"Assistant Director of Sustainability"

Caltech
Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Operations and Services, the Assistant Director of Sustainability serves as a strategic leader and key driver of Caltech's sustainability vision. This role leads the Institute's sustainability strategy, programs, and long-term climate goals-integrating sustainability into the culture, operations, and decision-making of the Institute.

The Assistant Director champions Caltech's sustainability ambitions to internal and external audiences, amplifying Caltech's reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship. The role provides direct leadership to the Green Labs and Recycling programs, oversees the Caltech Sustainability Internship Program, and guides campus energy management in partnership with the Energy Manager.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead and mentor sustainability-focused teams, including direct supervision of the Green Labs Coordinator, Recycling Coordinator, and Sustainability Interns; jointly supervise the Energy Manager with the Director of Infrastructure & Utilities.
• Serve as Caltech's primary voice for sustainability, representing the Institute to internal stakeholders, external partners, and the broader sustainability community.
• Chair the Caltech Sustainability Council, engaging senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students to drive Institute-wide initiatives and policy.
• Partner with Pasadena Water & Power, representing Caltech on initiatives related to efficiency, demand response, water conservation, and turf replacement.
• Oversee Caltech's LEED certification programs for new construction and ongoing building operations.
• Collaborate with Planning, Design & Construction to ensure Caltech's Design Guidelines reflect best-in-class sustainability strategies, technologies, and standards.
• Own and manage Caltech's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, reduction strategy, and compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
• Lead environmental impact reduction initiatives, including waste diversion, recycling, water efficiency, and zero-waste strategies.
• Oversee the Caltech Re-Store program, supporting researchers and students by optimizing the reuse and procurement of laboratory materials.
• Guide fume hood optimization initiatives to enhance safety, reduce energy use, and support operational efficiency.
• Partner with campus operations to develop and embed sustainability standards across daily operations and long-term planning.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in sustainability strategy, programs, and data management.
• Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with energy, water, and waste diversion systems.
• Experience managing LEED new construction and/or operations projects.
• Strong understanding of GHG reporting protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to communicate sustainability concepts and inspire action across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and change-management skills.
• LEED AP or other sustainability credentials.
• Advanced degree in sustainability, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainability programs in higher education.
• Technical knowledge of power generation, energy systems, and complex campus operations.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence diverse stakeholders to integrate sustainability into daily practice.

Required Documents

• Resume.