Lead Environmental and Sustainability Program Manager

Position Overview

The Sustainability Program Manager plans and delivers organizational objectives through program development, day-to-day program management, and technical execution of environmental and sustainability initiatives. This role manages new programs, develops resources and tools, supports grant writing, oversees technical assistance efforts, and promotes local and regional sustainability strategies.

This is an actively recruited, at-will position.

• Develop and manage environmental and sustainability programs.
• Lead day-to-day program operations and technical implementation.
• Manage new initiatives, resource development, and grant writing activities.
• Collect and report program data through the Set Targets Achieve Results (STAR) performance measurement initiative.
• Coordinate oversight and technical assistance for subrecipients, local governments, businesses, and residents.
• Support the development and implementation of local and regional sustainability strategies.
• Monitor program performance and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to achieve program goals.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of experience in environmental or sustainability program coordination, management, or a closely related field.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of strategic planning, resource allocation, and sustainability program management.
• Understanding of environmental and sustainability programs, tools, and emerging trends.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing projects, including scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and apply data to support planning and decision‑making.
• Ability to evaluate program performance and communicate progress to leadership.
• Experience leading collaborative teams and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to establish program goals, oversee implementation, and manage program finances and governance.

This position is classified as sedentary work and requires the ability to:

• Lift or move up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Sit for extended periods with occasional walking or standing.

$109,897 to $121,258 annually

Cook County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life insurance
• Pension plan and deferred compensation program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Cook County offers a hybrid work environment that includes telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

Final candidates must successfully complete post‑offer screening, which may include:

• Background check
• Drug screening
• Medical examination

This position is designated as safety sensitive and requires successful completion of a pre‑employment drug test.

Applicants selected for employment must provide required documentation, including educational credentials, licenses, certifications, and other applicable records. Degrees earned outside the United States (excluding U.S. territories and Canada) must be evaluated by an approved credentialing agency.

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.