Director Environmental Sustainability

Cox Enterprises is seeking a Director of Environmental Sustainability – Water and Biodiversity in Atlanta, GA. This role involves leading the strategy for water conservation and biodiversity, managing a team, and collaborating across divisions to achieve sustainability goals. Responsibilities include developing strategies, overseeing reporting, and partnering with corporate teams and external organizations to enhance Cox's sustainability initiatives.
Are you passionate about creating meaningful environmental change and shaping the future of sustainability? Cox Enterprises is looking for a visionary Director of Environmental Sustainability – Water and Biodiversity to lead our enterprise-wide strategy for water conservation and biodiversity preservation. In this high-impact role, you will spearhead efforts to achieve ambitious sustainability goals as part of our Cox Conserves initiative, collaborating across divisions to make a lasting environmental impact.
As the Director of Environmental Sustainability – Water and Biodiversity, you will be responsible for driving the strategy, projects, and operations related to water and biodiversity across the enterprise, including Cox Conserves’ high-visibility sustainability goals. You will develop and implement water and biodiversity strategies, manage a dedicated team, and work closely with business unit partners to achieve our upcoming goals. This role also involves overseeing the evaluation and verification of Cox’s progress toward these goals and guiding efforts with new acquisitions, including the recently launched “Cox Farms” initiative.
Join us in making a positive environmental impact while driving innovation and excellence. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Cox Enterprises is a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Through initiatives like Cox Conserves, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and investing in meaningful solutions.
Apply today and become part of a purpose-driven organization where your contributions will shape the future of sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement an enterprise-wide strategy to achieve water and biodiversity goals, collaborating across divisions, including business units, regional locations, and acquisitions.
Partner with cross-divisional leaders to drive Cox Conserves’ strategic vision and ensure alignment with company-wide sustainability initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert on water and biodiversity, providing guidance to leadership across the organization.
Create and expand water and biodiversity strategies using internal and external mechanisms, focusing on continuous improvement in conservation metrics.
Oversee water and biodiversity reporting and governance, ensuring alignment with company objectives and maintaining transparency in performance.
Develop short- and long-term goals, plans, and budgets for assigned divisions, including assessing new technologies and programs for implementation.
Work with corporate teams (e.g., Corporate Social Responsibility, Supply Chain, Risk, Communications, and Operations) to harmonize water and biodiversity efforts with other sustainability initiatives.
Provide expertise in business process analysis, needs assessments, and cost/benefit analysis to align projects with the Cox Conserves vision.
Manage and synchronize large-scale, complex projects with cross-functional teams to drive change.
Build external partnerships with organizations, trade associations, and nonprofits to position Cox as a leader in water and biodiversity.
Lead a team for water and biodiversity projects, providing direction, delegation, and problem-solving to ensure effective execution.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, Environmental Health, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience.
In-depth knowledge of biodiversity and water frameworks, measurement, and verification.
Experience developing and executing water and biodiversity projects.
Familiarity with global sustainability and ESG frameworks, including GRI and TNFD.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead presentations.
Strong network in sustainability and environmental communities.
Understanding of the regulated industry’s impact on water and biodiversity.
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in a related field and 8+ years of experience.
Expertise in global water, biodiversity, and sustainability practices.
Experience with global sustainability reporting and frameworks.
Key Skills:
Leadership in managing cross-functional, nationwide teams and creating strategies to enhance teamwork.
Ability to manage large, complex projects at local, regional, and national levels.
Strong executive stakeholder management and influence skills.
Ability to align sustainability efforts with broader business goals.
Excellent program and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Other Requirements:
Up to 25% travel required.
Compensation:
Base salary range: $131,600 – $219,400 per year, with additional potential incentives based on experience and location.
Benefits:
Flexible vacation time, paid holidays, and wellness leave.
Additional paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, volunteer work, and parental leave.
Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and more.
About Cox:
Cox Enterprises has empowered employees for over 120 years, driving innovation across various industries. Our family of businesses includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications, leading the way to a brighter future for all.
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.
Benefits found in job post:
401(k)