Key Details:

• Supervision: Reports directly to the Mayor and Chief of Staff

• Location: Norwalk, Connecticut

• Term: Full-time through December 31, 2025

• Start Date: On or before January 6, 2025

• Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 per year

• Benefits: Health, vision and dental provided by City of Norwalk

• Application Deadline: November 8, 2024

Position Definition:

This position reports directly to the Mayor and Chief of Staff, and will advise and update the Mayor, City departments, and Common Council on sustainability best practices and policy development.  Responsibilities for this position include:

• Working collaboratively with City staff, organizations, community members, and key allies to steward the implementation of the SRP, and policies and practices that address climate change;

• Leading cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability practices into organizational strategies and develop innovative programs that drive environmental, social and economic impact;

• Supporting City departments on sustainability best practices and policy development;

• Conducting sustainability assessments and developing action plans to reduce GHG emissions and improve resource efficiency;

• Facilitating workshops and training sessions to educate staff and the community on sustainability initiatives; and

• Securing grants and funding for sustainability projects.

Example of Duties:

• Provides direct leadership of the Office of Sustainability and its programs, projects, and initiatives in an innovative and viable manner. 

• Prepares and manages program budgets and schedules, monitors progress, and coordinates activities with City staff and other outside agencies.

• Updates and implements the SRP and resulting programs and policies. 

• Provides technical assistance on projects. 

• Assists with preparing annual updates of the City’s sustainability plans and metrics developed over time to capture progress on goals and objectives. 

• Reviews and incorporates green infrastructure practices into applicable capital projects. 

• Creates measurable performance objectives, cost assessments, and tracking methods to measure and analyze sustainability programs for effective sustainability decision-making.

• Forms and facilitates an inter-department team that provides regular input, direction, review and communication on sustainability issues across the organization. 

• Develops effective communication and engagement strategy in collaboration with the Director of Communications on sustainability programs, projects, and initiatives.

• Prepares oral and written reports and presentations covering various sustainability issues for staff, City and other government officials, citizens, businesses, community groups and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in sustainability, resilience or climate preparedness, with a track record of developing and executing successful sustainability practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Sustainability Studies, Renewable and Clean Energy, Urban Affairs/Planning, Architecture or Architectural Studies, Public Administration/Policy, Law, Economics, Business Administration or closely related field;  

• Experience in coordinating government led efforts and initiatives, community engagement, and significant public speaking.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the most current concepts of conservation, climate mitigation, and sustainable practices including but not limited to energy conservation, decarbonization, air quality, heat mitigation, climate health impacts, green building, economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities, resource and water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, renewable resources, and environmental reporting metrics

• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and leadership skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials and personnel at differing levels of local, state, and federal government.

• Ability to exercise excellent verbal, written and spoken communication skills with public officials, individuals at all levels in the City’s organization, and with the media.

• Ability to demonstrate advanced level skills in abilities in word processing, document preparation, spreadsheet management, cost-benefit analysis, and environmental project financing.

License or Certificate:

• Must have valid driver's license at time of hire and maintain as a condition of employment.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credentials, Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP), Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP).