Chief Sustainability Officer

The Sustainability Coordinator will be responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing management of policies, programs, and projects that advance the Town of Carrboro’s sustainability goals as determined by the Town Council and Manager. These goals may include energy, water, structural and development environment, climate change mitigation, and community resilience. Under the supervision of the Town Manager, this position will operate in coordination with staff across Town departments on projects that incorporate sustainability goals.

Physical Requirements
Work is performed in an office environment. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, standing, walking, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

• Supports strategic planning efforts in line with long-term sustainable outcomes that relate to resource efficiency, renewable energy, climate resiliency, and conservation for Town properties and common spaces (parks, sidewalks, infrastructure).
• Develops projects, programs, and studies that enable the Town to achieve sustainability goals.
• Coordinates with project managers across Town departments to provide technical review and project support for building upgrades, construction, site planning, and ongoing management or maintenance.
• Conducts data analysis and provides technical expertise to facility managers as relates to resource efficiency, management, and other metrics.
• Assumes responsibilities for overall sustainability work with focus on community participation, data-driven outcomes, and transparency.
• Fosters a culture of equity and inclusion as it aligns with the Town’s values.
• Actively identify state and federal grant funding opportunities to support the Town’s sustainability goals.
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Provide oversight and leadership to the Town and established advisory committees related to climate action and sustainability.
• Supervise a team of sustainability and climate action practitioners.
• Serve as an advisor to the Town Manager’s Office on sustainability considerations and initiatives.

A combination of education and professional work experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university in the field of sustainability, with preference given to those candidates with a bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, energy, or related fields and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability planning and implementation OR a master’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields and two (2) years of experience. Applicants MUST also possess the following:

• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• A valid North Carolina driver’s license and good driving record.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of municipal planning and development.
• Familiarity with the Town and North Carolina ordinances and land use policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability best-practices, theories, and principles as they apply to municipal operations.

• Problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend and implement effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills that lend themselves to productive, collaborative working relationships.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills that support clear reporting and presentation.
• Skill in forecasting budgets, analyzing cost savings, and determining future return on investments; produces detailed analysis of proposed investments and progress reports towards achieving sustainability goals.
• Skill in short-term and long-term strategic planning.

• Ability to coordinate, conduct, compute, and analyze data relating to sustainability practices and outcomes.
• Ability to identify external funding opportunities, including grants and incentive programs, as well as preparing funding applications.
• Ability to use and/or learn software selected by the Town and department that support or enable job functions.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and provide recommendations on potential administrative or operational problems related to sustainability.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written correspondence while establishing working relationships with other personnel, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.

Disclaimer

CARRBORO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Town of Carrboro considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their skills, dedication and service, to the diversity and excellence of our organization.