Director, Office of Sustainability

City of Palm Springs•Palm Springs, CA

67d

About The Position

The Director of the Office of Sustainability will provide strong visionary and collaborative leadership with a hands-on, proactive approach to public sector sustainability services and programs. Duties included planning, directing, managing, and overseeing sustainability strategies, services, and programs including the development, implementation, monitoring, and measurement of the City's comprehensive City-wide Master Sustainability Plan that incorporates sustainability into all aspects of the City, and continually advances the City through the next innovations of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable programs; serve as the public contact for issues and direction in sustainable practices within City operations and programs, while providing and facilitating sustainability efforts between the City, stakeholders, business, residents, and regional partners; and provide technical and complex administrative support relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Requirements

Five (5) years of work experience managing or leading resource conservation and/or environmental sustainability programs is required.
Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Energy Management, Public/Business Administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. (Education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with related job experience; experience is in addition to any other required experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain at the time of appointment, a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three (3) years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five (5) years).

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of experience working for or with a local government agency preferred.
Possession of professional accreditation or certification in an area related to sustainability, such as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), International Society of Sustainability Professionals, or similar, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, monitor, and manage the Master Sustainability Plan in partnership with City staff, stakeholders, and regional interests; update and adjust the plan to maintain effective priorities.
Initiate, coordinate, and manage complex programs that have a significant impact on sustainability goals; coordinate and assist with the development of sustainability action plans and environmental, social, and economic strategies to integrate sustainability to overall operations.
Act as a liaison to stakeholders, businesses, schools, and community groups to create cultural change in promoting sustainability community-wide; develop strategic partnerships and assist with policies and projects; develop and facilitate the work of sub-committees created to focus on sustainability topics or work efforts.
Provide support and guidance to local organizational efforts by providing information, analysis, and prioritizing and integrating sustainability services and programs.
Serve as public contact and spokesperson for sustainable practices for the City.
Develop programs to inform and educate the community about sustainability efforts and benefits, and coordinate the development of communication efforts to increase awareness and participation; maintain City web and social media presence; maintain community outreach programs to keep sustainability goals at a high level of awareness.
Represent the City in state and local government discussions related to sustainability, provide input to new initiatives that may affect the City, and advocate for City interests.
Work to develop procurement policies that include criteria relating to environmental, social, and economic viability; research new vendors and encourage the purchase of sustainable products and services.
Coordinate sustainable practices and environmental impact of facility energy and water use, vehicle replacements and fuel use, maintenance procedures and products, and landscape opportunities with City staff.
Work with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices; develop methods to inform current vendors of the increased focus on sustainability.
Perform a variety of complex analytical assignments, including analysis of fiscal and operational data; conduct research and develop new initiatives; gather and analyze information about systems, operating procedures, and practices; prepare recommendations for proposed changes that include estimated fiscal and organizational impact; assist the City in the use of life-cycle costing for selection of materials and services.
Establish and maintain tracking methods to monitor plan goals and effectiveness; develop and adjust measurable performance objectives, analyze and measure success, and evaluate cost effectiveness of programs and progress towards goals; prepare reports to measure sustainability progress, including reports to City Council.
Identify potential funding sources outside of the City and/or acquire financial incentives for implementing projects; prepare grant applications and partnership proposals, seek sponsorships, and manage grant compliance.
Develop and maintain effective employee programs to promote sustainability efforts that include rideshare, recycling, clean energy, energy reduction, and healthy lifestyles in promoting a positive community environment.
Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
Coordinate with Planning, Building, and Engineering Departments to review environmental impacts of major projects and programs.
Plan, direct, and manage the department's work plan and staff; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve highly sensitive and/or complex problems.
Prepare and deliver Staff Reports and updates for City Council (approximately 1-2 meetings per month), City Commissions/Committees (at least 1 meeting per month), and other City-sponsored groups.
Plan, develop, and coordinate the division budget; approve, track, and monitor expenditures.
Participate in Council and administrative policy updates integrating the goals and practices of sustainability into these documents, as well as other City procedures and programs.
Other duties and tasks as assigned.