Sustainability Projects Manager - Clark Art Institute

About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

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Position Summary
The relationship between art and nature has always been a focus at the Clark, which is situated on 140 acres of lawns, meadows, and woods in the beautiful Berkshire mountains. We are constantly working to ensure that our sustainability initiatives will preserve our lands for future generations through integrating green practices in our architecture and campus planning. The Clark is committed to confronting the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development through its research, education, and institutional action. The newly created Sustainability Projects Manager position will be instrumental in bringing together many different stakeholders to use our campus for providing ideas and solutions that address intergenerational wellbeing and lead to a sustainable future. Our efforts are guided and driven by our strategic plan, and our recently developed sustainability plan.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer, the Sustainability Projects Manager will oversee and implement sustainable initiatives at the Clark, working closely with the Director, Deputy Director, Director of Operations, and other key stakeholders. They will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to enhance the Clark’s environmental sustainability, reduce its carbon footprint, and promote eco-friendly practices, including operationally (internal, cross-departmental).

This is a two-year, term-limit project position, with the possibility of an extension.

Minimum Starting Salary: $67,000/yr.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
 

• Update, enhance, and implement a comprehensive sustainability plan for the entire Institute and the surrounding land, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable land management.
• Manage stakeholder groups from all departments and units, facilitating progress towards sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote a culture of sustainability and ensure buy-in for initiatives.
• Conduct regular assessments and audits to identify areas for improvement and track progress towards sustainability goals.
• Research and recommend innovative technologies and practices to enhance sustainability efforts.
• Manage and oversee sustainability projects, including a review of operational efficiencies, programmatic improvements, and habitat restoration in conjunction with department leaders.
• Coordinate with external partners, such as local government agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups, to leverage resources and support for sustainability initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainability.
• Plan and manage the Clark’s Green Committee meetings, agendas, and communications (with the Communications Department); support the Green Committee members in engaging, informing, and partnering with other department/teams across the Institute; Convene and manage subgroups and task forces to advance shared work and shared outcomes.
• Support the development of actionable tools and educational resources (e.g., case studies, best practice guides, and convenings) to share information quickly and efficiently across the institution, and with vendors and partners.
• Prepare clear work plans, timelines, agendas, and materials.
• Prepare briefing materials and communications to support programmatic needs.
• Project-manage implementation efforts related to the Sustainability Plan, including driving updates to operational sustainability standards (e.g., landscaping, cleaning) and creating clear guidance and educational materials for departments to meet those standards and priorities.
• Perform administrative duties necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and reporting.
• Manage interns, staff, and/or consultants, as needed.
• Perform other relevant duties and work on special projects, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in an environmental science role, sustainability project management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong knowledge of environmental sustainability principles, practices, and regulations.
• Familiarity with renewable energy systems, green building practices, waste management, and water conservation strategies.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data, track progress, and prepare reports on sustainability initiatives.
• Passion for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of sustainability industry trends.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to think critically and solve problems.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability.
• Proven ability to conduct research and analysis on various topics, and produce reliable metrics and data.

Technology Skills Required:

• Extensive experience with MS PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

• Proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or other design software is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and using a computer for prolonged periods of time as well as moderate physical exertion related to navigating the grounds and outdoor spaces.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces, with occasional need to be outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.

The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.