Sustainability Manager

Overview

The Sustainability Manager will lead the City of Roanoke’s sustainability, energy‑efficiency, and climate‑action initiatives, developing, coordinating, and implementing policies and programs that advance the City’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. The role serves as the technical expert and liaison on sustainability and climate initiatives, collaborating across departments, with community stakeholders, and regional partners to promote a resilient, environmentally responsible, and livable Roanoke.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity, AA, M/F/Disability employer.

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, focusing on greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy use, and sustainable operations.
• Identify opportunities for energy conservation, renewable energy implementation, and resource efficiency in City operations, facilities, fleet, and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with City departments to integrate sustainability practices into capital projects, procurement, land use, and policy development.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of sustainability metrics, including greenhouse gas inventories, energy consumption, and waste diversion data, and prepare regular progress reports for leadership and City Council.
• Pursue and manage grants, partnerships, and funding opportunities that advance the City’s sustainability objectives.
• Serve as a liaison to external partners, community organizations, businesses, and residents to promote sustainability education, outreach, and engagement.
• Coordinate staff training and internal communications to encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors and best practices across the organization.
• Advises City leadership on emerging sustainability issues, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the City at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and working groups related to climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainability policy.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance for sustainability‑related initiatives, including transportation electrification, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental equity.
• Supervise consultants, contractors, interns, and/or other assigned staff involved in sustainability‑related projects.
• Manage multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability, environmental management, climate planning, or related work.
• Experience in program development, public engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Supervisory experience (3–5 years).
• OSHA 10 certification.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher).
• Budgeting experience.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Professional certifications such as LEED AP, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP), or ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional.
• Experience working in local government.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing grant‑funded sustainability projects.
• Experience integrating sustainability into municipal government.
• Experience implementing performance contracting.
• Knowledge in construction, facilities, and architecture.
• Project Management Certification (PMP).
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Preparation and presentation of training materials.
• Experience developing a divisional budget.

• Strong knowledge of sustainability management, climate adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy systems, and environmental policy.
• Understanding of municipal operations, urban planning, infrastructure systems, and environmental compliance.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets, grants, and contracts.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments, elected…