The Director of Sustainability also coordinates with the University’s academic community to integrate sustainability into the curriculum. The Director of Sustainability will guide the University toward fulfilling its obligations to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) through the aforementioned responsibilities. The Director of Sustainability will also be responsible for overseeing the VCU Free Store and ensure that the on-campus resource promotes equitable access to everyday needs.

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Knowledge of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and the requirements for sustainability programs.
• Knowledge of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programs.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting systems such as Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
• Knowledge of current sustainability concepts, issues, trends and best practices, particularly as they relate to higher education.
• Proven skill at problem solving, thinking analytically and developing sustainability programs that support the University’s strategic objectives and mission.
• Ability to work comfortably and effectively in cross-functional teams with students, faculty and administrators from the various university schools and departments.
• Ability to cultivate effective and cohesive teams within a multifaceted fast paced with various deadlines.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Able to communicate at all levels of an organization, speaking in front of faculty, staff and student groups, effectively tailoring message for the appropriate audience. Skillful in conveying messages to senior executives.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and programs.
• Demonstrated understanding experience managing budget.
• Ability and enthusiasm to inspire others to the principles of excellence, quality, strong work ethic, and success.
• Excellent team-building, relationship-building and networking skills.
• Five years of experience developing, maintaining, and/or managing sustainability based initiatives, processes, or programs involving the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental, engineering, business or related field required; or an equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience fostering a diverse and inclusive and an expressed commitment to do so while at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards

• Master’s degree in in environmental, engineering, business or related field is preferred.
• Experience working with sustainability or environmental programs in higher education is preferred.
• Experience planning and implementing sustainability related behavioral change projects or programs in higher education that achieve meaningful results.
• Understanding of the VCU Climate Action Plan and VCU sustainability initiatives.
• Understanding of building and energy systems preferred.
• LEED professional credential is preferred.