Sustainability Coordinator

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University seeks a Sustainability Coordinator to advance campus sustainability goals through program coordination, data analysis, and cross‑campus collaboration. You will engage students, staff, and departments to promote resource stewardship and environmental outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading engagement programs like Green Teams and Campus as a Living Lab, collecting and analyzing sustainability data, and guiding projects from planning through implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.
• Two to four years of experience in sustainability, environmental reporting, resource stewardship, or related fields.
• Experience with Excel, Power BI, Tableau for data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks such as STARS, SIMAP, Practice Greenhealth.
• Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• Professional certifications (CEM, LEED AP, SEA, WELL AP) or similar credentials are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee sustainability initiatives, including Green Teams and Green Buckeye Certification, and collaborate with departments to promote sustainable practices.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate student participants; track participation and outcomes.
• Coordinate Campus as a Living Lab program connecting students, faculty, researchers, and staff on applied sustainability projects.
• Collect, validate, analyze, and manage sustainability data to develop reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Manage sustainability projects and pilot programs; facilitate meetings and provide guidance to campus partners.
• Support planning, design, and implementation of sustainable practices in campus operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Sustainability

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

STARS reporting

SIMAP reporting

Job description

Job Title: Sustainability Coordinator

Department: Administration and Planning | FOD Operations Sustainability

The Sustainability Coordinator supports the university’s sustainability goals through program coordination, data analysis, project management, and campus engagement. This role works across academic and operational units to advance resource stewardship, improve environmental outcomes, and promote a culture of sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Student & Staff Engagement

• Lead employee sustainability initiatives, including Green Teams and Green Buckeye Certification. Partner with departments, laboratories, and operational units to encourage sustainable practices.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate student participants.
• Track participation, measure outcomes, and identify opportunities to increase engagement.
• Coordinate the Campus as a Living Lab program, connecting students, faculty, researchers, and staff on applied sustainability projects to support development through hands‑on learning.

Data & Reporting

• Collect, validate, analyze, and manage sustainability and resource stewardship data to develop reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support sustainability reporting, benchmarking, strategic planning, and continuous improvement efforts.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Manage sustainability projects, research studies, and pilot programs that support university resource stewardship goals.
• Coordinate working groups, facilitate meetings, and provide technical guidance to campus partners.
• Identify opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.

Planning & Innovation

• Assist with sustainable design and construction standards, project reviews, and design/construction planning processes.
• Research emerging sustainability trends, technologies, policies, and best practices.
• Support the integration of sustainability principles into campus planning, design, construction, and operations.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting data to support decision-making.
• Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and collaborate across departments.
• Commitment to advancing sustainability and resource stewardship initiatives.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a collaborative, self‑motivated professional who excels at problem‑solving, stakeholder engagement, and data‑driven decision‑making. They are passionate about sustainability and can effectively translate ideas into projects and measurable results that support the university's environmental and operational goals.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in sustainability, environmental reporting, resource stewardship, facilities management, energy management, community engagement, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while working both independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, visualizing, and reporting sustainability, environmental, operational, or performance data using Excel, Power BI, Tableau, etc. Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks (STARS, SIMAP, Practice Greenhealth, etc.).
• Experience with facilities operations, building systems, energy management, construction, or related operational environments.
• Experience working in higher education, particularly in sustainability, facilities management, resource stewardship, or campus operations.
• Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA), WELL AP, or similar credentials.

Additional Information

The target hiring range for this job profile is $59,300-$86,600 annually. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:Maintenance Building (0078)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.