Sustainability Manager

The City of McKinney, TX is seeking a Sustainability Manager to lead the Office of Environmental Sustainability. The role involves developing and implementing sustainability initiatives, managing a team, collaborating with various departments, and conducting research and analysis to enhance sustainability outcomes. Candidates should embrace the city's core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. This position is based in McKinney, TX and is not remote.
Summary

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY

Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.

OUR CORE VALUES

City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high-performance organization (HPO).

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Under general direction from the Senior Environmental Services Manager, the Sustainability Manager is responsible for the management of the Office of Environmental Sustainability to include research, development, organization, and implementation of programs aimed at increasing sustainability outcomes for the city. Performs professional, complex, analytical, and technical work to achieve identified sustainability outcomes in the key focus areas: resource conservation, recovery and efficiency, natural environment, built environment, and climate resiliency and adaptation. Responsible for policy research, quantitative analysis, professional and technical writing, grant applications, reporting, presentations, budget development, public communication, strategic planning, and organizational management. Works collaboratively with other departments and divisions to achieve sustainable initiatives. Implement programs that engage the community as an active role in the city’s sustainability efforts and to achieve strategic goals that result in a measurable positive impact.

Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Leads and manages the Office of Environmental Sustainability (OES) team, providing direction, oversight, and professional development.
• Develops and implements sustainability initiatives that align with McKinney’s strategic priorities, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and measurable outcomes. Projects may include resource conservation, recovery and efficiency, improved quality of both natural and built environment, and climate resiliency and adaptation.
• Performs goal setting and long-range program planning for municipal sustainability. Works with staff to create and improve programs and provide professional and technical assistance to other city departments, divisions, and outside organizations.
• Facilitates inter-departmental and -divisional collaboration on sustainability projects by developing and managing a citywide sustainability working group.
• Collects, manages, and analyzes complex datasets to track key sustainability indicators, measure program outcomes, and establish annual performance targets; develops action plans to address unmet needs and ensure progress toward sustainability goals; prepares reports, studies, and surveys using statistical data to create engaging visual storytelling that informs decision-making and highlights program success.
• Collaborates with city departments and divisions to identify and help integrate sustainable practices into municipal and community operations; fosters and coordinates new ideas and concepts for systems level approaches to identify materials and resources to supplement, expand, or replace existing policies and programs related to sustainability; aides in the creation of ordinances and ordinance revisions.
• Works in conjunction with the marketing and communication team to develop and facilitate a multi-faceted annual communication strategy focused on responsible resource use.
• Pursues and manages grants to support sustainability initiatives, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Helps ensure regulatory compliance with environmental laws and municipal ordinances related to sustainability and waste management.
• Independently and collaboratively performs administrative and operational tasks, including preparing reports, budgets, feasibility studies, and research projects; assists with program development, meetings, and special events; and provides recommendations to improve service delivery and systems.
• Engages in local and state government workshops and events to collaborate on program development, contribute to regional sustainability initiatives, stay informed on emerging trends and best practices, and provide input on policy discussions.
• Provides guidance and resources for residents, businesses, communities and civic groups, and schools to participate in sustainability initiatives.
• Delivers highly effective written and verbal communications, including the ability to interact and build professional relationships with diverse audiences at all levels.
• Oversees the coordination and supervision of volunteers and volunteer base for various programs.
• Represents Environmental Services in local, regional, and state sustainability discussions to stay informed on best practices and emerging trends.
• Creates and maintains a database of contacts and volunteers.
• Assists supervisor with budget development and special projects.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
• May be required to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
• May travel to attend meetings, conferences, special events and training.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS
• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to develop practical, results-driven sustainability programs that align with City priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, professional writing, and data storytelling for diverse internal and external stakeholders. Skill in community-based social marketing a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis to track sustainability performance and make informed decisions.
• Knowledge of municipal operations and how sustainability can be integrated into public services.
• Skilled grant writing and motivated to pursue outside program funding opportunities.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal departments, external partners, and the public.
• Remains flexible and adaptable, especially during times of change or opposition.
• Quickly builds relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders and can use persuasion or influence to drive change.
• Requires the ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as city codes, state statutes, zoning maps and code enforcement books, site plan approvals, and sub-division plats.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs effectively.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• Uses sound judgment, decisiveness and creativity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Publisher, Access, and Excel required. Ability to use Creative Suite from Adobe including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator preferred.
• Provides strong contributions as a team member and treats co-workers and customers with respect.
• Remains flexible and adaptable, especially during times of change.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.

Bachelor’s degree required in public policy, sustainable development, environmental science, engineering, education, business administration, or a related field. Five (5) years of related experience in sustainability program development, municipal operations, or environmental management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree in public policy, sustainable development, environmental science, engineering, education, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Comprehensive data analysis, program development, and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License

Physical Demands/Supplemental

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Tasks involve ability to exert light physical efforts in sedentary to light work which may involve standing in work areas and walking between work areas while being subject to moderate noise levels. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information and ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, equipment and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Working in outdoor conditions, sometimes including both hot and cold adverse weather, is also required

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The City offers a full complement of benefits:

Health Insurance
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Medical and Childcare Account (FSA)
• Mental Health Care and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance
• City-paid and Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance through Aflac

Additional Benefits
• Legal Services through Legal Shield
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Wellness Program (earn up to $600 per year)

Retirement
• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mandatory 7% employee contribution
• City match 2:1
• 5 year vesting
• Retire after 20 years of service, or age 60 with 5 years of service
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans

Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Vacation (80 hours per year for new hires; tiered increases after 2 yrs)
• Sick Leave (135 hours per year for yourself and immediate family)
• Paid Parental Leave (80 hours for birth, adoption, or placement of a child in foser care)
• Ten Paid Holidays
• Personal Day
• Optional compensatory time for hourly employees
• Compensatory time for salaried employees