POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Assistant Director of Sustainability provides strategic leadership, direction, and implementation oversight for campus sustainability initiatives at Case Western Reserve University. This role is responsible for advancing the university's strategic sustainability vision through the development, execution, and continuous improvement of policies, programs, and practices that enhance environmental performance, support institutional priorities, and strengthen the university's reputation as a sustainability leader.

The Assistant Director leads the strategic planning, coordination, and performance management of core Office of Energy & Sustainability programs, including student engagement, materials management, sustainability communications, and institutional benchmarking. The role serves as a key strategic advisor and collaborator to campus partners, integrating sustainability into operational decision-making, capital planning, and cross-functional initiatives.

Working closely with Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Services, Custodial Services, Dining Services, Housing, Residential Life, the Assistant Director provides strategic guidance and subject matter expertise to advance a comprehensive, data-informed, and forward-looking sustainability agenda. The position engages senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external partners and represents the university in strategic local, regional, and national sustainability initiatives and collaborations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Projects: Leads and manages high-impact, cross-functional strategic sustainability initiatives that support the university's Climate Action Plan and long-term sustainability goals. Conducts strategic research, feasibility assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to inform institutional decision-making and set standard operating procedures. Develops business cases, recommendations, and implementation plans for initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, resource conservation projects, and sustainability-focused capital investments. Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, and oversees proposal development, implementation, and reporting. Serves as a key contributor to institutional sustainability planning efforts, aligning initiatives with broader campus strategies and priorities. (20%)
2. Lead University Materials Management Program- Lead the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a university-wide materials management and waste reduction program. Establishes long-term goals, performance metrics, and operational standards aligned with institutional sustainability objectives. Provides strategic oversight and coordination with Facilities Services, Custodial Services, Dining Services, Housing, and other partners to implement best practices and drive program performance, cost savings and improved environmental metrics. Manages vendor relationships, including performance evaluation, contract alignment, and identification of innovation opportunities. Analyzes waste and diversion data to inform strategic decision-making, cost optimization, and regulatory and reporting to state and local government. Leads and advances initiatives such as waste audits, training programs for staff and faculty, composting programs, zero-waste efforts, national benchmarking participation, and student move-out donation programs. Serves as a campus-wide strategic resource, advising departments on sustainable materials management practices and supporting zero-waste events and initiatives. Oversees infrastructure assessments and recommends strategic improvements to systems, signage, and user experience. (20%)
3. Student Engagement and Leadership Development Strategy Lead
4. Leads the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of student engagement initiatives, including the Sustainability Ambassador Internship Program. Develops a high-impact experiential learning framework that aligns student work with institutional sustainability priorities. Recruits, trains, and supervises approximately 12 student employees annually, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and professional development. Cultivates student leadership and facilitates cross-functional collaboration between students and university departments on applied sustainability projects. Expands and enhances opportunities for student involvement in sustainability initiatives, events, and campaigns to increase institutional impact and student learning outcomes. (20%)
5. Benchmarking and Reporting- Directs institutional benchmarking and reporting efforts, including sustainability rating systems and the university's greenhouse gas inventory. Translates data into actionable insights to inform strategic planning, operational improvements, and leadership decision-making. Identifies and implements data systems, tools, and process improvements to enhance reporting capabilities and operational efficiency. Manages the sustainability budget and related programs, events, and strategic initiatives as well as requesting and advocating for special project funding. Coordinates with campus partners to support compliance and reporting to external agencies and programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and institutional priorities, including informing senior leaders of risk and opportunity. (20%)
6. Lead Communications- Develops and implements strategic communications and engagement plans to advance sustainability goals and drive behavior change across campus. Aligns messaging with institutional priorities and leverages digital platforms, publications, and campaigns to increase awareness, participation, and impact. Leads the development of targeted behavior-change initiatives, evaluates effectiveness through engagement and performance metrics, and continuously refines strategies to improve outcomes. Oversees content standards, including newsletters, web content, and social media, and provides strategic direction to student communication staff. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Support management of allocated office budget as well as requests and reporting. (1%)
2. Serve as a liaison to external agencies, organizations, and partners. (1%)
3. Represent the office at campus, community and local government events and support outreach and engagement activities. (1%)
4. Participate in campus committees and working groups as requested. (1%)
5. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily interaction with division leadership and staff to support strategic priorities and program implementation.

University: Frequent collaboration with Facilities Services, Planning, Design & Construction, Custodial Services, Dining, Housing, faculty, staff, and students to advance sustainability initiatives and integrate sustainability into operations and planning.

External: Regular engagement with local, regional, and national organizations, government agencies, peer institutions, and vendors to advance strategic partnerships and best practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises approximately 12 student employees annually, including interns and graduate fellows. Provides strategic leadership, direction, and mentorship to support program delivery and student development. May advise student organizations and project teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability or a closely related field, preferably within higher education, corporate sustainability, or local government. Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and program development

Experience in areas such as materials management, climate action planning, energy efficiency, green buildings, or related sustainability fields strongly preferred.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field required. Valid driver's license required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and translate vision into measurable outcomes.
2. Strong analytical skills, including experience collecting, managing, and interpreting complex data sets to inform decision-making.
3. Highly collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across various groups.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to varied audiences and leadership levels.
5. Experience designing and implementing behavior-change strategies and engagement programs.
6. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
7. Ability to work independently while exercising strategic judgment and initiative.
8. Knowledge of sustainability trends, best practices, and higher education frameworks.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, web content systems, and data/reporting tools.
10. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
11. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
13. Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment. The use of computer mouse and keyboard to type. 

Will need to work some non-traditional early morning, evening, and weekend hours for special projects and events. Occasional travel for conferences and non-business work hours required. 

Position requires operating a university vehicle to support sustainability program activities. 

The role may require occasional movement of recycling containers, signage, or program materials during program implementation, audits, and for special events. 

Must be able to travel indoors and outdoors throughout the campus to observe recycling and composting operations and to conduct training and communications programs. 

Will occasionally be in dirty or noisy areas such as a recycling dock or construction sites and labs. Some special events and student coordination will occur evening or weekends.