Senior Sustainability Program Lead

About the role

The Senior Sustainability Program Lead leads campus sustainability data collection, analysis, and reporting, and champions efforts to align sustainability goals with organizational capacity across divisions and departments. The incumbent oversees campus reporting for the AASHE STARS rating program and collaborates with FD&O leadership to analyze performance, develop measurement strategies, and recommend interventions to advance sustainability goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead campus-wide sustainability data collection, analysis, and reporting to demonstrate compliance with CSU policy, regulatory requirements, and institutional goals.
• Oversee and manage SJSU’s AASHE STARS certification process, including data submission, credit improvement strategies, and coordination across all five functional areas.
• Develop sustainability performance metrics, conduct in-depth analysis, and present strategic recommendations to FD&O and campus leadership.
• Prepare and publish recurring and special sustainability reports, including bi-annual campus sustainability reports and Chancellor’s Office submissions.
• Plan and implement sustainability initiatives integrating environmental, economic, and equity principles across campus operations and capital projects.
• Serve as the primary campus liaison for sustainability programs, representing SJSU to internal stakeholders, the CSU system, regulatory agencies, and external organizations.
• Identify funding, grant, and incentive opportunities to advance sustainability, carbon reduction, and climate resilience initiatives.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability frameworks, reporting systems, and regulatory standards, including AASHE STARS, LEED, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and CSU Sustainability Policy.
• Advanced analytical skills to collect, interpret, and evaluate complex sustainability data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Strong knowledge of public-sector budgeting, utility operations, and lifecycle cost analysis within a large, multi-facility environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level reports and present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional collaboration skills to implement sustainability initiatives that align environmental performance with economic and equity objectives.

Skills

• Ability to independently develop measurement methodologies, assessment tools, and performance tracking systems for institutional sustainability goals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, faculty, operations teams, external agencies, and systemwide stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills to implement sustainability initiatives that align environmental performance with economic and equity objectives.

Benefits

San José State University offers a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Pay

$7,578/month - $9,056/month (Step 3 – Step 12)

Schedule

Compensation classification: Sustainability Professional IV