The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Sustainability Planning serves as the chief strategist to foster sustainability at New York University. The AVP will report jointly to the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost to lead the Sustainability function and supervise staff in support of University initiatives. In particular, the AVP partners with the Provost’s office on interfaces with the University’s faculty and schools.

The Assistant Vice President serves as the architect and focal point for strategic planning efforts in and around sustainability designed to make NYU among the greenest urban campuses in the nation. In developing policy and implementing short and long-term plans, the AVP will be familiar with — and able to bring to bear knowledge of — existing research in the field, technical advances, understanding of social and behavioral factors, as well as needed financial investments and prospective savings. The AVP will also be responsible for helping create and implement communication strategies to enhance the visibility, and awareness of the University’s sustainability efforts.

This position will serve as a key resource in surfacing sustainability initiatives to senior leadership as well as faculty whose academic activity intersects with sustainability and policy. This position will also engage with students and student-based groups that are involved or who have an interest in environmental initiatives. The position will coordinate with the energy group in the Office of Capital Projects & Facilities in the key area of energy efficiencies and savings, as well as coordinate with the leadership of the University’s Global Sites. The position is also responsible for ensuring that sustainability initiatives and policy are complied with by the different units.

Areas of focus include but are not limited to: (1) policy development, (2) grant development and research for university projects, (3) long and short term planning, (4) technical data gathering, financial modeling and analysis, (5) convening internal and external partners including schools, administrative units, non-profit organizations, governmental entities and other partners as appropriate to identify shared goals.

An experienced and innovative thought leader on national and international sustainability programs and standards, the AVP will identify and explore areas of opportunity to advance the University’s sustainability agenda through a combination of internal, external, public, and private partnerships.

The AVP will monitor emerging trends and oversee progress and development of sustainability initiatives across all NYU sites and locations, including its global sites, and serves as a resource to schools and units in developing sustainability programs that are integrated into decisions and practices. The AVP also works to identify measurement controls for compliance and progress and partners with the Office of Risk Management to ensure that sustainability goals and initiatives are included in the University’s enterprise risk management programs.

Among the strategic areas of focus, the AVP will also identify areas where the University can seek practical opportunities to continuously improve sustainability efficiency. The AVP convenes or participates on committees and workgroups to develop goals, communications, implementation plans and metrics. In partnership with other NYU offices, the AVP will periodically convene internal and external thought leaders to explore future partnerships on common goals such as plans to achieve LEED status for NYU’s buildings, standards for university vendors who conduct business with NYU, and identifying practical solutions to enhance sustainability awareness for members of the NYU community.

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree (e.g., Public Administration or related field), or equivalent combination of experience.

Preferred Education
Graduate level degree (e.g., MBA, JD, or related field).

Required Experience

Seven years of expertise developing policy and implementing strategic sustainability initiatives for organizations similar in size and stature to NYU. Experience developing a business, environmental and social agenda around sustainability. Must be highly proficient and skilled developing written communication, briefing materials, and other related materials. Excellent track record developing short and long term plans and achieving key objectives in line with those plans. Strong ability to work in a highly matrixed and decentralized organization to influence decision makers and stakeholders toward shared goals. Strong background utilizing project management skills to oversee commitments, ensuring priorities are strategically managed and logistics are efficiently addressed in a highly dynamic, complex environment.

Preferred Experience
Experience working in an organization with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, experience working with policy makers and influencing public policy through a sustained track record of accomplishment. Familiar with other experts, associations and best practices in the field, including university-based practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Candidate must possess expert level technical, policy and research experience in sustainability field. Must demonstrate the ability to analyze complex technical information in an objective and methodical manner and derive logical conclusions to provide a sound basis for establishing priorities and selecting appropriate courses of action.

Must have the ability to apply wise judgment and political acumen to attentively discern and reflect perspectives, as appropriate, in advice given and in communications prepared. Candidate must possess highly developed organizational and time management skills to effectively handle and prioritize multiple tasks. Must demonstrate strong verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build trust and relationships with students, faculty, staff and external constituents in a diverse community.

Must demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must have strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think collaboratively, strategically and creatively. Must possess the ability to achieve goals through diplomatically promoting collaboration; team building and working cooperatively is essential.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidate should have a working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

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