Sustainability Coordinator

Winona State University; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Winona State University is seeking a sustainability leader to plan, coordinate, implement, and promote sustainability across campus and communities. This role collaborates with facilities leadership and the Sustainability Director to identify priority areas, develop goals, and drive action.

You will engage students, faculty, staff, and administration to expand a culture of sustainability, manage data, report progress, and advance procurement, energy, and space utilization initiatives while

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with related experience or Bachelor’s with related experience.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability issues and development discourse.
• Proven track record implementing sustainability strategies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and promote sustainability across campus and communities.
• Engage students, faculty, staff, and administration to foster a culture of sustainability.
• Coordinate energy, space, and procurement initiatives to support sustainability goals.
• Monitor and report on progress toward sustainability goals and standards.
• Support professional development and participate in university committees.

Skills

Sustainability knowledge

Program development

Public speaking

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Engineering, Planning or Management with Sustainability emphasis

Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Engineering, Planning or Management with Sustainability emphasis

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Cloud tools (OneDrive or Google Drive)

Job description

1. SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMMING. Plan, coordinate, implement, and promote sustainability across the university campuses and communities.

• Collaborate with facilities leadership and the Sustainability Director to identify priority areas, develop goals, recommend actions to address evolving circumstances while promoting positive environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility across the university.
• Partner with the Sustainability Director to engage students, faculty, staff, and administration to implement and expand a culture of sustainability.
• Develop and maintain interdisciplinary networks within the university and the broader community to support and advance sustainability initiatives on and off campus.
• Coordinate the implementation of Minnesota State and WSU sustainability policies across the university, completing related activities such as training and educating students and employees.
• In collaboration with the Sustainability Director and IPAR, develop and maintain assessment tools to collect sustainability data and measure progress.
• Assist the Sustainability Director in preparing the university’s annual sustainability report to ensure accountability for campus sustainability initiatives.
• Promote and manage the university’s electric vehicles and EV charging program.
• Maintain active engagement in the field of sustainability by monitoring emerging trends, best practices, and innovations.

2. ENERGY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. Monitor and optimize campus energy and resource use, support sustainable infrastructure, and report on progress toward institutional sustainability goals.

• Monitor and manage campus energy and resource use, proactively analyzing energy and water trends and outliers to reduce waste, troubleshoot operations, and improve overall campus efficiency.
• Oversee renewable energy systems to maximize production, coordinate required maintenance, and maintain the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) portfolio.
• Serve as the university’s liaison for energy, waste, and recycling services, review utility invoices, and advise on commodity purchasing.
• Input and maintain campus sustainability metrics (e.g., energy, water, waste) within the Minnesota State B3 Benchmarking system.
• Serve as the university’s B3 Coordinator for design and construction projects by entering required design, construction, and operational data.
• Compile data and prepare reports on progress toward sustainability goals and standards outlined in university sustainability policies and external sustainability commitments.

3. SPACE UTILIZATION. Serve as the institution’s primary point of contact for space and facility data coordination with the Minnesota State System Office.

• Ensure accurate, standardized location data to support academic delivery, student success, compliance, safety, sustainability, and effective utilization of physical assets.
• Maintain the official record of space use and classification of all owned and leased space.

4. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT. Advance campus procurement activity toward the environmental sustainability and resilience targets established in Minnesota State policy and procedure.

• Ensure alignment with statewide sustainability goals set for state cabinet agencies by Minnesota law, executive orders, and supported by the State of Minnesota Office of Enterprise Sustainability.

Advise university stakeholders on incorporating sustainability considerations into procurement planning, solicitation drafting, evaluation criteria, and supplier management.

5. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of Winona State University.

Including but not limited to participating in university committees and pursuing ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge in the field of sustainability, including conducting research, maintaining membership in regional or national professional organizations, attending conferences, and engaging in formal and informal professional networks.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Engineering, Planning or Management with Sustainability emphasis, or a related field, plus one (1) year of related professional experience - OR - a Bachelor’s degree Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Engineering, Planning or Management with Sustainability emphasis, or related field plus two (2) years of related professional experience.
• Strong working knowledge and passion for the concept of sustainability and awareness of central issues and controversies in the discourse on sustainable development.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing sustainability strategies and programs.
• Proficient in technology including Microsoft Office Suite, cloud tools (OneDrive or Google Drive) and online platforms.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, deliver engaging presentations, and interact professionally with varied audiences.