Sustainability Program Manager (5659U) - #82231

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP) is part of the Division of Student Affairs under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor of RSSP. RSSP provides student housing, residential life programs, self-operated dining services for undergraduate and graduate students and their families, and child care services for students, faculty, and staff; it also conducts a year-round conference business, operates eleven campus restaurants, and manages twenty-six faculty apartments.

Position Summary

Involves conducting analysis on a wide range of policies, programs, and projects that support departmental and organizational functions, with a focus on evolving systems and sustainability initiatives. Contributes to policy and program planning, development, and administration, consulting on management practices to department leaders. Interprets, monitors, and analyzes policies and procedures, offering insights to improve operational efficiency and alignment with sustainability goals.

Conducts project management efforts and provides consultation to advance sustainability initiatives across multiple departments, including Residential Operations, Maintenance, Trades & Grounds, Custodial Services, Design Projects, Residential Life, ECEP, and Cal Dining. Applies broad knowledge of sustainability policies to evaluate challenges and propose solutions. Primary liaison between RSSP and the Campus Sustainability Office, ensuring coordination and alignment on sustainability efforts. Represents RSSP in partnerships with the ASUC Eco Office and fosters strategic relationships with on- and off-campus stakeholders, vendors, student groups, and academic departments to enhance sustainability outcomes.

Oversees a budget for a team of student employees engaged in research projects, student engagement initiatives, and interdepartmental and public-facing communications. Directs student-led programming focused on sustainability topics such as waste, water, energy, food procurement, menu design implementation, operational management of on-campus gardens and farms, and food waste reduction efforts. Pursues alternative funding including, but not limited to grants and stakeholder funds.

Supports curriculum development and research in sustainability through faculty partnerships, workshops, and guest lectures. Serves as a spokesperson on location-specific sustainability matters and initiatives and represents the university at professional conferences and UCOP sustainability working groups.

Researches and submits applications for awards recognizing RSSP sustainability achievements to Campus, UCOP, and external industry organizations. Oversees student assistants in supporting departmental sustainability initiatives, guiding their contributions to both academic and operational sustainability goals.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 01/26/2026.

Responsibilities

Student & Staff Sustainability Engagement

• Consults with staff and faculty on sustainability initiatives and practices.
• Supports the implementation of strategies to foster student and employee engagement, assisting with communication efforts to drive participation and behavior change.
• Conducts independent research and analysis of processes, procedures, and policies to inform the development and implementation of programs that enhance sustainability-focused behavior among students and staff.
• Provides consultative services and advice to department administrators on managing sustainability practices and aligning operations with institutional sustainability goals.
• Develops and issues directives, regulations, and guidelines for departments to ensure adherence to sustainability policies and procedures, to ensure adherence to sustainability policies and procedures

Project Management

• Manages and implements sustainability projects throughout RSSP, aligning with departmental, campus, and UCOP sustainability goals.
• Conducts financial, resource, and data analysis to support decision-making, addressing challenges and proposing solutions.
• Oversees and supports the execution of student-led projects, providing mentorship, guidance, and ensuring that their efforts align with the department's sustainability goals.
• Coordinates and tracks data collection and project progress, ensuring efficient progress, monitoring outcomes, and communicating results to stakeholders.
• Applies sustainability knowledge to project lifecycles, from planning to post-implementation analysis.
• Conducts post-implementation reviews to identify areas for enhancement and recommends further process or policy improvements.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to resource stewardship and sustainable resource management practices.

Sustainability Program Practices and Initiatives

• Serves as a spokesperson on sustainability matters within RSSP, representing the university at professional conferences, workshops, and external engagements.
• Communicates successes and challenges to various audiences through conferences, publications, social media, and formal presentations.
• Develops and implements communication strategies to raise awareness of sustainability programs and resource conservation efforts across RSSP, fostering engagement and education across RSSP.
• Collects and analyzes sustainability-related data, reporting progress on RSSP's sustainability practices in line with UC Policy on Sustainable Practices and campus metrics.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with internal and external stakeholders for the exchange of data and collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
• Supports curriculum development and research in sustainability through faculty partnerships, workshops, and guest lectures.
• Facilitates connections between operational sustainability initiatives and academic research.
• Supports faculty and academic departments with sustainability-related courses, research projects, and student engagement opportunities, enhancing the academic impact of sustainability within RSSP.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn common campus-specific and other computer application programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff individually and in team environment; both verbally and in writing.
• Strong skills in analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals in logical and understandable format.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability theories, as well as local and national sustainability best practices; Ability to apply these theories in practical applications yielding positive outcomes.
• Organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects.
• Experience with areas of facility management (including maintenance, grounds, and custodial), building systems, utilities, waste systems, foodservices, transportation, LEED, and Energy Star as it relates to sustainability.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• LEED Accredited Professional.
• ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $116,300.00 - $125,000.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 status under state or federal law.