Sustainability Officer - UC Riverside

University of California, Riverside, is recruiting a Sustainability Officer to champion transformative initiatives at the nexus of education, equity, and environmental stewardship. This dynamic role connects research and operations, guiding university-wide initiatives in climate action, sustainable infrastructure, and community partnerships. From leading zero-waste programs to steering decarbonization strategies, your leadership will make a visible difference. Apply today and join a forward-thinking team committed to reducing emissions, empowering communities, and building a resilient future through innovation, collaboration, and a deep-rooted culture of sustainability.

Another Source's client, University of California, Riverside, is recruiting a Sustainability Officer to join their team on-site in Riverside, CA.

Here's a little about University of California, Riverside Office of Sustainability and the position they are recruiting for:

The Office of Sustainability leads efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating sustainable practices across operations, community engagement, and academic programs. Our initiatives highlight the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural systems to address the needs of both present and future generations. We envision a thriving, resilient future by fostering a culture of sustainability on campus and within the broader community.

Learn more about University of California, Riverside Office of Sustainability here: https://sustainability.ucr.edu/

About the role:

The Sustainability Officer at UC Riverside leads key initiatives that advance the university's sustainability goals, working in close partnership with the Academic Sustainability Faculty Lead and reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Planning, Budget & Administration. This role is central to positioning UCR as a national and global leader in campus sustainability by aligning academic, operational, and strategic priorities.

The Officer drives the development of collaborative solutions to environmental, economic, and social challenges across areas such as energy, climate, water, waste, transportation, food systems, and green buildings. They provide strategic guidance, oversee sustainability programs and policies, and support innovation, branding, and assessment efforts.

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is: Up to $125,000 annually based on experience.

How you will be spending your time:

Conducts and oversees independent research projects.

• Leads coordination and reporting on complex sustainability issues.

• Manages data collection and performance monitoring (e.g., FOVEA tool).

• Leads staff and manages student interns and fellows on sustainability projects.

• Coordinates pilot programs and campus-wide implementation efforts.

• Researches and maintains best practices resources.

• Recommends, develops, and implements sustainability programs and policies.

• Provides strategic management and stays informed on sustainability laws and trends.

• Coordinates UC Riverside's implementation of UCOP sustainability policies.

• Develops and oversees communication strategies, including website and social media.

• Coordinates education and outreach programs.

• Acts as spokesperson for sustainability initiatives.

• Builds partnerships with external organizations and networks.

• Develops university-community collaborations to strengthen the sustainability brand.

• Represents the university at conferences and public events.

• Conducts energy and sustainability project analyses.

• Leads efforts in climate action, clean energy, waste diversion, and decarbonization.

• Identifies funding opportunities and manages budgets.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience/training in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health.

• 6 - 10 years of related experience.

• Advanced ability to organize information, extract relevant data, and prepare reports in various formats.

• Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies in a large organization.

• Advanced ability to create clear, concise correspondence, presentations and business documents.

• Highly proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Access) and database applications.

• Advanced knowledge in the area of environmental sustainability management policies, issues and initiatives.

• Advanced knowledge of U.S. Green Building Council rating systems.

• Strong writing and editing skills to prepare concise, accurate and understandable reports, policy/procedure documentation, proposals, and general correspondence.

• General broad knowledge of energy management, transportation, construction, food service, waste management, and water resource management.

• Strong initiative, judgement, discretion, analytical problem-solving ability, confidentiality, and the capacity to organize and handle a wide range of duties accurately and consistently.

• Proven ability to develop new projects within an academic setting; understanding of how to institutionalize new sustainability efforts.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, department and university personnel, and the public in order to promote sustainability initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD.

• Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

• LEED Accredited Professional.

• ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional.

• Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.

• Advanced knowledge of sustainability policies and procedures in the areas of design and construction; purchasing; contracts, grants and gift processing; building codes, and regulations.

• Knowledge of shared governance.

• Knowledge of financial operations that extends beyond budgeting to include, project finance, corporate finance, debt finance, equity finance, with the ability to make a business case for new direction for sustainability initiatives.

• Ability to conduct on-site visual inspections of projects involving walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, stooping, crouching, and balancing in precarious locations. Ability to work in various environmental conditions when conducting visual inspections of construction including noise, fumes, dust, and humidity.

What's in it for you:

UCR offers a competitive benefits package. To learn more, use the following link: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision.

• Disability

• Life Insurance

• Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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