Sustainability Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Under the oversight of the Senior Director of Energy, Utilities & Sustainability, 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 Senior Sustainability Program Lead 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. Working with campus leadership, the incumbent supports sustainability planning, engagement, and the development of administrative directives, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with evolving sustainability requirements.

Key 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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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
• Ability to independently develop measurement methodologies, assessment tools, and performance tracking systems for institutional sustainability goals
• 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
• 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

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
• Five years of relevant experience
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis
• Professional certifications in sustainability may be required for some positions

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer professional certification in sustainability or energy management
• Six years progressively responsible professional work experience associated with sustainability and/or environmental/community planning and analysis with demonstrated progression in career growth based on complexity of assignments and scope of responsibility
• Experience in sustainability analysis for a State facility, College or University, or other large-scale, multi-facility complex such as a corporate campus
• Experience managing complex datasets and providing highly analytical reports and action plans based on such information
• Experience developing processes, procedures, and guidelines to organize, implement, and administer complex programs, projects, and initiatives

Compensation

Classification: Sustainability Professional IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,578/month - $9,056/month (Step 3 - Step 12)
CSU Salary Range: $7,284/month - $10,611/month (Step 1 - Step 20)
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: February 24, 2026, through March 11, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.