Sustainability Associate

The Sustainability Associate at George Washington University will oversee projects to enhance campus sustainability, focusing on zero waste, sustainable dining, and environmental impact. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Sustainability, the role involves collaboration with university partners, managing project implementation, and analyzing sustainability initiatives. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience, with a passion for sustainable practices and strong collaborative skills.
Job Description Summary
The Office of Sustainability within the University Resilience team at the George Washington University works with the GW community to build a greener campus, offer more sustainable dining options, and improve the social and environmental impact of the business practices of the university. Reporting to the Director, Office of Sustainability, the Sustainability Associate over sees and leads projects and systems that contribute to a healthy and thriving campus for the Office of Sustainability. Along with the Director and other sustainability employees, this position works closely with partners across the university and in the community. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: As a member of the Office of Sustainability, the associate helps drive sustainability change at GW by promoting current & future sustainability initiatives and practices. Manages the implementation and monitors the progress of projects that improve the university’s impact on ecosystems in an urban setting, with the intent to enhance social equity and economic prosperity. Projects may have educational components for students, staff, and faculty. Focuses on advancing GW’s zero waste aspirations, improving procurement practices, enhancing green space, fostering water conservation and healthy freshwater systems, supporting sustainable food production and food waste avoidance, promoting healthy air and climate, and encouraging low- and zero-carbon transportation options. Provides input to the university’s sustainability vision and strategy based on current technology and policy; accounts for the economic and social dimensions of sustainability; provides guidance on best and next practice for projects in higher education and other sectors, and monitors pending regulations and other forms of governance that may affect the implementation of GW sustain ability projects in positive and/or negative ways. Analyzes the viability of proposed projects and investigates practical financing options with input from GW finance, budget, development, and other offices with fiscal responsibility at both the university and school levels. Forms trusted and effective relationships and partnerships, and manage such partnerships in a way that leads to mutual benefit in the implementation of sustainability programs and projects. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications
Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications
A passion for and in-depth knowledge on sustainable initiatives Post-secondary coursework in business and/or environment is desired. A demonstrated experience building relations and working collaboratively. Strong knowledge of the issues of materials recovery and zero waste, energy and climate change, water conservation and quality, food systems, transportation alternatives, and/or urban biodiversity is highly desirable. Experience and skills at managing process projects, and cross-functional teams, and in facilitating group processes and meetings, as well as in change management. Highly motivated and self-directed, comfortable working in a loosely structured environment both independently and as part of a team, willing and able to assume a high level of responsibility for a project from start to finish, show initiative to seize and develop new opportunities, and persistence with organizational change. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating tact and diplomacy to consistently interact effectively and flexibly with diverse groups of people including executive management, faculty, staff, students and the public is essential is desired.

Work Schedule
Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm