The Sustainability Specialist is responsible for leading the College’s sustainability effort, connecting stakeholders and providing continuity and progress in a community where a large portion of the population (the student portion) changes with each year. While reporting to the Capital Projects Manager, the Sustainability Specialist will have close working relationships with the Sustainability Committee, Plant Operations, faculty and the Dean of Students staff. This part-time position has an anticipated schedule of 23 hours per week over 10 months (with mid-June to mid-August being the off months). This position is eligible for vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, free membership to the College’s Life Sports Center, as well as immediate eligibility to contribute to the College’s retirement plan. For more information on College benefits, visit our Muhlenberg Benefits page.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, four-year residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; as well as pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. As part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. Along with Bethlehem and Easton, the region is home to a vibrant arts scene, a nationally unique parks system, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine and restaurants.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop clear goals and manage implementation of sustainability efforts in support of Muhlenberg’s strategic plan.
Identify, plan, and manage the implementation of infrastructural elements of sustainability efforts such as recycling, energy conservation, and use reduction.
Manage assessment of all sustainability programs including data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
Serve as lead staff member for the College Sustainability Committee. Collaborate with the Committee in support of objectives. Partner with the Co-Chairs in creating and organizing agendas for committee meetings. Record minutes of committee meetings and provide relevant expertise as needed.
In collaboration with the Office of Communications, develop public programming and outreach related to campus sustainability, including public signage and brochures, sustainability web page development, press releases, and public programming.
Lead and develop integration of sustainability efforts into campus culture, curriculum, and other educational components such as residential life, living/learning programming, Greek life, and orientation programs.
Develop and execute communications strategies to achieve integration of sustainability efforts.
In conjunction with the Development Office and faculty, lead development efforts in the area of Campus Sustainability.
Coordinate fall “Green Team” recycling program, move in, and orientation activities.
Develop and implement sustainability program assessments. Regular / annual contact with faculty to build awareness of sustainability and environmental issues as they may fit into department curricula.
Build and maintain a network of professional partnerships with sustainability groups, such as the Sierra Club, the Lehigh Valley Alliance for Sustainable Communities, Wildlands Conservancy, Sustainable Business Alliance, and Clean Water Action, other LVAIC sustainability personnel, the City of Allentown, and Trash and Recycling Haulers.
Serve as a key resource for ENACT (Environmental Action Team) and other student groups interested in serving the environment.
Manage the Office of Campus Sustainability in partnership with the Director of Sustainability Studies.Coordinate with the Director of Sustainability Studies to integrate campus sustainability activities with academic programs.
If desired, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to serve as adjunct faculty, teaching one course per year on campus sustainability in Environmental Studies. Subject to course review, availability, student interest, and approval by the Office of the Provost.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree (or equivalent combination of bachelor’s degree and professional experience) in sustainability policy, sustainable living, environmental policy, environmental conservation or related field.
Demonstrated experience implementing environmental or sustainability programs.
Demonstrated project and program management experience.
Experience with development of webpage content and interpretative materials.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with a diverse range of campus constituents and external stakeholders.
Experience working in a university or non-profit environment preferred.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or other sustainability program accreditation a plus.
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to education verification and national criminal background checks.
As part of the College’s sequential approach for the health and safety of our campus community, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire (absent an approved medical or religious exemption).
To apply, upload your cover letter, resume, separate diversity statement summarizing your experiences and commitment to equity and inclusion, and names/contact information for three references, preferably as one PDF, to our Career Portal: Muhlenberg Careers. (Your diversity statement should note how you demonstrate your commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in your work, community and/or personal life. This may include, for example, work assignments, community service/mentoring, committee service, recruitment/retention activities, etc.) Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.
An equal opportunity employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff from racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for additional information about Muhlenberg’s commitment to inclusive excellence and the College’s Diversity Strategic Plan.
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