Director of Sustainability

Department: Facilities & Campus Operations

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes-

About the Department:

George Mason University Facilities ensures a high-quality physical environment that supports the university's mission. We will be the technical and business experts of choice, trusted and confident by our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Position:

George Mason University is recruiting for a Director to lead its Office of Sustainability.  You'll be a State employee of Virginia, working out of the Fairfax campus and becoming part of the George Mason University patriot team.

We want someone reliable who takes pride in their work and will make a noticeable contribution to facilities and campus operations at George Mason.

George Mason's Facilities & Campus Operations department is committed to providing a safe, functional, and clean community experience at the university. So, what’s in it for you?

Great benefits for you…

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval);
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary.
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit;
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan; and
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!

For you and your family…

• Health/dental/vision benefits; and
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

The Director of Sustainability provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University’s sustainability efforts, advancing institutional goals in energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and resilience. The role directs the University Sustainability team; develops and manages sustainability programs, funding, and assessments; and integrates sustainability into university planning, operations, academics, and partnerships. The Director serves as a primary advisor to Facilities and University leadership, academic units, and external partners, promoting data-informed decision-making and innovation by using the university as a living laboratory to improve environmental performance, enrich learning experiences, and enhance the institution’s reputation as a regional leader in sustainability.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership 

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the University Sustainability team and institution-wide sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives;
• Leads the implementation and continuous improvement of the university’s Energy Efficiency and Resiliency Action Plan aligned with the university’s overall strategic goals;
• Establishes short and long term sustainability agendas in collaboration with university leadership;
• Collaborates with Energy & Sustainability leadership to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy adoption;
• Provides institutional leadership and subject-matter expertise to integrate energy efficiency and sustainability outcomes into capital and non-capital projects and campus initiatives;
• Provides expert guidance on design and construction standards, processes, and project decisions to improve life-cycle energy performance and support institutional priorities; and
• Provides energy and sustainability guidance and technical support to Facilities & Campus Operations and other key operational stakeholders.

Program Management 

• Develops, monitors, and updates University Sustainability’s program budgets; 
• Supports waste reduction, recycling, composting, and circular economy initiatives, including Zero Waste Mason and Patriot Packout;
• Oversees the Patriot Green Fund, including prioritizin