Harvard University has a long commitment to confronting the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development through its research, teaching, and institutional action. The University-wide Office for Sustainability (OFS), created in 2008, plays a pivotal role in bringing together students, faculty, and staff to use the campus as a living laboratory for piloting and proving solutions that address intergenerational well-being and lead to a sustainable future. Our efforts are driven by a University-wide Sustainability Plan and climate goals to be fossil fuel-free by 2050 and fossil fuel-neutral by 2026.
Position Summary:The Sustainability Project Manager will focus on planning and project management of University-wide sustainability priorities and programs. The manager will staff key stakeholder groups including the faculty-led Presidential Committee on Sustainability (PCS) and related Subcommittees. The Sustainability Project Manager will also focus on program support and management related to the Sustainability Action Plan, including driving updates to Sustainability Operational Standards and guidance for Schools/units. To accomplish this, they will need to develop and execute comprehensive project plans, propose innovative ideas, and strengthen relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Position Description
Responsibilities: 1. Project manage subcommittees of the Presidential Committee on Sustainability (PCS), related work products and other related governance groups/programs.
Prepare clear workplans, timelines, agendas and materials as needed.
Prepare initial drafts of briefing materials and communications to support programmatic needs.
Scope and support the development of pilot projects and Living Lab opportunities and priorities to advance Harvard's sustainability vision, with a focus on supply chain/Scope 3 emissions (e.g., embodied carbon, food emissions).
2. Project manage parts of the University-wide Sustainability Priorities including Supply Chain/Scope emissions reduction priorities, including managing various sustainability working groups and initiatives.
Develop and manage project plans from conception through implementation, in collaboration with OFS Senior Team and key stakeholders.
Research, draft, edit, and create content on sustainability-related topics for diverse audiences in a variety of formats.
Plan and staff working group meetings and related events.
3. Project manage implementation related to the Sustainability Action Plan, including driving updates to Sustainability Operational Standards and creating clear guidance and supporting materials for Schools/units to meet Standards.
4. Perform administrative duties necessary to fulfill above responsibilities.
Manage project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and reporting.
Contribute to OFS event planning and storytelling.
Manage student interns, part-time employees, and/or consultants, as needed.
5. Perform other duties and work on special projects, as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, project plan development and implementation, and stakeholder engagement
Demonstrated working knowledge of sustainability industry trends
Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills; comfort and ability to engage and build coalitions with diverse audiences
Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills for a variety of audiences
Proven ability to think critically and solve problems
High degree of flexibility, adaptability, and general ability to respond to emerging opportunities and barriers in a constantly changing environment
Proven ability to conduct research and analysis on various topics and produce reliable metrics and data
Experience working with faculty and students preferred
Requires occasional work outside of normal business hours
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Technology Skills Required:
Extensive experience with MS PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. An ability to learn Harvard systems and web software quickly is a requirement. Proficiency in Photoshop or other design software is a plus.
Additional Information
Emergency Status Designation: This role is considered non-essential and may be eligible for flex-work arrangements in accordance with departmental policies and manager approval.
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.
Salary Grade: 057
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.