Sustainability Coordinator

Avera•Sioux Falls, SD

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sustainability Coordinator serves as the system-wide lead organizer for Avera Health's sustainability strategy and initiatives. Reporting to the System Vice President of Supply Chain while representing the entire organization, this role coordinates sustainability efforts across all ministries, facilities, and service lines. The Sustainability Coordinator collaborates with site-based "Green Teams," tracks and reports organizational progress, and drives initiatives that reduce environmental impact while strengthening operational performance and community health. Rooted in Avera's Catholic identity and the legacy of the Presentation Sisters and Benedictine Sisters, this position advances stewardship of creation as an expression of faith and mission. The Sustainability Coordinator champions initiatives that extend beyond organizational boundaries—seeking measurable impact for the health of our communities and the planet.

Requirements

The individual must be able to work the hours specified.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds.
Bachelor's in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Business, Supply Chain, Facilities Management, or related field and/or equivalent combination of 5 years experience and education in sustainability, environmental programs, healthcare operations, facilities management, supply chain, or related area.
4-6 years experience in sustainability, environmental programs, healthcare operations, facilities management, supply chain, or related area.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data and produce executive-level reports.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing projects with measurable outcomes
Experience in healthcare sustainability or hospital operations.
Familiarity with ESG reporting frameworks, greenhouse gas accounting, or sustainability benchmarking tools.

Responsibilities

Coordinate development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of Avera Health’s system-wide sustainability roadmap aligned with mission, operational priorities, and regulatory requirements.
Establish, guide, and sustain multidisciplinary Green Teams at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities; provide tools, education, and structure to ensure engagement and measurable results.
Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to monitor key sustainability metrics (e.g., energy use, waste diversion, sustainable purchasing, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions) and provide regular reports to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
Partner with Supply Chain, Facilities, Construction, Environmental Services, Clinical Operations, Food & Nutrition, IT, and other departments to embed sustainable practices into daily operations and strategic initiatives.
Work with Supply Chain leadership to promote environmentally preferable purchasing, waste reduction in packaging, and vendor engagement strategies that align with system sustainability goals.
Monitor healthcare environmental regulations, reporting requirements, and best practices; ensure compliance and proactively position Avera as a leader in healthcare sustainability.
Design and deliver education, communications, and awareness campaigns that connect sustainability initiatives to Avera’s mission, Catholic social teaching, and the stewardship tradition of the founding congregations.
Lead or support projects that reduce environmental impact and operational costs, including energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling programs, reprocessing initiatives, and sustainable construction practices.
Lead efforts to build internal enthusiasm and engagement around sustainability initiatives across Avera Health. Inspire caregivers, leaders, and departments to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors and embed stewardship into daily operations.
Support Green Teams and system-wide education efforts that encourage culture change while positioning Avera as a visible role model for the communities and regions we serve.
Contribute to capital planning, facility development, and grant or funding opportunities related to sustainability and environmental initiatives.