Director of Sustainability

William & Mary is seeking a Director of Sustainability to lead initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and promoting environmental stewardship across campus. The role involves collaboration with the university community to foster sustainability in operations, academics, and infrastructure. The position emphasizes leadership and civic engagement, aligning with the university's commitment to innovation while honoring its historical roots.
Situation Overview:
ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Director of Sustainability for William & Mary.

About William & Mary:
William & Mary, founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Named after King William III and Queen Mary II of England, the university has played a crucial role in American history, serving as a center for Enlightenment thinking and shaping the nation’s early leadership. Notable alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler, three U.S. presidents who contributed significantly to the country's founding and governance.

William & Mary is known for its rigorous academics, strong research programs, and commitment to sustainability. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as law, business, and public policy. It also prides itself on its honor code, fostering a culture of trust and integrity among students, and is home to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. The university has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and incorporates sustainability into its campus operations, academics, and infrastructure. The Office of the Architect within Business Affairs plays a crucial role in maintaining its 1,200-acre campus, ensuring that new and renovated buildings adhere to green design principles. Notable projects include LEED-certified buildings like the Integrated Science Center and the revitalization of historic structures to enhance functionality and energy efficiency.

Beyond academics, William & Mary fosters leadership, service, and civic engagement, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to their communities. The university’s approach to planning and design balances its rich historical roots with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Its master plan emphasizes walkability, green spaces, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, ensuring that campus developments align with long-term environmental goals. This combination of tradition and forward-thinking initiatives allows William & Mary to maintain its reputation as a distinguished institution that not only honors its past but also actively shapes a sustainable future.

Sustainability & Stewardship:
William & Mary Sustainability fosters collaboration across the university in environmental, social, and economic flourishing. The office is a resource for the W&M community and engages students in the process of creating change in a manner intended to help them become leaders who will influence the world.

Sustainability at William & Mary is the dynamic interactions between society and the environment, operating in ways that improve the well-being of all. This recognizes the multiple dimensions of society, such as individual well-being, culture, livelihoods, economics, and governance.

A sustainable world is flourishing societies, individuals, economies, and environments. Sustainability as a mindset recognizes the connectivity and intersectionality of the whole picture. It is a lens that can be applied to any topic.

Senior Management:

Dan Pisaniello, Assistant Vice President, University Architect

Dan provides strategic planning and oversight for three university-wide areas of focus: Campus Planning, Design & Construction, and W&M Sustainability. His role includes collaboration with university leadership and stakeholders to plan and prioritize architectural and engineering projects, develop and implement the master plan, provide interior design services, oversee construction management and capital improvements, and coordinate sustainability initiatives in support of the university's strategic goals.

The work of OUA spans over sixty projects that are part of the largest capital program in the university’s history - a $620 million portfolio featuring the restoration and preservation of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the creation of the first new school at William & Mary in more than half a century, and a significant public-private-partnership that will deliver new student housing for more than one thousand students. This work is being completed while implementing strategies that contribute to the university’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal. In addition to the management and implementation of this work, Dan reviews and guide projects, ensuring compliance with the university's master plan, architectural design guidelines, and technical standards.

Dan received his Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh and his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. He has over two decades of experience in the field and is a registered architect in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. Dan is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Association of University Architects (AUA), and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA). He is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction Specialty (LEED AP BD+C) and holds a certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Sean Hughes, Chief Business Officer

As Chief Business Officer at the nation’s second oldest university, Sean oversees a wide range of university-wide functions, including facilities management, real estate and strategic space planning, auxiliary services, environmental health & safety, procurement, accounts payable, and the university architect. With 19+ years of experience in operations leadership, administration, and real estate & construction, he brings a unique combination of skills and abilities to this role.

Currently, Sean is leading the creation of William & Mary’s Comprehensive Campus Plan which plans for the next 10-100 years. He serves on several boards of directors, chair multiple university wide committees, and am active in the greater Williamsburg community.

Prior to joining William & Mary, Sean served as the Director of Operational Planning and Real Estate at Charleston County School District, where he led all real estate actions and leasing activities, developed long-term real estate portfolio strategies, and managed a $1.8 billion portfolio of property assets. He also implemented facility operations and real estate management improvements that resulted in annual savings of $4.3 million.

EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching, and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Location:
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a historic city known for its rich colonial heritage and vibrant community. As part of the Historic Triangle, along with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, attracts visitors from around the world, immersing them in 18th-century life with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and engaging reenactments. The city is also home to the William & Mary, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious universities, contributing to a dynamic and educated population.

Beyond its historical significance, Williamsburg boasts a thriving economy supported by tourism, education, and healthcare industries. The city offers a high quality of life, with well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ample recreational opportunities. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a world-class theme park, and numerous golf courses, parks, and waterways provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The area’s commitment to sustainability and preservation ensures that its natural beauty and historic charm are maintained for future generations.

Williamsburg is an ideal location for those seeking a welcoming community with a strong sense of history and culture. The city's combination of small-town charm and modern conveniences makes it an attractive place to live and work. With its deep-rooted traditions, thriving local businesses, and strong civic engagement, Williamsburg continues to be a place where history meets opportunity.

Interview Process:
ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. Offer extended

About ZRG Partners:
ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Jim Lord, Managing Director
Helbling Division

jiml@helblingsearch.com

As Managing Director, Jim performs client development and manages a team of consultants. He also plays an instrumental role in shaping Helbling’s strategic vision and enhancing our executive search capabilities.

A Helbling team member since 1998, Jim has had the opportunity to represent organizations within all of Helbling’s focus disciplines. In addition to securing professionals for higher education and healthcare clients, he conducts and manages mid-to senior-level searches for general, heavy civil, and specialty construction firms, as well as real estate developers. Prior to joining Helbling, he was a Group Leader with an international consulting firm, providing executive assessment and development to the manufacturing industry.

Jim is a summa cum laude graduate of Duquesne University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. In 2018, he earned a certificate in Advanced Executive Search and Leadership Consulting from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Brian Roddy, Senior Associate
Broddy@zrgpartners.com

Brian began his search career at ZRG Partners where he built relationships with leading search, staffing, and PEO organizations. He has successfully completed search work at the executive, director, and middle-management levels. He also conducts executive searches for Helbling, a ZRG company.

While earning his MBA, Brian worked professionally in Real Estate, Finance, and Financial Services before returning to the search industry. After graduating from business school, Brian built a practice focused on full recruitment process outsourcing and has helped both public and private companies successfully design, develop, and implement large scale hiring initiatives.

Prior to joining ZRG, Brian worked as a consultant and for notable organizations in real estate, including Jones Lang Lasalle. Brian earned his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University.

Olivia Schwartzmier (Lyle), Project Coordinator
Olivial@helblingsearch.com

Olivia joined Helbling in late 2021 and is a Project Coordinator. She provides operational support to the firm while supporting Helbling’s executive search consultants with research and communications coordination on active search assignments. Her background in human resources is key as one of her responsibilities is reviewing and editing position descriptions for clients.

Olivia began her career as a human resources intern-turned-assistant for a local transportation company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Westminster College (PA). Favorite pastimes include cooking, theatre, and spending time with family and friends.