Director of Energy & Sustainability (Administrator II)

Position Summary

Become a Sustainability Leader at SDSU

Are you ready to lead transformational change in sustainability and energy innovation? San Diego State University is seeking a visionary Director of Energy & Sustainability to shape the future of our campus and community through bold environmental leadership and strategic resource management.

About the Role

As the university’s senior sustainability officer, you’ll report to the Associate Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs and serve as the driving force behind SDSU’s energy and sustainability strategy. Your mission: reduce the university’s environmental impact, develop and manage energy conservation projects, champion sustainable development, and embed a culture of sustainability across academics, operations, and student life.

What You’ll Lead

• Campus-Wide Sustainability Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive program that includes development of data-informed business plans and implementation strategies for energy efficiency, water conservation, zero waste, carbon neutrality, and green building initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with academic, research, student, and alumni groups to integrate sustainability into all aspects of university life.
• Project Execution: Lead high-impact projects that deliver measurable environmental and financial results, positioning SDSU as a sustainability leader within the CSU system and beyond.
• Policy & Compliance: Ensure alignment with CSU systemwide goals and regulatory requirements, while advancing SDSU’s Climate Action Plan and environmental justice commitments.
• Innovation & Technical Expertise: Serve as the campus authority on energy and water conservation, LEED implementation, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion sustainability and lead SDSU to more sustainable behaviors and practices.
• Develop financial pro formas and project manage energy conservation measures.
• Oversee greenhouse gas tracking, climate action planning, and sustainability reporting.
• Manage energy procurement, utility budgeting, and vendor relationships.
• Lead grant writing, fundraising, and sustainability marketing and outreach.
• Coordinate sustainability efforts across departments  (e.g., Procurement and Parking & Transportation).
• Supervise staff, manage departmental budgets, and foster a high-performance team culture.

What We’re Looking For

• A strategic, forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in sustainability, energy systems, and environmental policy.
• A collaborative communicator who can engage diverse stakeholders and inspire action.
• A data-driven decision-maker with a track record of delivering results and driving institutional change.
• A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of one of California’s leading public universities. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and join us in building a more sustainable tomorrow.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

The Office of Energy and Sustainability (OE&S) department manages the campus energy, water conservation, waste diversion and recycling, climate action planning, and sustainability educational outreach and behavioral change initiatives. The OE&S department is responsible for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste diversion/zero waste, green building and sustainability program management and project planning, and assists in campus energy and utility planning.

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