Chief Sustainability Officer

Montgomery County (PA) seeks a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) based in Norristown, responsible for leading and enhancing sustainability policies and initiatives within local government. The CSO will collaborate with senior leadership, manage programs, advise elected officials, and engage with stakeholders to promote environmental and economic sustainability. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree (master's preferred), extensive knowledge of sustainability practices, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster interdepartmental collaboration.
The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is responsible for leading, coordinating, and advising on the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of local government policies, programs, and initiatives that promote environmental, energy, economic, and social sustainability. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, the CSO will work with the senior leadership to foster a culture of sustainability throughout the government organization.

• Provide visionary leadership in planning and executing city/county sustainability initiatives and programs.
• Oversee sustainability initiatives and programs, ensuring effective implementation and measurable results.
• Facilitate collaboration across interdepartmental and interagency task forces, teams, and working groups.
• Coordinate with department directors and managers to manage, measure, and monitor sustainability initiatives.
• Advise elected officials on sustainability-related issues and respond to inquiries.
• Conduct policy analysis, development, and advocacy to advance sustainability goals.
• Promote sustainability practices within government operations and foster a sustainability-focused organizational culture.
• Communicate sustainability goals, progress, and achievements to the public.
• Develop and implement systems for measuring and monitoring sustainability outcomes.
• Engage with state, federal, and regional governments, as well as local communities and stakeholders, to align and advance sustainability efforts.
• Collaborate with community organizations, advocacy groups, and industry leaders.
• Research and secure funding opportunities, including grant development, for sustainability projects.
• Direct organizational analysis, strategic planning, and continuous improvement processes to enhance sustainability efforts.
• Track the county’s performance in meeting our sustainability goals.

Education and Credentials
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, sustainable business, engineering, public administration/policy, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience and Skills
• Comprehensive understanding of models and programs for urban sustainability, including federal and state policies and measurement/monitoring methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of climate change science, energy and environmental management principles, social behavior change, and economic development.
• Expertise in public administration, policy development, government financing, and intergovernmental relations.
• Proficiency in organizational change management strategies and methods.
• Proven ability to analyze, develop, and implement effective sustainability programs and policies.
• Excellent relationship-building and collaborative planning skills with various stakeholders, including elected officials.
• Capacity to design and apply performance measurement systems and initiate continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel to various Montgomery County facilities and communities reliably.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings for community meetings and events.
• Light physical effort with intermittent sitting, standing, and walking.
• Comfortable working conditions but with some exposure to stress from problem-solving and liaising across departments and communities.