Sustainability Manager

Job Description
Salary: $58,000 - $63,800

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming, and supportive community of approximately 500 staff and faculty serving around 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build its reputation as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College values community and belonging. We encourage applications from individuals offering underrepresented perspectives and whose backgrounds, knowledge, and lived experiences can enrich our environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the AVP of Facilities Services, the Sustainability Manager collaborates with students, staff, and faculty to promote sustainability across campus and manages the initiatives and operations of the Sustainability Department. The role serves as the primary resource for sustainability initiatives and acts as the College’s liaison to external stakeholders. The Manager supports departments in integrating sustainable practices and energy-saving measures and collaborates on long-term sustainability strategies for Whitman College.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Develop and oversee sustainability programs, initiatives, and events in coordination with community organizations and College divisions, departments, and student groups.
2. Supervise staff, student assistants, and interns within the Sustainability Department.
3. Serve as liaison and advisor to student organizations on sustainability projects.
4. Manage recycling and zero-waste initiatives, energy projects, and campus energy management programs.
5. Maintain utility records, analyze data, and produce emissions reports; collaborate with utility providers to optimize costs and meet sustainability goals.
6. Oversee campus renewable energy systems and sub-metering in partnership with Facilities Services.
7. Chair the Presidents Sustainability Advisory Committee (PSAC), implementing the Campus Sustainability Plan and advocating for sustainability goals.
8. Support the development of the Energy Renewal Development and Decarbonization Plan (ERDP).
9. Manage the Bike Share program and promote alternative transportation to reduce emissions.
10. Create sustainability awareness and educational programs for campus and community.
11. Develop reports and educational materials on transportation and emissions; assess transportation needs and resource conservation strategies.
12. Represent the College in sustainability organizations and manage reporting to entities like AASHE STARS and EPA Green Power Partnership.
13. Pursue grants and resources for sustainability projects.
14. Collaborate on sustainable campus construction projects.
15. Coordinate the Sustainability Revolving Loan Fund and support decarbonization efforts.
16. Oversee communication channels and produce progress reports.
17. Set long-term sustainability goals and metrics, providing regular evaluations.
18. Manage the EcoReps peer-to-peer education program, including recruitment and training of student leaders.
19. Research best practices and prepare detailed reports on policies and activities.
20. Perform essential duties to ensure College operations, including reporting to campus during closures if needed.
21. Occasionally work evenings, weekends, and travel for off-campus events and meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions safely, with or without accommodations. Specifically:

Knowledge of:

• Applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
• Resource conservation and sustainability principles and practices;
• Supervisory principles;
• Utilities, facilities maintenance, and operations infrastructure;
• LEED standards for construction and renovation;
• Budgeting and financial principles;
• Analytical methods;
• Higher Education and student services;
• Strategic planning;
• Project management.

Skill in:

• Public speaking and presentations;
• Using technology for communication, data collection, and reporting;
• Microsoft Office, web development, and database management;
• Organizational skills.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Contribute positively to the College’s core values, including equity and anti-racism;
• Analyze complex problems and develop solutions;
• Operate social media platforms and learn new software as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a sustainability-related discipline and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience implementing sustainability initiatives in higher education, government, or private sectors.
• Experience with STARS submissions, GHG inventories, and related reporting.
• Supervisory and organizational skills, with mentoring experience.
• Valid driver’s license with 3 years of driving experience and ability to pass a motor vehicle report.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related discipline and 4-5 years of experience.
• Additional expertise, certifications, or training, such as LEED credentials.
• Experience in web development and producing sustainability reports, blogs, or social media content.
• Experience working in higher education.

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they meet the minimum qualifications and are passionate about sustainability, even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications.