Director of Sustainability at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore College

Job description

Position Title: Director of Sustainability Work Type: Full time Location: Swarthmore College Approved Location Type: On Campus Department: Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Who We Are: The Office of Sustainability supports and inspires the College community to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus life: teaching, learning, operations, and culture. The Opportunity: The Director of Sustainability serves as the primary strategic and operational leader for Swarthmore College’s sustainability vision and programs. This position is responsible for integrating sustainability into all facets of the College’s mission—including teaching and learning, operations, and campus culture. Essential Responsibilities: Leadership & Program Administration Define and execute a strategic vision that establishes Swarthmore as a recognized leader in institutional sustainability and environmental stewardship. Develop short- and long-term sustainability goals, objectives, and actionable implementation plans in collaboration with campus stakeholders. Serve as the primary spokesperson and central resource for Swarthmore’s sustainability initiatives to both internal audiences and external communities. Chair sustainability-related committees and working groups to facilitate cross-campus collaboration in support of sustainability goals. Engage leaders across campus departments to cultivate alignment and support for sustainability efforts. Manage the day-to-day operations, budget, and overall administration of the Office of Sustainability. Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and mentor professional staff, fellows, and student workers. Operations, Infrastructure & Decarbonization Partner with Facilities Management in close collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Sustainable Facilities Operations and Capital Planning to infuse sustainability principles into capital projects, land use, and new construction or major renovations. Support facilities partners and leadership in implementing Swarthmore’s To Zero By Thirty-Five (20X35) energy master plan to eliminate fossil fuel combustion and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Partner across departments to advance sustainability in energy management, grounds stewardship (including Crum Woods), waste management, dining, procurement, and other areas. Oversee the continued implementation, evaluation, and evolution of Swarthmore’s internal Carbon Charge Program and Scope 3 emissions reduction plans as part of the College’s approach to climate action. Academic, Student & Community Engagement Consult and collaborate with the Provost and faculty to support the integration of sustainability into the academic curriculum and research. Direct the President’s Sustainability Research Fellowship (PSRF) program and provide strategic oversight for Green Advisors, Sustainability Advocates, internships, and other co-curricular student sustainability initiatives. Collaborate with the Vice President for Advancement and Advancement staff to support fundraising efforts for sustainability initiatives. Support civic and regional partnerships with local municipalities, neighboring institutions, and community organizations around environmental justice, local resilience, and shared sustainability goals. Maintain relationships with national higher education sustainability networks, such as AASHE and Second Nature, and manage reporting frameworks like AASHE STARS. Supervisory Responsibilities Associate Director of Sustainability Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability Fellow Who you are: Core Competencies Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with an ability to translate technical concepts to diverse academic and administrative audiences. Proven capacity to build consensus, foster trust, and work collaboratively across campus constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and board members. Ability to set goals, bring about positive institutional change, and manage environmental init