Salary: $66,000.00 - $82,500.00 Annually

Location : City Hall; 1707 St Johns Ave.; Highland Park, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2024-30

Department: City Manager's Office

Opening Date: 09/27/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description of Primary Purpose

Primary Purpose: Leads, manages, coordinates, facilitates and advises on the development, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of local government policies, programs, and initiatives advancing environmental sustainability. As a core priority of the City, environmental sustainability plays a role across all departments. The Sustainability Manager will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of programs and policies to meet the objectives outlined in the City's 2023-2027 Sustainability Plan. In addition, the Sustainability Manager will work in collaboration with City Staff and others to develop and implement a plan to meet the greenhouse gas emission goals of a 45% reduction by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2035. The Sustainability Manager serves as the staff liaison to the Sustainability Advisory Group, seeks and applies for grant funding related to environmental projects, and provides content for community education. Responsible for monitoring and reporting of the City's greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining the City's Sustainability Projects website map, updating the City Sustainability Plan, coordinating environmental sustainability related community events, and working closely with MC², SWALCO, LRS, and other partners on energy and waste management matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supports and participates in the development and execution of sustainability program objectives to reduce the City's impact on the environment. Manages the development and ongoing updates to the Sustainability Plan.

Prepares or assists in compiling and writing a variety of reports in statistical, graphic, or narrative form. Including but not limited to GHG analysis, grant writing, and sustainability education narratives.

Reviews City plans/policies/programs and provides analysis and recommendations regarding sustainability initiatives. Assists with developing the scope of work for contracts and development of Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals on sustainability projects.

Researches the impact and efficacy of emerging sustainability technologies, strategizes and provides recommendations to implement renewable energy technologies and incorporate best management environmental practices in the delivery of City programs and services.

Serves as the staff liaison to the Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG); working alongside the SAG to achieve their annual work plan objectives.

Coordinates and manages special events for the community related to environmental sustainability, which may include Arbor Day, Solar Tour, EV Show, Compost Giveaway, elections sign recycling and other events as required.

Coordinates quarterly waste hauler meetings with LRS and SWALCO, promote community solar and electric aggregation programs, serves as the City representative on sustainability initiatives with partner agencies, and builds relationships with sustainability partners.

Completes general administrative duties including, but not limited to requisitions and invoicing.

Education and Experience

Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in planning, environmental science, sustainable business, engineering, public administration/policy or a related field required. Master's degree in relevant field strongly preferred.

Experience: Must possess a strong working knowledge of sustainability concepts and best practices and a minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental program development, sustainability, resource conservation, waste reduction, recycling, or related area.

Certification or License: A valid driver's license or equivalent is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies: Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This position requires the ability to effectively problem solve, the skills to manage multiple projects at once working with internal and external stakeholders across multiple departments and organizations, and the ability to take initiative while also understanding when to elevate specific items or issues. Excellent communication skills as well as the ability to produce reports of a varying nature on a timely basis, and skills in the operation of a computer. Need to be able to work effectively in an individual capacity, and as part of or leading a team. The willingness to learn with the ability to be friendly and open and the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City officials, employees, the general public, and governmental and non-governmental partners and entities.

Full-time employees are entitled to a host of wide-ranging benefits including:

Health and Dental Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Pension Programs
457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Wellness Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Longevity Pay
Paid Vacation Time (80.00 hr year one accrual rate)
Paid Personal Time (40.00 hr annual, prorated in year one)
Paid Sick Time (96.00 hr year one accrual rate)

City of Highland Park, IL jobs

Sustainability Manager