Department: Sustainability Duration of Position: Full year / Full time Work Schedule: Employee Type: Administrator Posting Date: 10/03/2023 Union Representation: Not Applicable Posting Number: AS428P Pay Rate: See compensation field Compensation: The starting annual base salary range for this position is $67,530 to $97,500 (USD).
When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.
About Vassar College Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar stands upon the homelands of the Munsee Lenape.Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically underrepresented groups.Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.Vassar College offers a comprehensive benefits package for administrators which includes:22 vacation days for full time employees - prorated if not full time, unlimited paid personal and sick time for use at the supervisors approval.14 paid holidays per year which includes the week between Christmas and New Years Day.A choice of three health plans (EPO, PPO, High Deductible), Participation in FSA, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.Voluntary, employee paid dental insurance plan.Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life InsuranceEmployer paid short-term and long-term disability programs.403(b) defined contribution plan after one year of service. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/retirement/New hires will be automatically enrolled in the SRA at a 4% employee contribution per paycheck.Tuition Benefits- Eligible after applicable waiting period. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/tuition/
Position Summary and Responsibilities Reporting to the Dean of Strategic Planning and Academic Resources, the Director of Sustainability is responsible for leading operational and strategic initiatives that further the College's environmental and social responsibility performance as it relates to sustainability. Emphasis on sustainability efforts, with a current focus on decarbonization, as a balance of environmental, social, and financial responsibilities is paramount. The Director of Sustainability will provide leadership and vision in efforts that span the College community.
Responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of strategic planning documents and frameworks related to sustainability at Vassar, including the 2025 Climate Action Plan, EV and bike parking plans, restorative land management guidelines, and others as they emerge.
Oversee operations, including budgets, for the Office of Sustainability, the Vassar Bike Shop, the Green Reinvestment Fund, current NYSERDA awards and other relevant gift and grant accounts.
Lead annual and semi-annual reporting requirements for AASHE STARS, the Princeton Review, the Sierra Club, Tree Campus USA, the Second Nature Climate Leadership Commitment, and others as needed.
Pursue and implement external funding opportunities for sustainability and related efforts in collaboration with the Office of Advancement, the Grants Office, the Preserve at Vassar, the Vassar Environmental Cooperative, and other departments.
Supervise and mentor volunteers, work-study students (6 - 10), work study bike mechanics (3 - 5) and summer/temporary staff.
Serve as a resource and knowledge expert on resource conservation, energy management, campus sustainability, and green building initiatives. Advise Facilities Operations, consulting architects, and others on opportunities for resource conservation and energy management in campus construction and capital projects.
Support faculty seeking to include sustainability topics in their courses through curricular development, guest lectures, guided field explorations, and other means.
Communicate ongoing initiatives and successes in the area of Sustainability in collaboration with the Communications Office and Office of Advancement.
Promote and manage relationships with community partners engaged in sustainability and climate resilience initiatives.
Provide thought leadership for sustainability in higher education through articles, conference presentations, and collaboration with other colleges and NGOs.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree with a minimum of three years of relevant experience. Masters degree in a related field preferred.
Strong listening, facilitation, and communication skills.
Self-starter willing to take initiative, work independently, and manage through uncertainty.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of constituencies such as faculty, students, staff, alums, administrators, and donors.
Familiarity with and experience in carbon accounting, sustainability, environmental management, and energy efficiency.
Strong understanding of project management, and ability to balance multiple competing priorities effectively.
Experience with grant writing and donor relations strongly preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820. For full consideration, applicants should apply by October 30th.
For full consideration applicants should apply by:
Founded in 1861, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Vassar is renowned for pioneering achievements in education, for its long history of curricular innovation, and for the beauty of its campus.