Program Manager - Sustainable Buildings

Job Description

The Program Manager, Sustainable Buildings will focus on managing and supporting implementation of the University’s Sustainable Building Standards (SBS) and advancing building decarbonization as part of Harvard’s climate goals. Working collaboratively with staff from Harvard’s Schools and Units, the position will directly support capital projects of all sizes and develop resources and tools to achieve Harvard’s Sustainable Building Standards (which take a holistic approach to sustainability), Harvard’s Healthier Building Academy requirements, and building decarbonization. 

This position requires strong knowledge of building certification systems, especially Living Building Challenge (LBC) and LEED, holistic sustainable design, decarbonization strategies and building systems, and collaboration skills to work with many stakeholders toward building sustainability and decarbonization goals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Sustainable Building Standards Program Management

• Work with Dir and MD to programmatically manage the Sustainable Building Standards (SBS), including Harvard’s Healthier Building Academy (HHBA) Program, and Living Building Challenge Core volume certification. 
• Manage the OFS Sustainable Built Environment Resource Sharepoint site and continue to develop tools and resources to support capital project teams on implementing the SBS and advancing building decarbonization, both operational and embodied carbon and HHBA. 
• Work with Dir to identify opportunities to pilot new sustainability strategies, processes, products and/or systems, support the implementation of the pilot and document outcomes.

Project Sustainability Support and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Support Harvard’s Schools and Units and project teams on capital projects to achieve the SBS and project support for decarbonization goals. 
  • Train and support project teams on SBS and HHBA implementation.
  • Provide guidance and support to project teams for third-party sustainable building certification and provide knowledge sharing from other Harvard projects and LBC volume certification.
  • Review and comment on project documents (e.g. drawings and specifications) at major design phases (e.g. schematic design, design development, construction documents) related to SBS and sustainability goals. 

Building Decarbonization Strategy Support

• Provide guidance on the University-wide decarbonization strategy for buildings and translate it into actionable goals and measures for individual capital and operational projects, both operational and embodied carbon. 
• Support green building zoning and energy code coordination needs for University-wide sustainability and climate goals.

Communication & Other Duties

• Develop communication and program development strategies such as designing case studies and other knowledge sharing mechanisms.
• Perform other duties and work on special projects as needed to support the Office for Sustainability’s mission and evolving priorities on sustainability.

Working Conditions:

Emergency Status Designation: This role is considered non-essential and may be eligible for flex-work arrangements in accordance with departmental policies and manager approval.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required. 
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including;
  • Implementing capital projects (e.g., design and construction) to achieve sustainability and decarbonization goals and third-party sustainable building certifications
  • Sustainability program management and implementation in the built environment.
• Experience and working knowledge of third-party sustainable building certifications, especially Living Building Challenge and LEED. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Working knowledge of sustainable design strategies, implementing sustainable building certifications through design, construction and final certification. 
• Understanding of building energy systems and energy use across a range of building ages and types including laboratory/science buildings.
• Experience conducting design reviews of project documents (e.g. specifications and drawings) against sustainability and decarbonization goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including project managers, design teams, facilities staff, and operations partners, to achieve sustainability and certification goals across capital and operational projects. 
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts, Boston and Cambridge energy codes, green building zoning and building performance standards is preferred. 
• Requires some occasional work outside of normal business hours (including but not limited to meetings and events). 

Technology Skills Required: 

• Proficiency in the use of computers, including MS Office suite and experience with SharePoint site management and development. 
• Ability to learn Harvard systems quickly.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and References

About the Harvard Office for Sustainability: 

Harvard University has a long commitment to confronting the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development through its research, teaching, and institutional action. The University-wide Office for Sustainability (OFS), created in 2008, plays a pivotal role in bringing together students, faculty, and staff to use the campus as a living laboratory for piloting and proving solutions that address intergenerational well-being and lead to a sustainable future.Our efforts are driven by a University-wide Sustainability Plan and climate goals to be fossil fuel-free by 2050 and fossil fuel-neutral by 2026. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office for Sustainability team to focus on the built environment and implementation toward the achievement of Harvard’s Sustainable Building Standards and voluntary and regulatory climate goals. OFS is a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving organization that looks for talented individuals who are proven collaborators.  We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. 

Visit the Harvard Office for Sustainability website for more information.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 057