Sustainability Program Specialist

MSU Careers Details; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator within the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS). The role focuses on planning, coordinating, and implementing sustainability initiatives, with partnerships across university departments, residence life, facilities, and culinary services to engage students and staff.

The position involves data tracking, reporting, education, and program oversight to promote environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a four-year college degree in environmental studies, sustainability, natural resources, planning, business, culinary services, or a related field.
• One to three years of related experience in sustainability, environmental programs, or project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Assist Sustainability Officer in planning, coordinating, and implementing sustainability initiatives.
• Support staff and students in integrating sustainability into RHS building operations, procurement, waste management, energy use, and water conservation.
• Provide sustainability education, training, and support for students and team members.
• Assist with development, delivery, and tracking of environmental stewardship training for staff and student employees.
• Support inspections, audits, and sustainability assessments under the officer's direction.
• Provide administrative support for programs, projects, and events.
• Coordinate student and staff engagement activities for campus events, including volunteer coordination.

Skills

Sustainability knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Project coordination

Event planning experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Multitasking

Student-focused engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Sustainability Coordinator supports and advances sustainability initiatives within a complex business unit at the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) through program planning, event coordination, marketing, collaboration, implementation, and operational oversight. This position develops partnerships across university departments, residence life, facilities, academic units, Culinary Services and community organizations to support sustainability goals, student engagement, and educational opportunities aligned with university priorities and standards. The role coordinates sustainability programs and outreach efforts, supports student and team member education and training, assists with data tracking and reporting, and promotes sustainable practices that enhance environmental stewardship, operational effectiveness, and student success.

Typical duties include:

Assists the Sustainability Officer in the planning, coordination, and implementation of sustainability initiatives across all the Division of RHS Supports staff and students' integration of sustainability practices into RHS building operations, procurement, waste management, food waste, energy use, water conservation.

• Monitor and help ensure compliance with university policies, operational expectations, and sustainability standards.
• Collect, organize, and report program data, outcomes, and participation metrics.
• Provide sustainability education, training, and support for students and team members.

Assists in the development, delivery, and tracking of environmental stewardship training for staff and student employees.

• Supports compliance efforts by assisting with inspections, audits, and sustainability assessments under the direction of the Sustainability Officer.
• Provides logistical and administrative support for sustainability programs, projects, and events.
• Responds to routine inquiries related to sustainability programs, outreach, and engagement activities.

Supports student and staff engagement activities related to campus events, including volunteer coordination and educational programming.

• Coordinate and support sustainability initiatives, projects, and sustainable programs for a complex business unit.
• Plan and implement sustainability-related events, outreach efforts, and engagement activities

Note: This is not a fully remote position. The first six months will be fully onsite followed by the option to switch to a hybrid schedule (4 days onsite, 1 day remote).

All positions in RHS Are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, you will be expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If you have an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of your normally scheduled work hours remotely, you may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community. If you have a permanent, on-going, and/or pervasive condition that may impede your ability to work on-site, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at rcpd.msu.edu/get-started.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in environmental studies, sustainability, natural resources, planning, business, culinary services, or a related field; one to three years of related experience in sustainability, environmental programs, or project coordination; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of sustainability principles, environmental practices, food service strategies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with event planning, outreach, and program implementation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paces environment.
• Commitment to student success, inclusive engagement, and community collaboration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter, three (3) professional references.

Work Hours

Standard Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with occasional nights and weekends based on business need.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.