At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , our Principles of Community , and our Strategic Plan .
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu .
Departmental Overview Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. With over 500 dedicated staff members serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.
As a key strategist, this role works closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor to develop and implement both long- and short-term plans for UC Berkeley's sustainability efforts, driving initiatives with campus-wide impact. The position requires advanced professional knowledge to resolve complex environmental challenges while navigating a highly visible, politically sensitive, and legally complex landscape. Responsibilities include managing professional staff, vendors, and consultants involved in various administrative and project functions. The role leverages a deep understanding of UC protocols and sustainability expertise to research, develop, and implement sustainability efforts across the campus. As a recognized expert, the individual provides guidance to campus leadership, staff, faculty, and students, as well as UC locations and community partners, on topics such as climate action, sustainable physical planning, green buildings, renewable energy, water and energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and waste reduction. The role also serves as an internal consultant, integrating sustainability into campus strategic and physical planning while researching and implementing new practices for the campus and the UC system. Additionally, the position involves project development and management, establishing performance metrics, enhancing sustainability-focused curriculum and research, and leading communication and outreach efforts to foster behavioral and organizational change. The individual manages data collection and reporting, while working to establish UC Berkeley as a leader in sustainability at local, national, and international levels. As the sustainability spokesperson, this role represents the University on internal and external boards, at conferences, in media interactions, and through engagement with visitors from around the world.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: October 7, 2024
Responsibilities - Recommends, develops, and implements programs, policies, guidelines, best practices, financial incentives, and support services for sustainability projects and initiatives.
- Uses up-to-date knowledge of laws, regulations, mandates, and initiatives to advise on industry and regulatory trends impacting the university's sustainability initiatives.
- Works with faculty, students, and administrative partners to educate, foster a culture of, and operationalize sustainability on campus.
- Pursues opportunities for grants, partnerships, philanthropy, and other resources to support sustainability efforts.
- Works closely with campus partners including Facilities, EH&S, and Capital Strategies to develop and implement projects and programs that deliver sustainability initiatives in clean energy, green building, climate action, zero waste, water consumption, and other areas.
- Oversees student interns working on sustainability initiatives in cooperation with academic units.
- Develops and creates effective communication to share sustainability goals, initiatives, and strategies.
- Oversees the content of websites and social media in support of sustainability communication.
- Works with campus partners on internal and external communication regarding sustainability and acts as campus spokesperson when necessary.
- Facilitates communication strategies to provide awareness of sustainability, energy management, and resource conservation programs.
- Collaborates with University administration to shape and deliver campus messages about sustainability to internal and external constituencies and serves as campus spokesperson as necessary.
- Coordinates outreach and education programs related to UC Berkeley's sustainability efforts.
- Gathers, analyzes, and monitors campus data on energy consumption, program metrics, sustainability cost drivers, and other inputs to inform sustainability efforts.
- Oversees the data gathering, monitoring, and reporting responsibilities for internal, external, and rating organization partners.
- Provides a framework for policy and administrative change, developing strategies for change management to remove barriers to goal achievement.
- Acts as technical lead for campus sustainability measures and best practices.
- Provides strategic oversight for the development of the annual budget, determining expense priorities, and recommending and implementing changes to methods, unit planning, staffing, programs, and other financial activities.
- Initiates and designs campus studies, summary reports, and background materials, including approaches, trends, and sources and uses, that have a significant impact on individual or multiple departments.
Required Qualifications - Minimum of 5 years of experience implementing sustainability programs, or programs in a related field such as planning, environmental or resource management, facilities, or architecture, with substantial relevant leadership expertise.
- Advanced knowledge of Campus processes, protocols and procedures.
- Advanced skills in short- and long-range planning, program and project management, facilitation and collaboration.
- Sound strategic-thinking and consulting skills in guiding the Campus toward workable strategies and solutions.
- Proven ability to focus on priorities, strategies, and vision.
- Ability to coach, facilitate and influence people at all levels.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of staff and members of the community.
- Financial analysis and reporting techniques.
- Knowledge of and/or ability to learn common campus-specific and other computer application programs.
- Proven ability in behavior and organizational change management.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Expert understanding of sustainability theories as well as local, national, and global sustainability trends and best practices and ability to apply these theories in practical applications.
Education/Training:
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience in a university or non-profit setting is preferred.
- Advanced degree preferred
Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
- The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $121,100.00 - $177,500.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
- This is a full-time, Career position.
- This position is eligible for full UC benefits.
How to Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Mandated Reporter This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.
Diversity Statement Please include, as part of your application a brief (1-2 paragraph) statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your professional experience.
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our UC Berkeley Principles of Community, which states that every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring, and humane environment in which these values can thrive."
Other Information This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy .
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy .