Sustainability Program Manager

~ Recently named one of America’s “newest and grandest public spaces,” Navy Pier is a top-attended nonprofit destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks. ~

Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this 102-year-old Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more along Lake Michigan.

Established as a nonprofit in 2011, Navy Pier (NP) is a world-class public place that celebrates and showcases the vitality of Chicago and provides for the enjoyment of over 9.2M annual guests. Navy Pier is managed within a business framework that provides for its long-term financial stability and is being transformed into a contemporary, environmentally responsible urban space.

Navy Pier has a 28-member collaborative Board of Directors, 55 full time and up to 400 part-time and seasonal employees as well as up to 200 union trade employees. It is home to 5 nonprofits, nearly 80 businesses and offers more than 250 free programs including public art installations, seasonal programs, year-round cultural programs and events.  In 2011, Navy Pier appointed Marilynn Gardner to President & CEO and she quickly built Navy Pier’s culture to include ‘always put the guest experience first’ as well as ‘be forward-thinking’ and deliver as ‘a team’.

Position Overview

A Sustainability Program Manager supports the implementation of sustainability programs across the organization or on various projects throughout the organization. They are expected to foster a positive image about the organization in the public eye and internally, encouraging sustainability thinking in the employee base at all levels and ideally to examine ways of cost-saving while promoting such green credentials. 

The sustainability program manager will advise our organization on how to minimize our impact on the environment and, in some cases, oversee the delivery of impact reduction strategies. They typically develop and then measure the success of the schemes for waste management, renewable energy, recycling, and pollution reduction and prevention. 

Responsibilities

• Work with project managers to support the development and implementation of sustainability programs and design guidelines
• Understanding of environmental policies at the local to federal level
• Support in the execution of LEED & SITES certification processes
• Perform drawing, specification and submittal reviews to ensure compliance with project sustainability requirements
• Assist with healthy and sustainable materials research and project vetting
• Participate in project meetings and site visits
• Support multiple projects in varying stages in the design and construction or production process
• Provide research support to project managers on sustainable design and strategies
• Attend industry seminars, events and conferences to remain informed about industry trends
• Create, update and improve internal process templates
• Develop, publicize, collaborate and document progress on sustainability standards, policies and priorities for the organization
• Engage the organization to build consensus on sustainability efforts: identifying short and long term goals, analyzing risk and evaluating performance
• Prepare reports on sustainability goals and achievements, and assist in development of corporate responsibility reports
• Manage sustainability and LEED projects for both existing buildings and new construction projects

Qualifications

• There is a range of suitable degree options, particularly Sustainability and Environmental Studies, which could include engineering, environmental health, environmental sciences/management, biosciences, applied science, physics or geography
• A relevant postgraduate qualification can be advantageous, as can experience of initiating and managing projects

Key skills:

• A genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues, relevant legislation and renewable energy sources
• 2-4+ years of experience LEED AP in one more specialties
• Corporate sustainability reporting experience
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• The ability to inspire others
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
• Excellent logic and deduction skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Leadership experience