Global Sustainability Director

The Global Sustainability Director will enhance Workiva’s growth and reputation for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Leading as a writer and project manager, they will be responsible for Sustainability and ESG program management. The role will advance Workiva’s sustainability strategy and ESG outcomes through execution of corporate programs identified by the Sustainability Task Force and executive team. They will accelerate progress, communication, and reporting through partnering with the communications, finance, risk, legal teams and sustainability disclosure work stream to develop an industry leading reporting and risk practice.

The Director is a proactive collaborator and communicator to internal stakeholders across the business with the goal of positioning Workiva as a leader in ESG and Sustainability.  

What You’ll Do

• Ensure development and implementation of the sustainability strategic program and public targets with work streams being effectively managed and milestones are achieved. Including managing Workiva’s Environmental Initiatives such as renewable energy transition within Iowa and other facility locations, rec and off setting programming, and consulting on sustainable supply chain efforts, recycling, and e-waste

• Serve as Program Director and Secretary to the Sustainability Task Force providing direction, meeting content, scheduling, meeting minutes, meeting recordings, and agendas to achieve goals including creating status reports to inform committees, CSO, and CFO as the executive chair

• Champion the Workiva Platform by providing on-going product feedback, beta testing, and being customer one for Sustainability and ESG

• Deliver year-over-year improvement in sustainability and ESG key performance indicators, impact outcomes 

• Lead and support responses to ESG ratings, rankings, RFPs, stakeholder inquiries, and annual sustainability reporting

• Lead and enhance internal Workiva Sustainability and ESG education, training, and communications in partnership with internal stakeholders

• Curate and manage content showcasing Workiva’s ESG social and economic impact across the organization. Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing teams to elevate visibility through various media channels (e.g., website, social media, intranet)

• Partner with internal stakeholders—including the ESG Controller, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Investor Relations, Legal, Communications, and subject-matter experts—to update and develop disclosures, data governance practices, policies, and risk procedures (e.g., Proxy, 10-K, ESG Data Center)

• Collaborate with the ESG Controller to ensure the accuracy, validation, and internal controls of disclosed data in the Form 10-K, Proxy, and impact report

• Provide mentorship and guidance to interns, consultants, and temporary team members

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, finance, accounting or closely related fields

• 10+ years progressive experience in project management, reporting or closely related field

• Experience leading sustainability and ESG programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Minor or certifications in environmental, social, and governance, public policy, communication corporate social responsibility, or sustainability

• Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship certification, Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential Holder, CPA, or additional ESG training

• In-depth knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks and third-party investor ratings: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Taskforce on Climate Financial Disclosures (TCFD), UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), CDP, MSCI, ISS, EcoVadis, and Sustainalytics.

• Proficient working knowledge of Workiva solutions and features
  Experience leading and facilitating group process and collaboration for reporting or risk

• Excellent analytical, project management, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to interpret data, provide actionable insights, and lead multiple projects in a matrixed, global organization

Travel Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Up to 30% travel to meet with project teams and stakeholders

• Reliable internet access for any per