Campus Sustainability Officer

Posting Number SF01902

Job Title Campus Sustainability Officer

Position Number 108903

FTE 1.00

FLSA Exempt

Position Type Professional Staff

Union PSA/NEA – Professional Staff Assoc

Pay Grade Level Grade Level: 13

Pay Grade Range Salary Range: $80,000 – $85,000

Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Permanent

Department Planning & Real Estate Development

Contact(s) 

Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Phone/Extension 

Contact Email 

Physical Demands 

Campus Location Kingston

Grant Funded No

Extension Contingency Notes 

Job Description Summary 

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 20, 2024. Applications received after December 20, 2024, may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs, but are not guaranteed full consideration.

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BASIC FUNCTION:

Organize and oversee the implementation and management of a comprehensive university program to promote a culture of sustainability and stewardship of resources with regard to but not limited to: utilities, energy and waste management, consumption, recycling, and facilities planning and construction. Work directly with the university community to assist in the implementation of sustainable practices in both curricular and co-curricular activities within the URI campuses and community. Serve as a campus spokesperson on sustainability issues with internal and external constituencies. Work with the President’s Executive Council to develop and implement campus sustainability strategies by collaborating cross-functionally to develop metrics, gather data, build dashboards, monitor progress, and report internally and externally on sustainability performance and objectives related to the campus strategic plan, climate action plan, or other similar environmental or sustainability planning documents and processes. Lead and/or serve on University Committees to promote sustainable practices on all campuses. Leverage and work within the framework of URI’s Energy Master Plan, assisting the Facilities Group and the University to achieve carbon neutrality goals.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In the area of Administration, interface with the Offices of Campus Program Design and Delivery, Facilities Operations, Facilities Operations/Utility Department, and Small Projects to ensure best practices with respect to renewable energy, de-carbonization efforts, “green” building technologies, energy conservation, landscape management, and solid waste management practices. This includes working on design guidelines for “green” buildings and sustainable campus development. Facilitate the integration of these guidelines in the project planning process and communicating progress to the campus and external community.

Advise campus leadership on how the university can monitor performance toward achieving its sustainability goals and develop programs and projects across its core functions of operations, teaching, and research.

Develop financial plans for the University’s sustainability programs.

Identify grant funding opportunities and prepare and submit proposal applications for external funding. Administer any awarded funds.

Supervise and mentor student employees and interns.

Maintain and update content for the Sustainability Office Web site. Update content in a timely manner. Incorporate calendar and resource listings, online newsletter, and other relevant information and links as needed.

Research and maintain working knowledge of best practices at peer institutions and with key industry benchmark leaders & publications with regard to sustainability. Collect and report data and performance metrics on-campus sustainability initiatives and progress.

In the area of Education and Campus Outreach, promote sustainable practices across the University by collaborating and working directly with operational units, academic departments, student organizations, senior administrators, and community organizations to coordinate and/or enhance involvement in the University’s sustainability initiatives.

Collaborate, build, and maintain professional relationships with on- and off-campus stakeholders and partners. Build collaborative relationships, benchmarking sustainability practices with other cohort universities.

Serve as a campus educational resource for sustainability principles, conservation, LEED standards, product and equipment selection, and other sustainability issues.

Serve as advisor to various sustainability-themed student organizations.

Enhance public image relative to current URI sustainability practices and prepare press releases, newsletters and other informational materials for campus and external audiences.

Make presentations to the campus community to promote stewardship and a commitment to sustainable goals.

Implement and maintain internal sustainability training and programming including, but not limited to, the URI Green Thinkers program and Green Teams program for faculty and staff.

Adapt to a diversity of styles and perspectives to effectively communicate scientific and technical ideas clearly using simple, commonly accepted language.

Monitor emerging trends, programs, and issues and help to foster a culture of sustainability through ongoing organizational engagement.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform additional duties as requested.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printers; word processing, Web site management and spreadsheet software. Microsoft 365.

Required QualificationsREQUIRED:

1. Master’s degree.

2. Minimum of five years of work experience related to sustainability.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of all dimensions of sustainability (i.e., environment, economic, equity, issues, trends, and best practices).

4. Demonstrated analytical and planning skills.

5. Demonstrated leadership experience in environmental initiatives and resource management.

6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

7. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

8. Demonstrated working knowledge of LEED certification standards and energy efficiency practices.

9. Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

10. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

11. Demonstrated supervisory experience.

12. Demonstrated experience in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

13. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities (i.e., creating and managing projects, initiatives, and program budgets) in a deadline-driven environment.

14. Demonstrated ability to develop basic promotional materials.

15. Demonstrated web site management experience.

Preferred QualificationsPREFERRED:

1. Demonstrated familiarity with the higher education campus culture.

2. Demonstrated experience in grant writing.

3. LEED certified professional.

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Environmental ConditionsThis position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Posting Date 11/22/2024

Closing Date

Special Instructions to ApplicantsPlease attach the following 3 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter.

(#2) Resume.

(#3) “Other Document-References” – the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application).

Quicklink for Postinghttps://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14376

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