The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $83,400 - $155,800. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $106,300 - $133,000.
Job Closing Date
Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is on-site with the opportunity for occasional remote work.
Posting will remain open until filled.
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.
Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.
The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.
The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.
The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.
UC Merced is one of the most decorated campuses for sustainability. The University is currently ranked #10 on Princeton Review Top Green Colleges as we strive to accomplish our Triple Net Zero goal of net zero energy use, net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and zero waste. UC Merced is the first public research university in the nation to achieve carbon neutrality, now relentlessly pursuing full decarbonization. The University's commitment to sustainable practices has also resulted in AASHE Platinum rating and all buildings receiving LEED Silver rating or higher.
About the Job
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor - Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Sustainability serves as the leader of UC Merced's sustainability initiatives to foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff. Identifies and prioritizes areas for institutional sustainability efforts and works closely with academic and other operations units, such as Facilities Management, to develop and implement short- and long-range plans, establish appropriate metrics for success and function as the lead department for reporting progress on campus sustainability initiatives. Provide expertise and advice in the reduction of UC Merced resource consumption; develop implement and evaluate sustainability programs and supervise pilot projects to expand sustainability on campus. The Director of Sustainability will monitor compliance with and lead the reporting effort for all UC Sustainable Practice Policies either directly or in coordination with others if a particular policy has been assigned to a different campus group. Lead the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability (CACS) and represent UC Merced's sustainability programs to the public by attending professional meetings and interfacing with external organizations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage the Sustainability budget and operations to meet campus needs and expectations while operating within the resources provided. Meet regularly with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Physical Operations Planning & Development (POPD) to discuss department needs and assigned resources. Project department spending and staffing needs to allow POPD and the campus to pro-actively fund Sustainability operations. Participate in the annual budget call process. Identify, seek, and secure grant funding, corporate partnerships, and other savings programs to leverage campus resources and further propel campus sustainability efforts.
Set department goals and regularly update the Sustainability Strategic Plan to align with the Campus's Strategic Plan. Develop and implement strategies on integrating sustainability principles into University curriculum. Supports curriculum development, research, and certification / degree programs in sustainability. Develops action plans and leads efforts for implementing sustainability practices / programs in green building, climate action, clean energy, waste diversion, and water action. Develops marketing campaigns and communication strategies to provide awareness of sustainability, energy management, and resource conservation programs. Oversees website content and design through interns or staff. Integrate sustainability principles across all operational functions of the University. Ensure LEED guidelines are met in University construction projects. provides strategic management, evaluates, and supports the development of policies, determines trends and influences on industry segments that impact the university's sustainability initiatives, or the Sustainable Research Center. Stays abreast on international, federal, and state laws, mandates, and regulations, and NGO trends that impact state, national, and international sustainability agendas. In collaboration with University administration, shape and deliver various campus messages to internal and external constituencies about sustainability and serve as campus spokesperson on sustainability issues as necessary.
Serves as liaison and internal consultant to administrators to address strategic, long-term sustainability initiatives. Consults with Deans, faculty, and researchers to develop and enhance sustainability focused curriculum and research. Serves as sustainability spokesperson. Represents the University, campus and / or medical center on external boards, committees and at various conferences. Represent UCM's sustainability programs to the public; attend professional meetings as appropriate; interface with external organizations to ensure cooperative efforts are enhanced and available resources are utilized. These requirements necessitate the ability to travel and meet regularly outside of business hours. Provide support to the Campus Sustainability Committees and sub- committees. Effectively work with all elements of the campus community (faculty, staff and students) to communicate and further the goals and initiatives of the campus sustainability program. Foster partnerships with academic deans and directors across campus departments.
Lead UC Merced's reporting efforts, including AASHE STARs, Princeton Green Colleges, and UC Merced's Annual Report on Sustainability. Leads stakeholder team for updates to sustainability-related plans and reports.
Provides expert leadership to a team of highly specialized professionals in the field of Sustainability. Adjust workloads to best align staff to meet department goals. Identify professional development opportunities that align with the growth of the department. Act as lead on all human resource activities in the department, including hiring, evaluations, discipline, and termination.
Oversee the development, implementation, and on-going management of many projects in the department of Sustainability. Coordinate pilot projects and campus implementation of sustainability programs. Coordinate with all elements of the campus community to ensure proper implementation and training in sustainability program elements. Encourage and facilitate sustainability programs initiated by students, faculty, staff, departments, and committees. Foster and coordinate new ideas and concepts for sustainability projects and identify materials and resources needed to implement projects.
*LI-RM1
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health.
Master's degree or PhD. (Preferred)
5 years of related experience or 9 years equivalent experience/training in environmental science, management, or policy; architecture; engineering; or public health.
Professional Accreditation in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. (Preferred)
Expert knowledge in energy and environmental design, sustainability management policies, issues, and initiatives.
Expertise in U.S. Green Building Council rating systems.
Expert knowledge of policies and procedures in the areas of design and construction; purchasing; contracts, grants, and gift processing; building codes, and regulations.
Expert knowledge of planning, staffing, and leading cost-effective sustainability-focused programs.
Advanced ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies, guide negotiations, and manage change.
Highly developed verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills,
Expert ability to use data to generate benefit-cost ratios, track progression, and develop recommendations to facilitate decision-making.
Highly proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), database applications, and management.
Expert ability to present ideas with impact.
Expert ability to lead, engage, and motivate groups to meet common objectives.
Applies advanced knowledge of sustainability practices and policies to identify, develop, and implement institutional sustainability efforts for the University.
Background Check
Background check will be required.
Policy Statement
How to Apply: An online application is required for each position to apply. The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.
Vaccination Program Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.
E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.
UC Merced is the first new American research university built in the 21st century, with a mission of research, teaching and service. The campus opened Sept. 5, 2005, in the San Joaquin Valley. The university is about an hour north of Fresno, two hours south of Sacramento, two hours southeast of San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, and 90 minutes west of Yosemite National Park.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the phys...ical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.