Sustainability Program Lead

sait.ca; Calgary; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIT is looking for a Project Coordinator for their Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness team. This position focuses on developing and implementing sustainability initiatives across campuses, contributing to a safe and healthy educational environment. The ideal candidate will lead program administration, coordinate stakeholder relations, and analyze sustainability practices while actively engaging with the community.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in sustainability, data analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of sustainability issues in post-secondary institutions.
• Experience in writing technical reports and business proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of sustainability programs to create a safe campus environment.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and facilitate meetings to gather input.
• Research, analyze, and document sustainability practices for strategy development.

Skills

Communication

Analysis

Collaboration

Organization

Judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sustainability or related field

Certificate in sustainability studies

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Our people make SAIT great. The Environmental Health, Safety, and Wellness (EHSW) team plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of students, staff and faculty across all SAIT campuses. Focusing on environmental health, safety, wellness, security and risk management, the EHSW department works to create a safe and healthy environment for the entire SAIT community. They do this by proactively managing risks and promoting well-being through a thoughtful and comprehensive approach.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the AVP, Environmental, Safety and Sustainability, and in accordance with institutional strategies and direction on SAIT’s sustainability roadmap, this position is responsible for the creation, development, implementation, maintenance and assessment of institutional sustainability initiatives.

Major responsibilities include coordinating institutional efforts in education, awareness, analysis and reporting and support as it relates to implementation of the goals outlined in the Sustainability Plan. The incumbent also acts as resource for all SAIT departments and builds partnerships with government agencies, other post-secondary institutions and the community at large.

Role and Responsibilities

• Program Implementation and Administration
• Lead the implementation, administration, sustainment, and improvement of the sustainability program to ensure a safe campus environment, meet regulatory requirements, and support continuous improvement of sustainability practices and outcomes
• Partner with campus stakeholders to support understanding and implementation of sustainability activities.
• Assist with initiatives to improve management system elements and programs related to sustainability.
• Produce reports on sustainability program outcomes and activities related to the Sustainable Development Roadmap (SDRM).

• Institutional Event Coordination
• Lead the coordination of Institutional events and meetings in support of sustainability goals
• Identify initiatives and events to promote.
• Partner with departments and the Student Engagement division to leverage resources and support delivery of planned events and initiatives.
• Engage and collaborates with students, building upon volunteer opportunities that support institutional goals, co-curricular recognition, and community development.
• Responsible for day-to-day oversight and tracking of volunteer hours.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing engagement programming in meeting needs and achieving institutional goals, sharing best practices across SAIT.

• Stakeholder Relations
• Manage group collaboration with business stakeholders, effectively facilitating meetings and workshops to elicit meaningful input.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and promotion of SAIT's sustainability strategy following the framework of the UN SDGs.
• Identify and grow new and current community partnerships.
• Coordinate learning opportunities for schools and departments to embed sustainable best practices campus-wide.
• Build relationships with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to understand requirements and business objectives.
• Collaborate across departments, services, and programs to develop new initiatives and promote engagement.
• Liaise with other provincial post-secondary institutions to review approaches, share best practices, and partner on relevant program and campaign development.

• Sustainability Practices Research & Analysis
• Research, gather, and analyze data to document current sustainability practices and inform planning and growth strategies.
• Collaborate with the Advisory Committee to develop annual plans, define key performance indicators and metrics, and maintain confidentiality during execution.
• Produce ad hoc reports aligned with the communication strategy and various reporting frameworks, including AASHE STARS.
• Lead and coordinate with responsible parties, including FM, schools, and departments, to achieve STARS annual certification, initially working toward Reporter designation.
• Use sustainability data to write reports describing findings, impacts, and year-over-year trends in student engagement.
• Work with stakeholders to identify, document, and communicate sustainability processes, completing system, process, and release documentation as required.
• Interpret and translates strategies into functional and operational requirements.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and 5-7 years of experience in sustainability, data analysis, reporting, and communication. A certificate in sustainability studies is an asset.
• Knowledge of sustainability issues, opportunities, and best practices, preferably within a post-secondary educational institution.
• Prior work experience in strategic planning, business development, and/or sustainable program development.
• Proven experience in writing, editing, and executing proposals, including technical reports and business cases.
• Current working knowledge of federal and provincial legislation, as well as related governmental and industry sustainability initiatives and programs (e.g., ESG and CSDS).
• Working knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations related to sustainability programs and energy management.
• Familiarity with sustainability certification programs and rating systems related to facilities operations and development, including LEED and AASHE STARS.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of spreadsheets and database programs, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, along with experience in presentation software and Power BI.
• Project management and program auditing experience will be considered strong assets.
• Ability to rally support, engagement, and investment through an authentic passion for sustainability.

Technical Capabilities and Skills Required

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Sound judgment and interpersonal skills in situations of noncompliance or ambiguity.
• Exceptional organizational skills and an unwavering commitment to follow through and bring ideas to completion
• Experience working collaboratively and building relationships with internal and external interest holders
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Strong Time Management and ability to manage priorities independently.
• Superior business requirements gathering and process mapping
• Excellent facilitation management skills
• Strong customer service and professional judgment skills.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset

• SAIT Core Capabilities
• Creativity – the willingness to experiment, improvise, innovate and imagine
• Critical Thinking – analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, and reconstructing information to inform and make decisions
• Citizenship – understanding and facilitating the connection between people, society and the planet for the sustainability of systems, both cultural and environmental
• Curiosity – seeking out current information and experiences and strives for understanding
• Connection – building effective relationships. Working effectively and communicating with others across differences

Job classification: P2043 - Project Coordinator

Salary range:$85,000.00 - $110,000.00

# of positions: 1

Posting closing date: June 17, 2025

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. It creates the conditions for a healthy campus where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. SAIT values fairness, shared accountability and the importance of representation. The institution expects a commitment from its students and employees to continuously develop an equitable and inclusive mindset that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

Personal information that you provide is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) section 33(c) and will be used for the purposes of managing the application, selection and interview process. Should you require further information about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, please contact the SAIT FOIP Coordinator at [e-mail].