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.