Assistant Director, Sustainability; Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies

Colgate University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 62,355 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Gym discounts

Access to cultural facilities

Job summary

Colgate University is seeking an Assistant Director of Sustainability and Program Coordinator for Environmental Studies to manage key sustainability initiatives and supervise student interns. The role includes overseeing projects, collecting and analyzing data, and fostering community engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional experience in sustainability, with strong project management and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $62,355 to $65,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years professional experience in sustainability or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental concepts and waste minimization practices.
• Strong research and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key sustainability initiatives and manage multiple projects.
• Support student engagement and community building.
• Collect, analyze, and report sustainability data.

Skills

Sustainability planning

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental studies or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Canva

Job description

Assistant Director, Sustainability; Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies

Position Title: Assistant Director, Sustainability; Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies

Full Time / Part Time

Division: Dean of the Faculty

Department: Sustainability

Work Arrangement type: On‑Site (Hamilton, NY) – expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.

Hiring Wage/Salary Range: $62,355.00 – $65,000.00

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in sustainability or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability planning, environmental concepts, greenhouse gas accounting, climate action strategies, and waste minimization practices.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in supervising, mentoring, and developing student leaders and in implementing programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple projects, programs, and events in a timely, professional, and effective manner.
• Strong research, assessment, and analytical skills, including the ability to use data and evaluation methods to improve program outcomes and support institutional decision‑making.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills, including experience facilitating group engagement and developing outreach and educational materials for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and community partners in a dynamic environment.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, adaptable, and capable of managing evolving priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Workspace required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Experience with design and communications platforms such as Canva.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field is required.

Other Information

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education, and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.

Department Statement

Colgate University, widely recognized as a national leader among private liberal arts colleges, is located in Hamilton, New York, in the scenic Chenango River Valley. In 2019, Colgate became the first college or university in New York State to achieve carbon neutrality, and its sustainability program is among the highest rated in the nation.

The Environmental Studies (ENST) Program, established in the early 1980s, is an interdisciplinary program that draws on faculty expertise from across departments, including Biology, Geography, Geology, and Economics.

The Office of Sustainability and the Environmental Studies Program share a deeply collaborative relationship that integrates campus operations, academic inquiry, and student engagement. The Assistant Director of Sustainability and Program Coordinator for Environmental Studies plays a central role at this intersection, advancing institutional sustainability goals while strengthening academic and co‑curricular experiences.

This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving high‑impact sustainability initiatives and student development programs. The role requires strategic thinking, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to advance institutional priorities, including carbon neutrality, climate resilience, waste reduction, and student engagement. The Program Coordinator supports the Environmental Studies Program through community building and event planning, fostering a vibrant, connected academic environment.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Student Supervision and Program Development

• Recruit, supervise, and mentor a diverse team of student interns in the Office of Sustainability, fostering leadership development, professional growth, and meaningful student contributions to campus sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Garden Manager on the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of student interns, particularly for the summer Sustainability and Community Garden programs, to ensure a coordinated and enriching student experience.
• Support and enhance the Sustainability Representatives (S‑Reps) Program, the Student Sustainability Council, and other student leadership pathways.

Program and Project Management

• Oversee key sustainability initiatives, including the Free Store, Green Bikes Program, and campus waste reduction and reuse efforts.
• Collaborate closely with the Garden Manager to support student engagement, programming, and seasonal operations, ensuring student interns and sustainability‑focused students have a meaningful and enriching experience.
• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives that advance institutional priorities related to carbon neutrality, climate resilience, waste minimization, and sustainable campus operations.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and events, ensuring timely execution, effective delegation, clear communication, and alignment with institutional sustainability goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve program efficiency, scalability, measurable impact, and long‑term effectiveness of both the sustainability and ENST programs.

Data, Reporting, and Assessment

• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of institutional sustainability data, including the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and other sustainability metrics.
• Assist with benchmarking, reporting, and external assessments such as AASHE STARS and other sustainability/environmental benchmarking or reporting systems.
• Utilize research methodologies, assessment tools, and data analysis techniques to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement assessment strategies that connect program priorities and outcomes to broader Sustainability Office/Environmental Studies program and institutional goals.
• Administer and analyze surveys and other assessment tools to inform strategic planning, decision‑making, and program development.

Events and Community Engagement

• Oversee sustainability and Environmental Studies communications, including newsletters, websites, social media, promotional materials, and educational outreach campaigns.
• Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies that engage faculty, staff, students, and community partners in sustainability initiatives and educational programming.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and engaging messaging that advances awareness of campus sustainability efforts and opportunities for involvement.
• Design educational programs, campaigns, and outreach initiatives with measurable objectives, timelines, and outcomes.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners to expand the reach and impact of sustainability initiatives.

Curricular and Co‑Curricular Integration

• Work closely with the Environmental Studies Director and Associate Provost for Sustainability to support curricular and co‑curricular learning opportunities.
• Connect academic content to hands‑on sustainability initiatives to enhance experiential learning for students.

Communications and Outreach

• Oversee sustainability and Environmental Studies communications, including newsletters, websites, and promotional materials.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and engaging messaging that highlights campus sustainability efforts and opportunities for involvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with campus partners to expand the reach and impact of sustainability initiatives.

Facilities and Resource Management

• Maintain and enhance the Environmental Studies Resource Room and lending library as a hub for student engagement and learning.

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.