Sustainability Project Manager at USGBC-CA California

USGBC-CA; California (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited vacation

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement savings

Training and industry event access

Job summary

A sustainability organization in California seeks a Sustainability Project Manager to lead initiatives aimed at enhancing community impact through sustainability programs. The ideal candidate will manage project timelines and budgets, engage with various stakeholders, and demonstrate strong project management and communication skills. This full-time, hybrid role offers a salary range of $75,000 - $90,000, along with comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to work in a dedicated team that strives for environmental justice.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in sustainability or related field.
• Experience with field-based technical work like energy audits.
• Strong ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project budgets and timelines.
• Manage outreach to program participants and stakeholders.
• Lead collection and reporting of building performance indicators.

Skills

Project management

Sustainability knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Field-based technical work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Budget management

Grant writing

Job description

Sustainability Project Manager job at USGBC-CA. California.

USGBC-CA Sustainability Project Manager

The U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced project manager to lead and expand its sustainability initiatives. This individual will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of key aspects of local and statewide sustainability programs, such as the California Building Performance Hub, Green Homes California, California Green Business Certification, and Contractor’s Commitment. The Sustainability Project Manager will work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of implementation and community impact and can toggle between partnership development and the nuts-and-bolts logistics of field operations as needed. They bring a solid project management skillset to complex sustainability initiatives, ensuring that data is accurate and deliverables are executed with excellence. Beyond the technical work, they are an empathetic leader who takes pride in mentoring and uplifting others, sharing knowledge collaboratively, and navigating diverse stakeholder relationships to actively grow our program pipelines. If a candidate is a resourceful problem-solver who is equally comfortable presenting to a funder and troubleshooting on site, they will excel in this role.

Key Responsibilities and Job Duties

Project Management:

• Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure successful execution and achievement of organizational goals and contractual obligations.
• Manage strategic aspects of key initiatives, such as the California Building Performance Hub, Green Homes California, California Green Business Certification, and Contractor’s Commitment.
• Manage and perform outreach to prospective program participants and key organizational stakeholders, including building owners, property managers, contractors, business owners, manufacturers, and service providers.
• Manage the day‑to‑day operations of property assessments, technology deployments, and retrofit projects, supervise project support staff and contractors to ensure work is on schedule and meets quality standards, and act as the primary safety lead for field operations.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of building performance indicators across multiple programs, including utility benchmarking and air and water quality monitoring.
• Develop outreach, engagement, and relationship stewardship strategies to build program and project pipelines.
• Engage prospective program participants to define objectives, and confirm alignment with current program offerings while acting as a connector to relevant internal stakeholders to advance organizational goals.
• Leverage industry awareness and relevant experience in energy program management, sustainability, and green buildings to contribute to research and program development.
• Establish, implement, and monitor performance metrics to track project progress and assess overall impact, including cost‑effectiveness, community impact, and project quality.
• Represent USGBC‑CA’s initiatives (and others) virtually across California and in Southern California / LA / San Diego County at relevant meetings, conferences, and events, as well as with USGBC‑CA’s committees, advisory groups, and Regional Leadership Advisory Boards (RLABs), as required.
• Train, onboard, and manage Green Building Corps members and support staff to execute project deliverables.
• Serve as a source of guidance and inspiration as an effective people manager by setting and clearly communicating performance expectations for project teams, providing and receiving feedback from team members, and coaching and mentoring support staff to maintain a culture of high performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business, Sustainability) or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant project management experience, preferably in energy management, sustainability consulting, community and stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• Experience and comfort with performing and managing field‑based technical work, such as property assessments, energy audits, and retrofit construction management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for sustainability, green building and construction principles, and environmental justice.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in grant or technical writing and public speaking.
• Ability to analyze, report on, and present environmental and energy data and program metrics to different audiences.
• Experience with budget, grant, and contract management.
• LEED Green Associate or other relevant green building credentials are a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities are a strong asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends on occasion.

TIME COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION:

This is a full‑time, hybrid position. Location: Southern California preferred (San Diego or Los Angeles program focus) with occasional travel required throughout the region and to the USGBC‑CA offices in Los Angeles. The salary range is $75,000 - $90,000.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including discretionary unlimited vacation, 13 paid holidays, healthcare coverage (vision and dental), 401(k) retirement savings, and life insurance. We offer parental leave and an annual bonus program, all while working in a flexible, hybrid structure.

Staff have the opportunity to attend our training and other industry events across our network, and we also offer reimbursement for continuing education. We strive for a work‑life balance where we work to live, and we hold regular team‑building events to maintain our culture.

ABOUT USGBC California:

USGBC‑CA is about people – Passionate, practical, and informed professionals and advocates who work together to transform California into a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable place for all. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, USGBC‑CA inspires leaders and empowers communities to take action on climate change, public health, and environmental justice. With a strong presence across the state, including a dedicated San Diego regional community, volunteers and members believe in a sustainable built environment, gaining education, being exposed to innovation, and taking impactful action.

USGBC‑CA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.