Coordinator, Sustainability

Love The Oceans; Clarksville (TN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University sustainability coordinators engage students, faculty, and staff to promote environmental awareness, stewardship, and campus-wide initiatives. This position supports education, events, and programs that advance sustainability while fostering a caring campus environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration, data tracking, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to improve outcomes and strengthen university sustainability efforts over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental sciences or related field required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability practices and environmental stewardship preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with students, faculty and staff to promote sustainability awareness and understanding across campus.
• Coordinate educational programs and initiatives related to energy conservation, waste minimization and sustainable practices.
• Develop and coordinate sustainability programming to engage the University community.
• Serve as liaison among campus departments, student orgs and partners to support communication and resource coordination.
• Research sustainability practices at peer institutions and identify opportunities to strengthen programs.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Empathy

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in sustainability or related field

Master’s degree in sustainability or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The coordinator will take a student-centered approach to engaging and advising students through educational programs, sustainability initiatives and leadership opportunities that promote environmental awareness and stewardship while contributing to a caring and supportive campus environment and the holistic success of students.

Characteristics of a Successful Candidate

• Integrity, kindness, creativity, and decisiveness.
• Motivation to create a caring and safe student experience.
• Ability to serve with agility; important to lead, listen, and serve with empathy.
• A commitment to practicing open communication and inspiring trust.
• Desire to collaborate with colleagues.
• Demonstrated sincere enjoyment from working with students.

Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesSustainability Programs and Initiatives

• Collaborate with students, faculty and staff across the residential and academic campus community to promote awareness and understanding of sustainability issues.
• Coordinate educational programs, presentations and initiatives related to energy and water conservation, waste minimization, recycling, sustainable building and landscape practices, alternative transportation, green procurement and other sustainability topics.
• Develop and coordinate sustainability programming and activities designed to engage the University community and promote environmental stewardship.
• Serve as a liaison among campus departments, student organizations, community partners and other stakeholders to support communication and resource coordination for sustainability programs and projects.
• Research sustainability practices and trends at peer and other institutions and recommend opportunities to strengthen University sustainability programs and practices.
• Research and identify grant opportunities and other potential funding sources to support and expand campus sustainability efforts.
• Coordinate recycling efforts across campus, including communication and coordination with appropriate outside vendors and contractors.

Assessment, Reporting and Communications

• Coordinate and compile University data for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
• Coordinate the collection of information from campus departments and organizations and enter required data into the STARS reporting system for submission to AASHE.
• Assist with defining sustainability goals and tracking performance measures to assess program effectiveness and progress.
• Collect, organize and maintain sustainability data and documentation needed for assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain sustainability web content highlighting University sustainability initiatives, programs, events, educational opportunities, recycling information and related resources.
• Communicate sustainability accomplishments, opportunities and resources to the University community in collaboration with appropriate campus partners.
• Prepare reports, updates, and other materials related to university sustainability activities and progress.

Student Engagement and Campus Collaboration

• Engage students in sustainability education, programming, leadership opportunities and campus initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Student Government Association leadership on sustainability initiatives and related funding.
• Chair and coordinate Sustainable Campus Fee Committee meetings and support implementation of approved recommendations and initiatives.
• Promote student participation, leadership and enthusiasm in campus sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with University departments and campus partners to advance sustainability initiatives and institutional priorities.

Department and Division Leadership

• Maintain regular communication with the supervisor regarding project status, priorities, deadlines, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen sustainability initiatives.
• Effectively manage job-related priorities, projects, and deadlines for deliverables.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners.
• Participate in related professional organizations and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in and support division-wide activities, programs and initiatives as appropriate.
• Represent the University and Division of Student Affairs professionally when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Evening and weekend work may be required at times.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of sustainability principles, environmental stewardship, practices, and emerging trends.
• Knowledge of sustainability assessment, data collection, and reporting practices.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and continuously improve innovative sustainability programs, initiatives, and educational activities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative, professional, and service-oriented relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, vendors, and external organizations.
• Ability to engage, guide, support, and motivate student leaders to participate in sustainability initiatives and programs.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze and communicate sustainability-related data.
• Ability to conduct research and identify opportunities for program development and improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn and effectively use sustainability reporting and other related software platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies or related field.
• Related experience with sustainability, environmental programs, or initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability practices and environmental stewardship.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and assess data.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies, higher education, public administration or related field.
• At least two years of progressively relevant professional or graduate assistant experience in sustainability, environmental programming or related areas.
• Experience coordinating sustainability programs, special initiatives or strategic planning.
• Experience with sustainability assessment, reporting, or performance measures.
• Experience working with students or sustainability initiatives in a higher education setting.

Physical Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly moving objects.