Senior Sustainability Program Lead

San José State University • San José, CA

6h

About The Position

Under the oversight of the Senior Director of Energy, Utilities & Sustainability, the Senior Sustainability Program Lead leads campus sustainability data collection, analysis, and reporting, and champions efforts to align sustainability goals with organizational capacity across divisions and departments. The Senior Sustainability Program Lead oversees campus reporting for the AASHE STARS rating program and collaborates with FD&O leadership to analyze performance, develop measurement strategies, and recommend interventions to advance sustainability goals. Working with campus leadership, the incumbent supports sustainability planning, engagement, and the development of administrative directives, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with evolving sustainability requirements.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability frameworks, reporting systems, and regulatory standards, including AASHE STARS, LEED, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and CSU Sustainability Policy
• Advanced analytical skills to collect, interpret, and evaluate complex sustainability data and translate findings into actionable strategies
• Ability to independently develop measurement methodologies, assessment tools, and performance tracking systems for institutional sustainability goals
• Strong knowledge of public-sector budgeting, utility operations, and lifecycle cost analysis within a large, multi-facility environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level reports and present complex data to diverse audiences
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, faculty, operations teams, external agencies, and systemwide stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills to implement sustainability initiatives that align environmental performance with economic and equity objectives
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis
• Professional certifications in sustainability may be required for some positions

Nice To Haves

• Prefer professional certification in sustainability or energy management
• Six years progressively responsible professional work experience associated with sustainability and/or environmental/community planning and analysis with demonstrated progression in career growth based on complexity of assignments and scope of responsibility
• Experience in sustainability analysis for a State facility, College or University, or other large-scale, multi-facility complex such as a corporate campus
• Experience managing complex datasets and providing highly analytical reports and action plans based on such information
• Experience developing processes, procedures, and guidelines to organize, implement, and administer complex programs, projects, and initiatives

Responsibilities

• Lead campus-wide sustainability data collection, analysis, and reporting to demonstrate compliance with CSU policy, regulatory requirements, and institutional goals.
• Oversee and manage SJSU’s AASHE STARS certification process, including data submission, credit improvement strategies, and coordination across all five functional areas.
• Develop sustainability performance metrics, conduct in-depth analysis, and present strategic recommendations to FD&O and campus leadership
• Prepare and publish recurring and special sustainability reports, including bi-annual campus sustainability reports and Chancellor’s Office submissions
• Plan and implement sustainability initiatives integrating environmental, economic, and equity principles across campus operations and capital projects
• Serve as the primary campus liaison for sustainability programs, representing SJSU to internal stakeholders, the CSU system, regulatory agencies, and external organizations
• Identify funding, grant, and incentive opportunities to advance sustainability, carbon reduction, and climate resilience initiatives

Benefits

• San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary.
• For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level