Director of Sustainability

~ Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, early childhood education, environmental studies, peace studies, psychology and religious studies. ~ 

Buddhist-inspired and nonsectarian, Naropa University is rooted in contemplative education, a teaching and learning approach that integrates Eastern wisdom studies and the arts with traditional Western scholarship. Naropa was the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement. 

Position Overview

The Director of Sustainability works with the University leadership in developing a comprehensive program that fosters sustainable methodologies and an ever decreasing carbon footprint for the whole of Naropa University. The scope of this work includes integrating and enhancing sustainability measures in academic, facilities, operations, and human resource systems and serving as a liaison with the sustainability efforts of the wider Boulder/Front Range community.

This position will also lead the staffing and coordination of the Core Sustainability course required for undergraduate students and teach one section in fall and spring semesters. The Director of Sustainability builds relationships within and between our three campuses and larger community and has the expertise to enable the Naropa community to function as a model sustainable campus. 

Responsibilities

• In partnership with community constituents, develop sustainability strategic plan for the University.
• Assist University leadership in developing practical goals towards carbon neutrality.
• Actively engage and coordinate the development and implementation of practices, policies, procedures and performance measurement that promote sustainability goals.
• Coordinate with all university divisions to identify, initiate, support and institutionalize resource conservation methods, energy and water conservation, ‘green’ purchasing practices, sustainable facility upgrades, maintenance, and landscape operations etc.
• Hold budget development and management responsibility for Naropa Sustainability Department.
• Supervise sustainability monitoring program for ongoing sustainability assessment, including STARS and Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
• In cooperation with Academic Affairs and the Joanna Macy Center, assist with research and development of sustainability related enhancements, including integrating sustainability into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum and supporting a conservation ethic on campus.
• Lead the staffing and coordination of the Core Sustainability course required for undergraduate students and teach one section in fall and spring semesters.
• Serve as the liaison to external organizations and community engagement as they relate to sustainability.
• In coordination with the Human Resources Department assist in research and development of sustainable methods of employee relations, communications, and systems integration of sustainable administrative and office procedures and practices. 
• Collaborate with Marketing and Development regarding internal and external promotion and messaging about campus sustainability processes and successes.
• Manage and enhance the campus Compost, Recycling, and Zero Waste Programs through trainings, upholding the university standards.
• Recommend staffing for the Naropa Sustainability Department. 
• Direct the collection of data and information to assure Naropa University’s compliance as a signee of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
• In coordination with Development, research and apply for grants for sustainable initiatives on campus. 
• In cooperation with Student Affairs and Naropa Sustainability Council, help facilitate student sustainability projects and continue Naropa's efforts to become a living laboratory.
• Develop and facilitate the administration of educational programs on sustainability for employees as well as the broader Naropa community.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MA/MS/MBA in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Green Management or a related field. 
• 2-5 years college-level teaching experience.
• 2-5 years of experience with sustainability measurements and implementation.
• Demonstrated record of successful implementation of sustainability initiatives. 
• Experience and skill in group leadership and facilitation.
• Willingness to work as an active team member within a contemplative academic setting to continue the University’s development and sustainability.
• An understanding of the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the impact these have on equity, access, and opportunity in higher education/ the workplace.
• Commitment to co-create an inclusive community and actively participate in related professional development, including openness to feedback and ongoing self-examination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience serving as a Sustainability Director or an equivalent role.
• Experience and skill in teaching experientially. 
• Grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Interest in and knowledge of higher education, specifically contemplative education as offered at Naropa University.

Compensation: $47,500-55,883

Benefits:

At Naropa we recognize that our people are key to our success, and we are proud to invest in them. In addition to our rich intellectual and experiential work environment, Naropa University offers a premium benefits package for our full time faculty and staff. This package includes employer contributions towards a selection of 8 medical and dental plans, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.

We provide generous tuition remission for employees and their family members, including for-credit and auditing classes, as well as a tuition exchange program with 435 colleges and universities across the US that afford you the opportunity to continue your education. Naropa also provides a 403(b) retirement plan and RTD bus passes at no charge to full-time employees. We also have paid leave allowances for sick, vacation and personal time. More information on our benefits can be found on the Employment page on our website.
Requisition ID1444

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. Application review continues until position is filled. Qualified candidates should apply online and attach a letter of interest and resume.