University of California - Merced
Assistant Director of Sustainability (on-site)
University of California - Merced, Merced, California, United States, 95343
Overview
Job ID: 80772 Location: Merced Full/Part Time: Full Time Hiring Range: The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $107,600 - $122,500. Job Closing Date: This position is expected to work on-site. Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around September 29th. Posting will close upon selection. About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. The campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced has launched initiatives and partnerships to advance sustainability, research, and community impact. The campus has a special connection with Yosemite National Park and is active in sustainability, construction, and regional economic development. About the Job
The Assistant Director of Sustainability plays a critical role in advancing UC Merced's position as a national and global leader in sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Sustainability, this position manages a portfolio of complex initiatives and projects that integrate sustainability across research, operations, and academic infrastructure. The Assistant Director works with the Sustainability Office within the Sustainable Research and Engineering Center to build institutional capacity, address campus sustainability priorities, and contribute to the UC System, local, state, national, and international sustainability challenges. Applying advanced knowledge of sustainability practices and policies, the Assistant Director works across UC-Merced to identify, develop, and implement institutional sustainability strategies while researching and monitoring trends in energy, climate action, waste reduction, water conservation, transportation, procurement, food systems, green buildings, and social equity. This role helps formulate and execute UC-Merced's sustainability strategy through policy development, innovation, brand reputation management, and financial oversight. A key focus of the Assistant Director’s work is fostering partnerships across academic and operational units to establish the University as a living laboratory for sustainability. This includes supporting faculty-led research, engaging students in sustainability programming, and collaborating with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to advance multicultural and inclusive approaches to environmental and social sustainability. The position also oversees sustainability data collection, reporting, and communications, ensuring compliance with national benchmarking organizations such as AASHE STARS, Sierra Club Green Schools, and Princeton Review Green College Guide. Additionally, the Assistant Director works with campus stakeholders to support co-curricular education programs, such as the Sustainability Certificate Program, Green Labs, and Green Office resources. The role includes designing and implementing sustainability initiatives that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This involves providing training for environmental and sustainability organizations, creating equitable sustainability policies, and utilizing storytelling and community engagement to deepen impact. The Assistant Director collaborates with campus stakeholders to integrate climate justice and equity into climate action planning. The position directly supervises interns and student leaders working on sustainability projects related to living lab, DEI, campus engagement, environmental justice, research and academic coursework, while leading data-driven sustainability planning and reporting efforts. The Assistant Director ensures sustainability efforts align with UC-Merced's broader mission and address environmental, social, and economic challenges. Key Responsibilities
Identify opportunities for innovation and educational alignment to support the institution's Living Lab initiative. Coordinate logistics, develop partnerships, respond to information requests, and engage with students and departments to advance the Living Lab program. Supervise graduate students and interns. Supports implementation and annual reporting efforts for the UC system-wide Sustainability Practices Policy. Work with a Sustainability Director on policy development and participate in system-wide working group calls (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force; Zero Waste; Green Building; Climate Change; Green Labs; AASHE Stars; Sustainable Procurement; Sustainability Officers; Food Systems). Develop opportunities to create efficiencies and promote the campus sustainability brand. Represent the Sustainability Office at campus and community events and establish external partnerships regionally and nationally. Interfaces with regional, state, national, and international organizations. Interface with faculty on sustainable research opportunities, advise on co-collaborative projects, gather data, and prepare sustainability studies and reports to ensure compliance with policies and standards. Develop, implement, and evaluate sustainability programs; manage data related to LEED credits; serve as guest lecturer as needed. Coordinate annual student team development, orientation and training; oversee programming budgets for student employees and interns. Collaborate on campus sustainability marketing, communications, and outreach programs. Manage social media strategy and content for sustainability initiatives; prepare publicity materials; update the sustainability website with campus initiatives; resolve sustainability inquiries and engage with the campus community to promote initiatives. Provide strategic leadership in carbon emissions, procurement, food services, waste, water, energy, and academics. Lead decarbonization efforts and manage complex projects, data analysis, reporting, budgets, and contracts. Perform data-driven analyses to identify improvements and work with executives to implement solutions aligned with UC Merced goals. Understand business needs and ensure systems support those needs; evaluate investments and return on investment for sustainability initiatives. Support planning and reporting for the Sustainability Strategic Plan, Climate Action Plan, Water Action Plan, Zero Waste Plan, and Sustainability Annual Report. Collaborate with the Sustainability Office and student teams. *LI-RM1 Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area; and/or advanced degree in related area (preferred); and 5 years of related experience or 9 years equivalent experience / training in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health (required) LEED Green Associate Required Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Preferred LEED Accredited Professional preferred. Preferred ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional preferred. Preferred Advanced knowledge around environmental sustainability management policies, issues and initiatives. Required Advanced knowledge of U.S. Green Building Council rating systems, AASHE Stars Required Advanced knowledge of sustainability policies and procedures in the areas of design and construction; purchasing; contracts, grants and gift processing; building codes, and regulations. Required Advanced skill in coordinating, staffing and leading cost-effective sustainability focused programs. Ability to lead, engage and motivate groups to meet common objectives. Required Proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies in a large organization. Required Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Required Strong writing and editing skills to prepare concise, accurate and understandable reports, policy/procedure documentation, proposals and general correspondence. Required Proficiency in all software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and database applications. Required Advanced ability to create clear, concise correspondence, presentations and business documents. Required Knowledge of financial operations that extends beyond budgeting including project finance, corporate finance, debt finance, equity finance, with the ability to make a business case for new direction for sustainability initiatives. Required General broad knowledge of energy management, transportation, construction, food service, waste management and water resource management. Required Experience in strategic planning and ability to develop short- and long-range plans for campus sustainability. Ability to write clear and concise reports and interact effectively with many levels of staff throughout the department and university. Required Strong initiative, decision making, judgment, discretion, analytical problem-solving ability, confidentiality and the capacity to organize and handle a wide range of duties accurately and consistently. Required Proven ability to develop new projects within an academic setting; understanding of how to institutionalize new sustainability efforts. Required Resourcefulness and creativity in drafting new University policies and procedures to meet both University and department needs. Required Demonstrated exceptional oral communication skills, comfort with public speaking and ability to listen, learn and build trust among various constituencies. Required Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, department and university personnel, and the public to promote sustainability initiatives. Required Ability to conduct on-site visual inspections of projects involving walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, stooping, crouching, and balancing in precarious locations. Preferred Ability to work in various environmental conditions when conducting visual inspections of construction including noise, fumes, dust and humidity. Preferred Background Check
Background check required. Policy Statement
How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply. The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu. As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 Anti-Discrimination Policy. Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at smokefree.ucmerced.edu. E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/
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Job ID: 80772 Location: Merced Full/Part Time: Full Time Hiring Range: The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $107,600 - $122,500. Job Closing Date: This position is expected to work on-site. Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around September 29th. Posting will close upon selection. About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. The campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced has launched initiatives and partnerships to advance sustainability, research, and community impact. The campus has a special connection with Yosemite National Park and is active in sustainability, construction, and regional economic development. About the Job
The Assistant Director of Sustainability plays a critical role in advancing UC Merced's position as a national and global leader in sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Sustainability, this position manages a portfolio of complex initiatives and projects that integrate sustainability across research, operations, and academic infrastructure. The Assistant Director works with the Sustainability Office within the Sustainable Research and Engineering Center to build institutional capacity, address campus sustainability priorities, and contribute to the UC System, local, state, national, and international sustainability challenges. Applying advanced knowledge of sustainability practices and policies, the Assistant Director works across UC-Merced to identify, develop, and implement institutional sustainability strategies while researching and monitoring trends in energy, climate action, waste reduction, water conservation, transportation, procurement, food systems, green buildings, and social equity. This role helps formulate and execute UC-Merced's sustainability strategy through policy development, innovation, brand reputation management, and financial oversight. A key focus of the Assistant Director’s work is fostering partnerships across academic and operational units to establish the University as a living laboratory for sustainability. This includes supporting faculty-led research, engaging students in sustainability programming, and collaborating with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to advance multicultural and inclusive approaches to environmental and social sustainability. The position also oversees sustainability data collection, reporting, and communications, ensuring compliance with national benchmarking organizations such as AASHE STARS, Sierra Club Green Schools, and Princeton Review Green College Guide. Additionally, the Assistant Director works with campus stakeholders to support co-curricular education programs, such as the Sustainability Certificate Program, Green Labs, and Green Office resources. The role includes designing and implementing sustainability initiatives that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This involves providing training for environmental and sustainability organizations, creating equitable sustainability policies, and utilizing storytelling and community engagement to deepen impact. The Assistant Director collaborates with campus stakeholders to integrate climate justice and equity into climate action planning. The position directly supervises interns and student leaders working on sustainability projects related to living lab, DEI, campus engagement, environmental justice, research and academic coursework, while leading data-driven sustainability planning and reporting efforts. The Assistant Director ensures sustainability efforts align with UC-Merced's broader mission and address environmental, social, and economic challenges. Key Responsibilities
Identify opportunities for innovation and educational alignment to support the institution's Living Lab initiative. Coordinate logistics, develop partnerships, respond to information requests, and engage with students and departments to advance the Living Lab program. Supervise graduate students and interns. Supports implementation and annual reporting efforts for the UC system-wide Sustainability Practices Policy. Work with a Sustainability Director on policy development and participate in system-wide working group calls (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force; Zero Waste; Green Building; Climate Change; Green Labs; AASHE Stars; Sustainable Procurement; Sustainability Officers; Food Systems). Develop opportunities to create efficiencies and promote the campus sustainability brand. Represent the Sustainability Office at campus and community events and establish external partnerships regionally and nationally. Interfaces with regional, state, national, and international organizations. Interface with faculty on sustainable research opportunities, advise on co-collaborative projects, gather data, and prepare sustainability studies and reports to ensure compliance with policies and standards. Develop, implement, and evaluate sustainability programs; manage data related to LEED credits; serve as guest lecturer as needed. Coordinate annual student team development, orientation and training; oversee programming budgets for student employees and interns. Collaborate on campus sustainability marketing, communications, and outreach programs. Manage social media strategy and content for sustainability initiatives; prepare publicity materials; update the sustainability website with campus initiatives; resolve sustainability inquiries and engage with the campus community to promote initiatives. Provide strategic leadership in carbon emissions, procurement, food services, waste, water, energy, and academics. Lead decarbonization efforts and manage complex projects, data analysis, reporting, budgets, and contracts. Perform data-driven analyses to identify improvements and work with executives to implement solutions aligned with UC Merced goals. Understand business needs and ensure systems support those needs; evaluate investments and return on investment for sustainability initiatives. Support planning and reporting for the Sustainability Strategic Plan, Climate Action Plan, Water Action Plan, Zero Waste Plan, and Sustainability Annual Report. Collaborate with the Sustainability Office and student teams. *LI-RM1 Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area; and/or advanced degree in related area (preferred); and 5 years of related experience or 9 years equivalent experience / training in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health (required) LEED Green Associate Required Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Preferred LEED Accredited Professional preferred. Preferred ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional preferred. Preferred Advanced knowledge around environmental sustainability management policies, issues and initiatives. Required Advanced knowledge of U.S. Green Building Council rating systems, AASHE Stars Required Advanced knowledge of sustainability policies and procedures in the areas of design and construction; purchasing; contracts, grants and gift processing; building codes, and regulations. Required Advanced skill in coordinating, staffing and leading cost-effective sustainability focused programs. Ability to lead, engage and motivate groups to meet common objectives. Required Proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies in a large organization. Required Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Required Strong writing and editing skills to prepare concise, accurate and understandable reports, policy/procedure documentation, proposals and general correspondence. Required Proficiency in all software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and database applications. Required Advanced ability to create clear, concise correspondence, presentations and business documents. Required Knowledge of financial operations that extends beyond budgeting including project finance, corporate finance, debt finance, equity finance, with the ability to make a business case for new direction for sustainability initiatives. Required General broad knowledge of energy management, transportation, construction, food service, waste management and water resource management. Required Experience in strategic planning and ability to develop short- and long-range plans for campus sustainability. Ability to write clear and concise reports and interact effectively with many levels of staff throughout the department and university. Required Strong initiative, decision making, judgment, discretion, analytical problem-solving ability, confidentiality and the capacity to organize and handle a wide range of duties accurately and consistently. Required Proven ability to develop new projects within an academic setting; understanding of how to institutionalize new sustainability efforts. Required Resourcefulness and creativity in drafting new University policies and procedures to meet both University and department needs. Required Demonstrated exceptional oral communication skills, comfort with public speaking and ability to listen, learn and build trust among various constituencies. Required Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, department and university personnel, and the public to promote sustainability initiatives. Required Ability to conduct on-site visual inspections of projects involving walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, stooping, crouching, and balancing in precarious locations. Preferred Ability to work in various environmental conditions when conducting visual inspections of construction including noise, fumes, dust and humidity. Preferred Background Check
Background check required. Policy Statement
How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply. The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu. As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 Anti-Discrimination Policy. Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at smokefree.ucmerced.edu. E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check. Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/
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