Position Summary

Become a Sustainability Leader at SDSU

Are you ready to lead transformational change in sustainability and energy innovation? San Diego State University is seeking a visionary Director of Energy & Sustainability to shape the future of our campus and community through bold environmental leadership and strategic resource management.

About the Role

As the university’s senior sustainability officer, you’ll report to the Associate Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs and serve as the driving force behind SDSU’s energy and sustainability strategy. Your mission: reduce the university’s environmental impact, develop and manage energy conservation projects, champion sustainable development, and embed a culture of sustainability across academics, operations, and student life.

What You’ll Lead

• Campus-Wide Sustainability Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive program that includes development of data-informed business plans and implementation strategies for energy efficiency, water conservation, zero waste, carbon neutrality, and green building initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with academic, research, student, and alumni groups to integrate sustainability into all aspects of university life.
• Project Execution: Lead high-impact projects that deliver measurable environmental and financial results, positioning SDSU as a sustainability leader within the CSU system and beyond.
• Policy & Compliance: Ensure alignment with CSU systemwide goals and regulatory requirements, while advancing SDSU’s Climate Action Plan and environmental justice commitments.
• Innovation & Technical Expertise: Serve as the campus authority on energy and water conservation, LEED implementation, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion sustainability and lead SDSU to more sustainable behaviors and practices.
• Develop financial pro formas and project manage energy conservation measures.
• Oversee greenhouse gas tracking, climate action planning, and sustainability reporting.
• Manage energy procurement, utility budgeting, and vendor relationships.
• Lead grant writing, fundraising, and sustainability marketing and outreach.
• Coordinate sustainability efforts across departments  (e.g., Procurement and Parking & Transportation).
• Supervise staff, manage departmental budgets, and foster a high-performance team culture.

What We’re Looking For

• A strategic, forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in sustainability, energy systems, and environmental policy.
• A collaborative communicator who can engage diverse stakeholders and inspire action.
• A data-driven decision-maker with a track record of delivering results and driving institutional change.
• A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of one of California’s leading public universities. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and join us in building a more sustainable tomorrow.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

The Office of Energy and Sustainability (OE&S) department manages the campus energy, water conservation, waste diversion and recycling, climate action planning, and sustainability educational outreach and behavioral change initiatives. The OE&S department is responsible for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste diversion/zero waste, green building and sustainability program management and project planning, and assists in campus energy and utility planning.

For more information regarding the Energy & Sustainability Department , click here.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related l field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

At least five years of professional experience in the field of energy and sustainability, including work in several of the following areas:

• Energy management and building energy efficiency
• Implementation and cost-benefit analysis of energy generation and storage projects
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis and climate action planning
• Waste diversion and water conservation strategies
• Sustainable and shared transportation solutions (transportation demand management)
• Development and management of sustainability programs
• Acquiring grant funding for sustainability initiatives
• Behavior change initiatives and social/environmental justice programs

Key Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of the principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Demonstrated experience with LEED certification programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of green building and energy efficient design, operation, and evaluation of institutional facilities, ASHRAE Energy Audits and energy efficiency programs. Ability to monitor trends and implement corrective action.
• Foundational understanding of building and central plant energy systems including heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, boilers, chillers, thermal energy storage, cogeneration, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and digital control / building automation systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability theories, best practices, and environmental initiatives; familiarity with the networks of organizations (governmental, non-governmental, and academic) involved in advancing sustainability policy and action.
• Working knowledge of sustainability rating systems related to facilities operations and development including AASHE STARS.
• Working knowledge of behavior change and environmental justice programs and initiatives.
• Certified Energy Manager or related credential is preferred.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is preferred.
• Accredited Professional (AP) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM-CP) certified are preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $135,000 to $143,340 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 2, 2025, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu