Sustainability Manager

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is seeking a Sustainability Manager to serve as the campus-wide sustainability lead. This role involves coordinating sustainability planning, implementation, reporting, and engagement across academic, research, administrative, and operational units. The Sustainability Manager will report to the Associate Vice President of Compliance and Research Administration and will be responsible for advancing institutional goals related to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, emissions tracking, carbon neutrality, sustainable transportation, and climate resilience. The position requires leading high-impact, data-driven initiatives, developing and managing strategic sustainability programs, standardizing reporting using frameworks like STARS, and advising on campus operations and capital planning. Collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and external partners is key to integrating sustainability into operations, curriculum, and applied learning, while fostering campus-wide engagement and supporting long-term financial, environmental, and cultural sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and four (4) years of related professional experience, OR Master’s degree and two (2) years of related professional experience
• Experience coordinating a sustainability program or set of initiatives within a complex organization (e.g., university, government agency, large institution, or multi-unit organization).
• Experience supporting or leading implementation of sustainability strategies or action plans, that produced measurable outcomes (areas like carbon neutrality, zero waste, energy or water conservation, climate resilience, or sustainable transportation.
• Project or program management experience involving strategic planning, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination
• A valid Class “C” driver’s license or higher operator’s license is required within 30 days of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience coordinating collaboration among operational, academic, or community partners to advance sustainability initiatives
• Experience using sustainability data and reporting tools (e.g., STARS, SIMAP, Energy Star Portfolio Manager)
• Experience applying sustainability frameworks in the built environment (e.g., LEED, Envision, or Living Building Challenge)

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and coordination of university-wide sustainability programs and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
• Translate sustainability goals into actionable plans, institutional standards, and measurable outcomes related to energy, water, waste, and emissions.
• Coordinate sustainability planning and reporting activities with other campus units to improve transparency, consistency, and accountability.
• Develop and maintain sustainability metrics, key performance indicators, and reporting protocols; lead submissions to external sustainability frameworks (e.g., STARS).
• Compile, analyze, validate, and present sustainability data and reports for university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue external funding opportunities, including state, federal, and private grants, to support sustainability initiatives.
• Design and implement sustainability support programs that promote efficiency, innovation, and participation across campus units.
• Support waste minimization, recycling, hazardous materials reduction, and resource conservation efforts through program development and coordination.
• Collaborate with academic and research units to support sustainability integration into curriculum, research, and applied learning opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate sustainability communications, outreach activities, and campus-wide engagement events.
• Build and maintain partnerships with internal stakeholders and external organizations to advance shared sustainability goals.
• Monitor emerging sustainability best practices and recommend improvements to institutional programs and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance options including dental and vision
• Generous annual and sick leave and life insurance
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers an annual or semester membership and family membership options.
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.
• Reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents (up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate for faculty, unlimited for eligible dependents).
• Dual career assistance program for newly hired faculty spouses/partners.
• Remarkable Retirement! Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day.

What This Job Offers

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