Sustainability Officer – UC Riverside

Another Source’s client, University of California, Riverside, is recruiting a Sustainability Officer to join their team on-site in Riverside, CA.  

 

Here’s a little about University of California, Riverside Office of Sustainability and the position they are recruiting for:  

The Office of Sustainability leads efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating sustainable practices across operations, community engagement, and academic programs. Our initiatives highlight the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural systems to address the needs of both present and future generations. We envision a thriving, resilient future by fostering a culture of sustainability on campus and within the broader community. 

 

Learn more about University of California, Riverside Office of Sustainability here: https://sustainability.ucr.edu/   

 

About the role: 

The Sustainability Officer at UC Riverside leads key initiatives that advance the university’s sustainability goals, working in close partnership with the Academic Sustainability Faculty Lead and reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Planning, Budget & Administration. This role is central to positioning UCR as a national and global leader in campus sustainability by aligning academic, operational, and strategic priorities. 

 

The Officer drives the development of collaborative solutions to environmental, economic, and social challenges across areas such as energy, climate, water, waste, transportation, food systems, and green buildings. They provide strategic guidance, oversee sustainability programs and policies, and support innovation, branding, and assessment efforts. 

 

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is: Up to $125,000 annually based on experience.  

 

How you will be spending your time: 

 

20% – Leading Sustainability Research and Strategic Initiatives 

• Conduct independent research and secure grants and partnerships to support campus sustainability.
• Expand engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Develop and track institutional sustainability goals and performance metrics.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to foster a culture of sustainability.

15% – Managing Staff and Campus Projects 

• Lead and support sustainability projects across campus.
• Supervise student interns and fellows.
• Coordinate best practices, tools, and resources to advance initiatives.

10% – Developing and Promoting Policies and Programs 

• Shape and implement sustainability policies, incentives, and outreach.
• Stay current on legal and industry trends affecting sustainability.
• Coordinate systemwide compliance with UC sustainability policies.
• Oversee internal and external sustainability communications, including web and social media content.

5% – Representing UC Riverside and Advancing Broader Initiatives 

• Serve as spokesperson and liaison for sustainability efforts.
• Present at conferences and interface with external partners.
• Provide strategic leadership on technical, financial, and operational aspects of sustainability.
• Support decarbonization, resource conservation, and long-term planning in collaboration with Facilities and academic leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience/training in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health.
• 6 – 10 years of related experience.
• Advanced ability to organize information, extract relevant data, and prepare reports in various formats.
• Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies in a large organization.
• Advanced ability to create clear, concise correspondence, presentations and business documents.
• Highly proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Access) and database applications.
• Advanced knowledge in the area of environmental sustainability management policies, issues and initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. Green Building Council rating systems.
• Strong writing and editing skills to prepare concise, accurate and understandable reports, policy/procedure documentation, proposals, and general correspondence.
• General broad knowledge of energy management, transportation, construction, food service, waste management, and water resource management.
• Strong initiative, judgement, discretion, analytical problem-solving ability, confidentiality, and the capacity to organize and handle a wide range of duties accurately and consistently.
• Proven ability to develop new projects within an academic setting; understanding of how to institutionalize new sustainability efforts.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, department and university personnel, and the public in order to promote sustainability initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree or PhD.
• Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
• LEED Accredited Professional.
• ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional.
• Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.
• Advanced knowledge of sustainability policies and procedures in the areas of design and construction; purchasing; contracts, grants and gift processing; building codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of shared governance.
• Knowledge of financial operations that extends beyond budgeting to include, project finance, corporate finance, debt finance, equity finance, with the ability to make a business case for new direction for sustainability initiatives.
• Ability to conduct on-site visual inspections of projects involving walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, stooping, crouching, and balancing in precarious locations. Ability to work in various environmental conditions when conducting visual inspections of construction including noise, fumes, dust, and humidity.

What’s in it for you:     

 

UCR offers a competitive benefits package. To learn more, use the following link: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html 

 

Benefits include:   

• Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Disability
• Life Insurance
• Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.