Sustainability Compliance Specialist

HOK is seeking a Sustainability Compliance Specialist in Washington, DC, to join their legal compliance team. The role involves conducting audits, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, and managing GHG emissions accounting. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of carbon compliance, EHS reporting, and experience with sustainability frameworks. Responsibilities include preparing reports, identifying GHG reduction opportunities, and assisting with HOK's climate action plan and ESG reporting.
HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm recognized as the #1 A/E firm by Architectural Record, one of TIME Magazine's Most Influential Firms, and one of the Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. We are currently seeking a Sustainability Compliance Specialist to be part of our collaborative team. This role will work with our legal compliance team on a mix of tasks such as conducting audits, assessments, and ensuring compliance with laws and standards.

Who is the ideal candidate for this role?

You will be an ideal candidate if you are an organized, self-starter with proven knowledge of carbon and greenhouse gas compliance, EHS reporting, and the ability to take ownership of managing HOK’s climate action plan and GHG emissions accounting and reporting.

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Prepare clear and concise reports and technical documents and present findings.
• Assist in identifying where HOK can reduce GHG emissions in its portfolio of leased office spaces.
• Assist with developing and maintaining HOK’s green lease standards.
• Provides input into development of policies and procedures to implement the HOK’s GHG emissions reduction targets, accounting procedures, and reporting processes.
• Use appropriate tools to identify decarbonization opportunities and provide GHG emissions accounting, across HOK’s operations.
• Assist in integrating decarbonization measures into HOK’s business strategies, processes, and policies.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for the company on a range of GHG emission data collection, analysis, and reporting with specific experience with the Carbon Disclosure Project (or similar platform), Science-Based Target Initiative, and GHG Protocols.
• Assist in developing a standardized ESG reporting framework based on internationally recognized standards such as the World Economic Forum Stakeholder Metrics Initiative and the Global Reporting Initiative.
• Work closely with other corporate departments to identify emerging trends affecting ESG and GHG reporting and to provide input into adapting HOK’s policies and procedures as needed to respond.
• Assist with developing and presenting annual training on HOK’s ESG and GHG policies and procedures.
• Assist with reviewing and updating HOK’s climate action plan.
• Assist with reviewing and updating HOK’s ESG Report.
• Assist with developing internal controls for compliance with GHG emissions accounting and reporting commitment.
• Provide support in responding to ESG and decarbonization-related assessment questionnaires and disclosure requirements.

Required Skills
• Confidently understand carbon accounting and environmental reporting frameworks such as the GHG Protocol, SBTi, CDP, TCFD, CSRD, GRI, WEF SMI, ISO 14001, SB 253, and SB 261.
• Familiar with climate risk disclosure reporting requirements with some practical experience in their application.
• Preferred candidate will demonstrate experience and skills across all Scopes (1, 2 and 3).
• Experience with maintaining and updating sustainability or climate action plans.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, problem-solving, and summarization skills.
• Demonstrate excellent presentation, communication, and writing skills.
• Passionate about sustainable operations and environmental, social, and governance topics.

Required Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental science, sustainability management, ESG, engineering, architecture, or a related discipline.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in ESG compliance, GHG accounting, decarbonization, or related fields.

HOK is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits plan to meet their current and future needs. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(K) savings plans; disability, life and accident insurance; paid time off (PTO); and parental leave. In addition, HOK employees enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education and location. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in Washington D.C. is $75,000 - $95,000 per year. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in Denver is $72,000 - $92,000 per year. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in New York is $75,000 - $95,000 per year. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $80,000 - $100,000 per year. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in San Francisco is $83,000 - $103,000 per year. Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus.

HOK is a drug-free workplace. HOK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law. #LI-BH1