Director of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

Saint Joseph's University•Philadelphia, PA

20d

About The Position

The Director of the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability provides strategic and unifying leadership through SJU’s Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Collective (ESSC), include the Barnes Arboretum, Institute for Environmental Stewardship, Horticultural Program, and campus Sustainability Program, to advance Saint Joseph’s University’s mission of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and care for our common home. Reporting to the Vice President, Administration & Operations, the Director leads the ESSC—a university-wide hub that furthers environmental, educational, and economic sustainability by cultivating community partnerships, generating shared value, attracting external funding, creating learning and engagement opportunities for students and partners, and reducing operating costs. The Director is responsible for implementing the University’s sustainability plan, coordinating infrastructure initiatives, and building external partnerships, programs and funding sources that generate new resources and opportunities. This role represents SJU’s commitment to integrating ecological, educational, and economic sustainability in alignment with the Jesuit tradition and the President’s Laudato Si’ Initiative.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Public Policy, Business, or a related field.
5+ years of leadership experience in sustainability or environmental management (higher education, nonprofit, corporate, or public sector).
Proven success in cross-functional leadership, partnership building, and program implementation.
Demonstrated ability to link academic, operational, and external engagement functions.
Knowledge of key sustainability frameworks (e.g., Laudato Si’ , AASHE STARS, LEED, climate action planning).
Excellent communication, strategic planning, and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or resource development.
Familiarity with Jesuit education and Catholic social teaching related to environmental justice and stewardship.
Experience leading initiatives that integrate academic and operational sustainability within complex organizations.
Background in higher education or mission-driven leadership.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Coordination Serve as the founding Director of the SJU Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Collaborative, establishing its vision, structure, and strategic priorities.
Lead the development and implementation of a university-wide sustainability plan, aligned with the President’s Laudato Si’ plan, SJU’s strategic plan, and the mission of the Society of Jesus.
Act as the University’s chief sustainability officer, advising senior leadership and coordinating sustainability activities across divisions.
Strengthen SJU’s visibility and reputation through local, national, and Jesuit sustainability networks.
Operational and Infrastructure Collaboration Partner closely with facilities and operations to advance campus-wide sustainability initiatives in energy, carbon reduction, waste management, water conservation, and sustainable procurement.
Support implementation of green infrastructure, capital projects, and policies that enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting for sustainability metrics (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, AASHE STARS, LEED, Laudato Si’ benchmarks).
Identify opportunities for operational projects that yield measurable environmental and financial benefits.
Continuing Education, External Engagement and Resource Development Organize events, workshops, and training programs to engage the university and local community in sustainability practices and policies.
Build and sustain partnerships with foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and public agencies to support joint projects.
Work with the Associate Provost for Graduate and Continuing Education to design non-credit certificates, microcredentials, and other education programs and collaborations focused on sustainability and environmental leadership.
Collaborate with University Advancement to develop fundraising strategies, cultivate donors, and secure grants or sponsorships.
Financial Management Develop and manage budgets for ESSC initiatives, ensuring effective and strategic use of resources.
Pursue grants, corporate partnerships, and program-based revenue to sustain and expand ESSC activities.
Provide annual reports summarizing environmental metrics, partnership outcomes, and financial impacts.