Director of Sustainability & Energy Strategy

City Colleges of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City Colleges of Chicago seeks a Director of Sustainability and Energy Management to lead district-wide sustainability and energy initiatives. You will coordinate with facility managers, engineers, staff and student groups to advance environmental goals across campuses.

The role involves managing utility contracts, pursuing grants, and directing retro-commissioning projects to improve energy efficiency. Strong collaboration and project-management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Sustainability, Urban Planning, or related field, plus at least four years of relevant experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with sustainability and energy management programs in higher education or public institutions.
• Knowledge of sustainability issues, best practices, and commitment to institutional sustainability.
• Understanding of facilities management, building systems, and operations in higher education or similar.
• Knowledge and experience in building commissioning and retro-commissioning.
• Project management skills for retro-commissioning projects of varying scope and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a district-wide sustainability plan with input from key stakeholders.
• Manages the District’s utility contracts (gas, water, electricity) and analyzes usage and rates.
• Leads the District’s participation in utility curtailment programs and energy-reduction goals.
• Researches grants and funding opportunities; prepares applications with Institutional Advancement.
• Manages landscaping and waste/recycling contracts; monitors vendor performance and payments.
• Oversees environmental consulting contracts (water testing, asbestos abatement, etc.).
• Acts as project manager for capital improvement projects related to retro-commissioning of HVAC systems.
• Provides sustainability expertise to project managers for new construction and commissioning of facilities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Project management

Collaborative work

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management/Sustainability/Urban Planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

City Colleges of Chicago seeks a Director of Sustainability and Energy Management to lead district-wide sustainability and energy initiatives. You will coordinate with facility managers, engineers, staff and student groups to advance environmental goals across campuses.

The role involves managing utility contracts, pursuing grants, and directing retro-commissioning projects to improve energy efficiency. Strong collaboration and project-management skills are essential.