Director of Sustainability (SUSTAIN OFCR 5)

Recognized as an organization-wide expert with significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development, the Director of Sustainability (DS) is a high-profile leader who collaborates with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to keep the university in forerunner status as the top ranked university for sustainability as well as guide UC Davis into the next generation of sustainability. The DS is accountable for leading UC Davis sustainability efforts and expanding sustainability beyond climate change and resiliency into equity and environmental justice. This position coordinates engagement initiatives, events, and programs, produces timely and accurate performance reports and advises on system and infrastructure planning and policies. The DS provides vision, direction, and support for sustainability in all its dimensions, from infrastructure and operations to programs that enhance understanding and motivate action towards a more environmentally and socially sustainable and resilient future. This effort cuts across disciplines, academic departments, and administrative units. While Sustainability is housed in Design and Construction Management (DCM), successful development, management and implementation by DS requires: participation and integration across multiple UC Davis divisions, other UC campuses and UC Office of the President; Global Affairs and the greater international higher education community; government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The incumbent functions independently with significant responsibility to determine objectives, identify potential issues, develop possible solutions, propose and implement UC and UC Davis policies, recommend actions to senior leadership to achieve initiative and program goals, collect data and produce extensive and frequent performance reports and implement approved actions. Represents UC Davis in public forums, and on multiple committees and boards organized by regional government agencies and non-governmental organizations. The management responsibilities associated with the position are critical due to the high-profile and complex nature of sustainability initiatives and programs and carrying significant financial, compliance, and public relations risk. DS oversees staff with highly specialized functions and is responsible for an annual unit operating budget with funding from multiple sources.

Apply By Date

April 8, 2024 at 11:59pm PST

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management Planning or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively-responsible experience in leading sustainability planning, regulatory compliance and community engagement in a university, municipal or corporate setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing overall program, consultants, and staff, setting goals, developing implementation strategies, managing budgets and anticipating issues likely to arise as the result of campus projects and programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainability and environmental policies, external regulations, theories as well as local, national, and global sustainability initiatives and best practices.
• Analytical and critical decision-making skills; advanced problem-solving skills to evaluate complex or new issues and identify options for resolution when no precedent exists. Expert analytical skills to probe, challenge and to question the status quo.
• Written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills including expert level political acumen and negotiating skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED Accredited Professional
• ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Extensive experience working with federal, State, local elected officials, business, civic and community leaders. Experience in higher education.
• Expert level knowledge of a broad range of academic and institutional issues related to a major research university environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the University’s organization, operations and relevant public policy issues, including knowledge of Regental Policy regarding the University budget and legislative process, primary sources of state funding for UC, and communications with elected officials.
• Knowledge of the relationship between UC Davis’ state, federal, and private research, education and its public service missions.

Department Description

The Sustainability unit resides within Campus Planning, ensuring compliance with sustainability policy targets and goals included in the design and implementation of UC Davis projects; and developing and maintaining positive and productive relationships across campus and with a wide variety of UC-wide committees and external committees, organizations, institutions and agencies to further campus sustainability and resiliency goals.

Position Information

Salary or Pay Range:  $103,500 – 216,500 annually

Salary Frequency:  Monthly

Salary Grade:  26

Payroll Title:  SUSTAIN OFCR 5 (5698)

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type:  Career

Percentage of Time:  100%

Shift Hours:  Leadership will advise

Location:  Davis, CA 

Union Representation:  N/A

Benefits Eligible:  Yes, full benefits

Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: On-Site/Local Hybrid TBD

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting our  Benefits Page

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Maternity, Paternity, Family & Medical Leave
• 14 paid Holidays annually
• Vacation accrual begins at 18 days annually
• Sick Leave accrues at 12 days annually
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Wellness and on-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, disability, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistant for qualified roles 
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work at a desk for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to walk project sites that may include uneven terrain.

Special Requirements

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. 

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

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