Senior Director, Energy and Sustainability

Department: Facilities & Campus Operations

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason University Facilities & Campus Operations ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the university. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Position:

Ready for your next career move that focuses on strategic energy savings and sustainability initiatives? George Mason University (GMU) has a wonderful opportunity for you. You’ll be a State employee of Virginia, work with our beautiful Virginia campuses, and become part of the GMU patriot team.

We’ve got the work. Now, we need an additional team member to contribute to our busy environment. We want someone who will make a noticeable contribution to the educational facilities at George Mason.

George Mason’s Facilities & Campus Operations department is committed to providing a safe, functional, and clean community experience at the university. So, what’s in it for you?

Great benefits for you…

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval);
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary; 
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit;
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan; and
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!

For you and your family…

• Health/dental/vision benefits; and
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

We think it's a great opportunity. Here's a partial list of what the job looks like...

Responsibilities:

The Senior Director of Energy and Sustainability is a senior leader within Facilities & Campus Operations, reporting directly to the Vice President of Facilities & Campus Operations. This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the university’s efforts in sustainability, energy efficiency, and utility management. The role oversees the Energy Management Program, the Central Heating and Cooling Plant, and the Office of Sustainability. The Senior Director ensures these units operate cohesively to support the university’s strategic goals, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices across campus.

The Senior Director provides strategic direction and leadership in aligning energy and sustainability initiatives with university priorities, while ensuring compliance with applicable university, state, and federal policies and regulations. The position serves as a key advisor to university leadership on sustainability and energy matters, and represents the institution in external partnerships and regulatory discussions. This position may also serve on related committees and working groups comprised of members from across the Mason community.

Oversight of the Energy and Sustainability Department

• Implements strategies set by the Vice President of Facilities & Campus Operations and executes operational tactics in collaboration with senior administrators;
• Oversees staffing levels, workforce competency, and performance standards across all assigned teams;
• Develops, updates, and communicates standard operating procedures and performance metrics to ensure consistent and efficient operations;
• Promotes the use of technology and data analytics to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and resource management;
• Manages critical systems in utilities usage and cost data (eCAP);
• Mentors and supports functional leads, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence;
• Ensures compliance with university policies, environmental regulations, and operational standards across all functional areas;
• Oversees the department’s operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities;
• Establishes budgetary controls, monitors expenditures, and evaluates cost-effectiveness of operations;
• Develops and maintains a transparent utilities billing system to allocate costs of services to appropriate departments and users; and
• Analyzes financial data to support decision-making and long-term planning for facilities investments. 

Strategic Leadership and Direction

• Provides strategic leadership and direction over Energy Management Program, Central Heating and Cooling Plant, and Office of Sustainability.

Energy Management

• Provides strategic leadership for the University’s Energy Management Program, ensuring alignment with institutional goals for energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and cost control;
• Oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive energy strategies, including demand-side and supply-side initiatives, renewable energy integration, and energy procurement;
• Leads the identification, evaluation, and execution of energy conservation measures (ECMs) in collaboration with internal departments and external partners;
• Monitors and analyzes utility usage data to identify inefficiencies, forecast trends, and inform long-term planning;
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal energy regulations, reporting requirements and incentive programs;
• Advises university leadership on energy policy, funding opportunities, and emerging technologies; and
• Develops and manages energy-related budgets, including utility forecasting, capital planning, and performance contracting.

Central Heating and Cooling Plant

• Directs operations of the Central Heating and Cooling Plant, a mission-critical, 24/7 facility that supports the university’s infrastructure and climate control needs;
• Ensures optimal performance, reliability, and energy efficiency of plant systems, including boilers, chillers, and distribution networks;
• Oversees the development and execution of preventative and predictive maintenance programs to extend equipment life and minimize downtime;
• Leads capital planning and modernization efforts to improve plant resiliency, sustainability, and compliance with environmental standards;
• Coordinates with engineering, construction, and sustainability teams to integrate plant operations into broader campus infrastructure and climate action plans;
• Maintains strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance, including emissions monitoring and hazardous materials handling; and
• Develops operational metrics and reporting tools to track plant performance and support continuous improvement.

Office of Sustainability

• Leads the university’s sustainability vision and strategy, ensuring integration across academics, operations, student life, and community engagement;
• Develops and implements programs that advance environmental stewardship, climate action, and sustainable resource use;
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to promote sustainability literacy and engagement through events, campaigns, and curriculum support;
• Oversees sustainability reporting and benchmarking, including AASHE STARS, greenhouse gas inventories, and institutional dashboards;
• Represents the university in regional and national sustainability networks, partnerships, and policy discussions;
• Tracks and responds to emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments in sustainability and climate resilience; and
• Advises senior leadership on sustainability priorities, risks, and opportunities for innovation and recognition.

Staff Management and Performance

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to managers and staff within the Energy Management Program, Central Plant Operations, and Office of Sustainability;
• Establishes clear performance expectations, conducts regular evaluations, and supports professional development and training;
• Leads workforce planning, recruitment, and succession strategies to ensure operational continuity and institutional knowledge retention;
• Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with the university’s mission and values;
• Promotes cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing among teams to drive innovation and operational excellence; and
• Works closely with Human Resources to ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional policies. 

Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Vice President of Facilities & Campus Operations; and
• Serves on related committees and working groups comprised of members from across the Mason community. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Mechanical Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), or Project Management Professional (PMP);
• Extensive (generally ten or more years) progressively responsible experience in energy management, utilities, or sustainability;
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale facilities or infrastructure operations;
• Proven leadership in developing and implementing strategic initiatives across complex organizations;
• Advanced knowledge of energy management systems, utility infrastructure, and sustainability frameworks, including their application in large, complex institutions;
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing energy use, emissions, and sustainability reporting, with the ability to ensure institutional compliance;
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability assessment tools and reporting platforms (e.g., AASHE STARS, LEED, Energy Star Portfolio Manager);
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, environmental policy, and institutional sustainability practices in higher education or public sector environments;
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical and policy information clearly to executive leadership, governing bodies, and the broader university community;
• Advanced skills in data analysis, performance measurement, and the use of technology to support energy and sustainability decision-making;
• Demonstrated success in influencing institutional policy and driving organizational change in sustainability and energy practices;
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-impact projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities;
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within a mission-driven organization;
• Ability to translate complex regulatory and technical information into actionable strategies for institutional leadership;
• Commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and inclusive sustainability practices;
• Adaptability to evolving technologies, regulatory landscapes, and institutional priorities; and
• Integrity and professionalism in representing the university in external forums and regulatory discussions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Senior-level experience in a higher education or public sector environment;
• Experience with regulatory compliance, energy procurement, and sustainability reporting;
• Successful track record of leading interdisciplinary teams and engaging diverse stakeholders;
• Experience in securing external funding through grants, incentives, or performance contracting to support energy and sustainability initiatives;
• Master-level knowledge of sustainability assessment tools and reporting platforms (e.g., AASHE STARS, LEED, Energy Star Portfolio Manager);
• Demonstrated success in influencing institutional policy and driving organizational change in sustainability and energy practices; and
• Advanced ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, peer institutions, and industry leaders.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Senior Director, Energy and Sustainability at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  August 21, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  September 4, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes