Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University's physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university's academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford's 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as "Caretakers of a Legacy."
The Department of Sustainability and Energy Management (SEM) brings an integrated and deliberate focus to campus sustainability. The department works to advance sustainability in campus operations, optimizing and prioritizing efficiency in all aspects of campus life, from resource and utility management, to transportation and community behavior. SEM develops strategic, long-term goals that help reduce Stanford's environmental impact, supporting the university's commitment to be a good environmental steward.
Location: 415 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
Hybrid Flexible Work Schedule
What you will do in this role:
This is a pivotal moment for sustainability at Stanford University.
Stanford launched the first new school in seventy years in 2022, the Doerr School of Sustainability, dedicated to high-impact solutions to pressing planetary challenges. Stanford has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 80% from its baseline and in March 2022 achieved the milestone of 100% renewable electricity. There is an opportunity for the Sustainability and Energy Management department within LBRE to build upon successful operational sustainability initiatives and expand on energy, water, and waste reduction savings and partner with the Doerr School of Sustainability to advance Stanford into the next phase of climate action planning as it plans to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases and achieve net zero no later than 2050. Multiple academic and operational departments are showing interest in how to integrate sustainability into their plans, policies, and practices, and there is a need to develop models to allow for integration across the university. The Climate Action Manager/Associate Director will lead climate and sustainability action planning and reporting.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic planner, convener of diverse stakeholders, and highly knowledgeable about climate action planning and greenhouse gas emissions analysis methodologies and strategies for mitigating climate change. They will have experience developing and meeting emissions reduction milestones and goals, and be a skilled facilitator who brings diverse stakeholders together to align around ambitious strategies. The manager must be passionate about climate and sustainability and willing to learn the tools and processes used to track and improve Stanford's emissions performance.
You will be responsible for (but not limited to):
Manage the University's Climate Action Plan - 40%
Lead climate action planning efforts for Stanford University in coordination with staff across Stanford University, including LBRE, Business Affairs, Residential and Dining Enterprises, the Doerr School of Sustainability, and beyond to achieve the goal becoming a Net Zero University.
Lead the strategy to mitigate and manage Stanford's Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions to achieve short and long-term GHG reduction and net-zero goals.
Direct and develop vision and strategies to modify existing programs as needed to meet emissions targets and reporting requirements, including Stanford's Climate Bond, California Air Resources Board, and similar regional, state, and national regulations.
Research and make recommendations about alternatives to achieving Scopes 1 & 2 emissions without the use of offsets such as zero emission research gases/equipment and refrigerants.
If/where zero emission solutions are not feasible, research and recommend high-quality, mission-driven offsets programs (e.g., programs that support local community, align with environmental and social justice principles, support equity and inclusivity, and/or accelerate other environmental goals like waste minimization, water conservation, or protection of biodiversity).
Analyze how Stanford's emissions reduction goals compare to state, national, international, and peer institution reduction targets, and propose phased implementation plan to reach climate goals.
Collaborate with Sustainability and Energy Management leadership, Office of Sustainability Outreach, and University Communications to align on emissions goals and progress shared publicly.
Complete quarterly and annual evaluations of University progress in meeting emissions targets and propose modifications to strategies, as needed.
Manage vendor contracts, expenses, and budget to support Climate Action Plan research and implementation, including proposing rebate or incentive programs, infrastructure investments, and additional staff positions or vendor resources as needed.
Manage student interns, create and support opportunities for other students to learn from and contribute to emissions goals, and support faculty research related to Stanford's Climate Action Plans.
Manage Internal and External Partnerships to Support Climate Action Plan Strategies - 30%
Lead a Climate Working Group of Stanford content experts including staff and faculty (e.g., Scope 3 Emissions Program, Financial Management Services/Procurement, LBRE's Transportation and Department of Project Management, etc.) to conduct long term infrastructure, program and policy planning to support Climate Action Plan development and implementation.
Foster mutual goals and strategies among Stanford partners to help ensure alignment (e.g., electrification of equipment and assets, building operations and maintenance, LBRE's Facility Design Guidelines, renewable energy projects, carbon neutral building design and land use planning, etc.).
Serve as primary contact for senior leadership on carbon reduction and climate action data requests (e.g., compiling data relevant to Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability, creating or advising on Board of Trustees and investment group presentations, etc.).
Advance Stanford participation in the external community and sustainability industry by establishing relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate an ongoing positive dialogue.
Submit proposals for national and regional conferences and serve as university spokesperson in industry and community events related to Stanford's climate action planning.
Serve as the Associate Director of the Office of Sustainability; Oversee Sustainability Reporting, Data, and Analytics Team - 30%
Serve as a key leader to develop and implement the vision and strategic plan for the Office of Sustainability.
Lead the Office of Sustainability's strategic data reporting and analysis; identify how the Office of Sustainability and Sustainability and Energy Management can best use and communicate key data to track and report on progress to achieve climate and sustainability targets.
Supervise the Sustainability Manager, Assessments, GHG Emissions and RECs Portfolio.
Supervise and direct strategic submissions to select regional, state, and national reporting and ranking systems; in particular, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) of the Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and ensure that Stanford maintains its status as a Platinum-rated institution.
Provide support and guidance to the Manager for improving emissions and renewable energy credit (REC) tracking and analysis methodologies and conduct quality control activities to prepare for audits.
Collaborate with the Manager to gather key emissions metrics and projections to ensure data aligns with and supports Climate Action Plan strategies and benchmarking.
Ensure there is resiliency in the emissions analysis portfolio to be sure that processes are clearly documented and so knowledge can be transferrable to peers, stakeholders and partners.
Collaborate with the Manager to analyze and identify emissions data, tools and frameworks to ensure the efficiency, accuracy, comprehensiveness and integrity of emissions analysis and reporting (e.g., CDP, Science Based Targets initiative, The Climate Registry's Water-Energy Nexus framework).
Other duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will embrace the following:
LBRE Core Values of Leadership, Exploration, Gratitude, Accountability, Community and You, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in their management style and help to build an organization where these qualities serve as the foundation for successful and rewarding careers for all employees. https://lbredei.stanford.edu/
LBRE views a strong culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as one where everyone can thrive. It is a culture of trust and respect, where staff can be their authentic selves, feel safe and work in a place that they feel they belong. We strive to create a community that draws upon a wide pool of talent to unify excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
To be successful in this role you must bring:
Bachelor's degree or combination of education and relevant experience with data analysis/reporting and sustainability.
Advanced degree in climate science and/or climate policy or related field strongly preferred.
Technical knowledge in green building design, urban planning, and/or LEED AP accreditation is a plus.
8 or more years related work experience.
Demonstrated skill in emissions accounting and familiarity with industry sustainability reporting standards, such as the GHG Protocol.
Interest in and academic background in sustainability; especially common sustainability metrics.
Demonstrated skill in the use of spreadsheets, database programs, and word processing programs, specifically strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and presentation software.
Capability to diplomatically bridge the gap between sustainability idealists and pragmatists to motivate and align diverse interests to advance climate action on the campus; ability to build consensus among diverse interest groups.
Polished communications skills, both written and oral (including developing and making formal presentations).
Adept at understanding and communicating sustainability principles to others and ability to integrate those principles into campus operations.
Ability to manage a complex and often competing set of priorities in a results-oriented environment.
Experience with strategic planning in a complex stakeholder environment.
Experience with climate data collection, storage, and analysis.
Familiarity with higher education preferred.
Familiarity with complex organizational and operational structures with the ability to objectively think through initiatives' impact in an institutional setting.
Possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills, with the ability to support multiple projects at various stages with emphasis on accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Possess high degree of discretion and judgment; ability to resolve interdependent deadlines with tact and diplomacy.
Possess high degree of energy and initiative, with the ability to work both independently with moderate or little supervision and as part of a team.
Additional Information: Physical Requirements*:
Frequently sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.
Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
Occasional work on weekends and evenings.
Work involves long hours of standing and sustained communications/dialogue.
May work in mechanical equipment rooms, kitchens, waste management areas, construction sites.
Travel, local and non-local.
Work Standards
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), and employs ant-racist practices and principles in the workplace.
All Stanford University employees are subject to all COVID-19 requirements, which includes being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 pursuant to our vaccination policy. Stanford is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory for all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with: Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak. A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources. A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits. Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
