Chief Sustainability Officer

Overview:

Responsibilities:

• Works with Enterprise leadership to establish and manage annual Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) objectives, key results and actions
• Creates annual Communication on Progress to the United Nations Global Compact.
• Represents ESG at HKS Enterprise to support Sector, Practice, design, research and enterprise objectives
• Collaborates with HKS Enterprise Research, Design, and Process leadership to promote integrative sustainable strategies, develop and leverage complex data sets and analytics to support project design decisions, enterprise objectives and research goals
• Responsible for the annual HKS carbon footprint assessment and carbon neutrality efforts; including implementation of reduction programs and the purchase of carbon offsets
• Works with Enterprise to create data systems to support design quality and continuous improvement
• Initiates and deploys creative solutions advancing ESG objectives within the firm
• Represents and reports on ESG efforts to the HKS Board
• Works with Enterprise leadership to ensure sustainability is fully embedded into HKS research objectives
• Supports and/or leads engagement with project teams as HKS Chief Sustainability Officer
• Coordinates strategic direction with the Chief Design Officer, Innovation Sector Director, Director of Sustainability, and Director of Integrated Energy Engineering
• Identifies and coordinates process and technical improvements in concert with Enterprise leadership
• Leads and/or assists with specialized research activities
• Ensures DesignGreen team has the resources needed to advance ESG across the firm
• Integrates HKS expertise and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and community
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues
• Leads client presentations and public hearings as needed
• Leads team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines

Qualifications:

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; post-graduate degree preferred
• Professional licensure in architecture or engineering
• Typically 20+ years of experience
• Sustainable design accreditation
• Recognized for industry leadership such as LEED Fellow, FAIA or similar
• Familiarity with design and performance modeling applications
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred
• Experience with the development and deployment of ESG programs at an enterprise level
• Working familiarity with the global protocols for corporate sustainability assessment and reporting
• Working understanding of high-performance codes and regulations in North America and abroad; experience in the development of such codes and regulations preferred
• Experience in applying green building frameworks such as LEED, WELL, Living Buildings, and/or BREEAM
• Advanced knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines and processes
• Strong knowledge in interpreting and applying high-performance building standards such as ANSI, ASHRAE, IESNA and ASTM as well as building energy codes such as IECC and T24
• Strong knowledge of architectural and/or engineering building systems
• Working knowledge of building physics, energy transfer, mechanical design, system control strategies and economics is required
• Knowledge of QA/QC and specification process
• Knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents
• Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships
• Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Travel will be required

Base Salary Range: $200k - $250k annually - applies to Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Washington D.C. locations only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired at the Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Washington D.C. locations only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.

Application Deadline: 04/01/2025

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran