Director, Sustainability

Job Description

McMaster University is actively seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as their Director, Sustainability to help lead the development and implementation of an energy and sustainability program across the university. The Director, Sustainability will join McMaster University and the Facility Services Department at an exciting time, as the department launches its new strategic plan, with a key focus on transforming the campus into a living laboratory for sustainability and promoting environmental sustainability that includes enhancing human health and wellbeing. 

Founded in 1887 and recognized as Canada’s most research-intensive University, McMaster has achieved an international reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning, innovation, and creativity. Consistently ranked among top 5 universities in Canada, McMaster is a member of the U15 group of Canadian universities. McMaster is a research-intensive, student-centred university focused on preparing its students to be engaged and thoughtful citizens, equipped with the skills, knowledge, resilience, and understanding needed to make a positive and effective contribution to the world. In addition to providing an outstanding, personalized learning environment for their students, the University has the ability and the creativity, across all six Faculties, to partner and collaborate on the knowledge, discoveries and innovation that are needed to make a positive and decisive impact on our society and world.  

Reporting to the AVP and Chief Facilities Officer, the Director, Sustainability is the campus leader, responsible for the overall management, implementation, and development of a comprehensive energy and sustainability program to minimize the University’s environmental impact, support new initiatives for sustainable development, and foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff. The Director provides strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and adoption of sustainability across all areas of the campus to realize meaningful operational cost savings and return on investment through resource efficiency programs. This role will develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability business plan including fundraising, marketing, communications, government relations, and community outreach. This position will research, capitalize on, and implement emerging technologies to position McMaster University as an innovative leader in sustainability.

As the ideal candidate you bring advanced education in sustainability, engineering or a related area, with at least 5 years of experience in the development and implementation of strategic priorities in sustainability, ideally in the higher education sector or comparable experience. You have knowledge of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol, GHG accounting standards, as well as GHG reduction targets. You have demonstrated leadership skills with proven ability to mentor senior professionals as well as effectively motivate and influence others. You have experience in cultivating new and existing relationships and partnerships, creating positive student, employee and partner experiences. You possess the strategic acumen to enable you to understand the goals of the university and to translate them into sustainability programs and plans that support the University’s mission. Acting as a positive change agent, you embrace and champion change and drive collaboration and agile processes across the university. You are results driven with the ability to deliver with integrity while balancing priorities to achieve success.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply online at www.kbrs.ca/Career/15932. For more information, contact Katherine Frank ([email protected]) or Lauren Wright ([email protected]).

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey as part of the application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requires voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. The survey link will be provided at the time of application. 

McMaster University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.