Assistant Director, Sustainability; Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies

About the role

The Assistant Director, Sustainability; Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies plays a central role at Colgate University, advancing institutional sustainability goals while strengthening academic and co-curricular experiences. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving high-impact sustainability initiatives and student development programs.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, supervise, and mentor a diverse team of student interns in the Office of Sustainability, fostering leadership development, professional growth, and meaningful student contributions to campus sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Garden Manager on the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of student interns, particularly for the summer Sustainability and Community Garden programs, to ensure a coordinated and enriching student experience.
• Support and enhance the Sustainability Representatives (S-Reps) Program, the Student Sustainability Council, and other student leadership pathways.
• Oversee key sustainability initiatives, including the Free Store, Green Bikes Program, and campus waste reduction and reuse efforts.
• Collaborate closely with the Garden Manager to support student engagement, programming, and seasonal operations, ensuring student interns and sustainability-focused students have a meaningful and enriching experience.
• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives that advance institutional priorities related to carbon neutrality, climate resilience, waste minimization, and sustainable campus operations.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and events, ensuring timely execution, effective delegation, clear communication, and alignment with institutional sustainability goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve program efficiency, scalability, measurable impact, and long-term effectiveness of both the sustainability and Environmental Studies programs.
• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of institutional sustainability data, including the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and other sustainability metrics.
• Aid in benchmarking, reporting, and external assessments such as AASHE STARS and other sustainability/environmental benchmarking or reporting systems.
• Utilize research methodologies, assessment tools, and data analysis techniques to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement assessment strategies that connect program priorities and outcomes to broader Sustainability Office/Environmental Studies program and institutional goals.
• Administer and analyze surveys and other assessment tools to inform strategic planning, decision-making, and program development.
• Oversee sustainability and Environmental Studies communications, including newsletters, websites, social media, promotional materials, and educational outreach campaigns.
• Design educational programs, campaigns, and outreach initiatives with measurable objectives, timelines, and outcomes.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus and community partners to expand the reach and impact of sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain and enhance the Environmental Studies Resource Room and lending library as a hub for student engagement and learning.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in sustainability or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability planning, environmental concepts, greenhouse gas accounting, climate action strategies, and waste minimization practices.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in supervising, mentoring, and developing student leaders and in implementing programs and initiatives.
• Strong research, assessment, and analytical skills, including the ability to use data and evaluation methods to improve program outcomes and support institutional decision-making.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills, including experience facilitating group engagement and developing outreach and educational materials for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and community partners in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of managing evolving priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Workspace required.

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.