20%     Monitoring & Reporting – Coordinates, compiles, and submits Drake University data for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) self-reporting process; tracks campus energy and water utility data through Energy STARS Portfolio; and produces reports documenting resource use (energy, procurement, water, waste, carbon footprint, etc.). Using campus sustainability goals, tracks performance metrics to assess effectiveness of pilot and ongoing programs. Directs and participates in the preparations of studies, estimates, reports, plans, designs, and tests of infrastructure related to sustainability initiatives. 

20%     Student & Employee Outreach & Community Engagement – Supports the development of new sustainability initiatives, projects, and policies through collaboration with faculty, staff, and students that emphasize inclusion and transparency in all aspects of campus planning and operations. Serves as central liaison and resource for students, faculty, and staff regarding sustainability efforts on Drake’s campus. Coordinates meetings with campus and community decision makers to enhance relations with operational and administrative bodies on Drake’s campus. Enhances relationships with community partners to collaborate on sustainability-related projects that emphasize listening to the concerns and ideas of a broad population within the community. Work with student groups (both academic and extra-curricular) to create education opportunities through research and develop creative sustainability projects that address concerns relating to environmental quality, social equity, and economic development. Coordinates information training sessions for students and employees to promote broader awareness of sustainability challenges and opportunities on Drake’s campus and in the surrounding community.   

15%     Operations – Works with and supports Facilities Management & Planning to incorporate sustainable practices in all aspects of facility operations on campus including deferred maintenance projects, new construction projects, renovations, etc. to minimize environmental impact. Researches and develops strategies that can enhance sustainability efforts as they relate to energy efficiency, waste reduction, procurement, water use, food production/consumption, transportation, grounds management, carbon emissions reduction, sustainable design and construction, etc. that reduce environmental impact, address social equity challenges in the community, and encourage economic development through cost savings. Explores opportunities to enhance planning, design, and project management for construction projects to ensure inclusion of sustainability goals.  

15%    Planning & Administration – Develops and engages in short- and long-term strategic sustainability and carbon action plans for Drake that break down into goals, initiatives, and strategies to enhance sustainability efforts that reduce overall environmental impact. Organizes and attends Sustainability Committee meetings to engage students, staff, and faculty. Aligns campus sustainability goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthens campus sustainability practices by exploring best practices related to sustainability at the University’s benchmark peer institutions and provides appropriate recommendations for new and existing projects and programs. Works with various teams and campus offices to advance campus sustainability goals. Serves on campus committees and attends meetings with internal and external organizations to represent Drake on sustainability-related topics.

15%   Grants ­– Researches and submits grant applications to secure resources for new sustainability projects on Drake’s campus. Develop and manages sustainability projects budget. Develops a Green Fund program.  

5%    Communication & Supervision – Maintains communications and outreach for all campus projects. Interacts regularly with campus constituencies to ensure widespread understanding of projects and their impact. Develops and manages GIS mapping of the campus and Drake’s Sustainability webpage that includes information relating to campus and community sustainability events, projects, initiatives, accomplishments, resources, and opportunities with the assistance of University Communications. Hires and works with sustainability student intern(s) to work on campus projects and initiatives. 

5%     Contributes to an environment within Facilities Planning and Management that promotes excellence, teamwork, performance feedback, service, recognition, mutual respect and employee satisfaction. Remains current in the field of sustainability through continuing education through professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues and the University and externally, and attends training, courses, and/or conferences as needed.

5%   Performs other duties related to sustainability as assigned.

Salary & Benefits 

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-exempt position.  Additionally, after an initial training period, this position has the potential for remote work opportunities. 

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2025).

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.