisiveness.
• Motivation to create a caring and safe student experience.
• Ability to serve with agility; important to lead, listen, and serve with empathy.
• A commitment to practicing open communication and inspiring trust.
• Desire to collaborate with colleagues.
• Demonstrated sincere enjoyment from working with students.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Sustainability Programs and Initiatives
• Collaborate with students, faculty and staff across the residential and academic campus community to promote awareness and understanding of sustainability issues.
• Coordinate educational programs, presentations and initiatives related to energy and water conservation, waste minimization, recycling, sustainable building and landscape practices, alternative transportation, green procurement and other sustainability topics.
• Develop and coordinate sustainability programming and activities designed to engage the University community and promote environmental stewardship.
• Serve as a liaison among campus departments, student organizations, community partners and other stakeholders to support communication and resource coordination for sustainability programs and projects.
• Research sustainability practices and trends at peer and other institutions and recommend opportunities to strengthen University sustainability programs and practices.
• Research and identify grant opportunities and other potential funding sources to support and expand campus sustainability efforts.
• Coordinate recycling efforts across campus, including communication and coordination with appropriate outside vendors and contractors.
• Assessment, Reporting and Communications
• Coordinate and compile University data for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
• Coordinate the collection of information from campus departments and organizations and enter required data into the STARS reporting system for submission to AASHE.
• Assist with defining sustainability goals and tracking performance measures to assess program effectiveness and progress.
• Collect, organize and maintain sustainability data and documentation needed for assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain sustainability web content highlighting University sustainability initiatives, programs, events, educational opportunities, recycling information and related resources.
• Communicate sustainability accomplishments, opportunities and resources to the University community in collaboration with appropriate campus partners.
• Prepare reports, updates, and other materials related to university sustainability activities and progress.
• Student Engagement and Campus Collaboration
• Engage students in sustainability education, programming, leadership opportunities and campus initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Student Government Association leadership on sustainability initiatives and related funding.
• Chair and coordinate Sustainable Campus Fee Committee meetings and support implementation of approved recommendations and initiatives.
• Promote student participation, leadership and enthusiasm in campus sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with University departments and campus partners to advance sustainability initiatives and institutional priorities.
• Department and Division Leadership
• Maintain regular communication with the supervisor regarding project status, priorities, deadlines, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen sustainability initiatives.
• Effectively manage job-related priorities, projects, and deadlines for deliverables.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners.
• Participate in related professional organizations and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in and support division-wide activities, programs and initiatives as appropriate.
• Represent the University and Division of Student Affairs professionally when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Evening and weekend work may be required at times.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of sustainability principles, environmental stewardship, practices, and emerging trends.
• Knowledge of sustainability assessment, data collection, and reporting practices.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and continuously improve innovative sustainability programs, initiatives, and educational activities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative, professional, and service-oriented relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, vendors, and external organizations.
• Ability to engage, guide, support, and motivate student leaders to participate in sustainability initiatives and programs.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze and communicate sustainability-related data.
• Ability to conduct research and identify opportunities for program development and improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn and effectively use sustainability reporting and other related software platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies or related field.
• Related experience with sustainability, environmental programs, or initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability practices and environmental stewardship.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and assess data.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies, higher education, public administration or related field.
• At least two (2) years of progressively relevant professional or graduate assistant experience in sustainability, environmental programming or related areas.
• Experience coordinating sustainability programs, special initiatives or strategic planning.
• Experience with sustainability assessment, reporting, or performance measures.
• Experience working with students or sustainability initiatives in a higher education setting.

Physical Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly moving objects.