Sustainability Manager

Overview

The Sustainability Manager is responsible for leading the City of Roanoke’s sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate action initiatives. This position develops, coordinates, and implements policies and programs that advance the City’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. The Sustainability Manager serves as the City’s technical expert and liaison on sustainability and climate initiatives, working collaboratively across departments, with community stakeholders, and regional partners to promote a resilient, environmentally responsible, and livable Roanoke.

• Develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive Sustainability and Climate Action Plan for the City of Roanoke, focusing on greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy use, and sustainable operations.
• Identifies opportunities for energy conservation, renewable energy implementation, and resource efficiency in City operations, facilities, fleet, and infrastructure.
• Collaborates with City departments to integrate sustainability practices into capital projects, procurement, land use, and policy development.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of sustainability metrics, including greenhouse gas inventories, energy consumption, and waste diversion data, and prepare regular progress reports for leadership and City Council.
• Pursues and manages grants, partnerships, and funding opportunities that advance the City’s sustainability objectives.
• Serves as a liaison to external partners, community organizations, businesses, and residents to promote sustainability education, outreach, and engagement.
• Coordinates staff training and internal communications to encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors and best practices across the organization.
• Advises City leadership on emerging sustainability issues, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Represents the City at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and working groups related to climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainability policy.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance for sustainability-related initiatives, including transportation electrification, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental equity.
• Supervises consultants, contractors, interns, and/or other assigned staff involved in sustainability-related projects.
• Project management:
  Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Communication:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strategy and policy:
  Develop and execute comprehensive sustainability strategies, policies, and action plans, aligning them with the Council’s vision.
• Experience in sourcing sustainable materials and products.
• Knowledge of Zero waste management programs.
• Flexible schedule to off hours, weekends, nights and holidays.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Public Administration, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability, environmental management, climate planning, or related work.
• Experience in program development, public engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Supervisory experience 3-5 years.
• OSHA 10 certificate.
• Knowledgeable in regulations (both state and federal).
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher).
• Budgeting experience.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Professional certifications such as LEED AP, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP), ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional.
• Experience working in local government.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing grant-funded sustainability projects.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate Sustainability into a municipal government.
• Experience in implementing Performance Contracting.
• Knowledgeable in construction, facilities and Architecture.
• Project Management Certification or PMP.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Preparing and presenting training materials.
• Experience in developing a…