Sustainability Engagement Program Manager

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, June 25 2026, at 11:59PM.
Term: 1 year

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for leading the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of sustainability programs that build campus-wide engagement, capacity, and behaviour change in support of the University of Waterloo’s environmental sustainability and climate objectives.

The role focuses on creating and sustaining participation in sustainability through structured programs, training, and partnerships with students, employees, and campus units. Working closely with the Director of Sustainability, the incumbent translates institutional priorities into scalable engagement approaches that support adoption of sustainability initiatives and contribute to measurable outcomes.

This role complements project-based implementation by enabling awareness, participation, and long-term integration of sustainability practices across the University community.

Key Accountabilities

Sustainability Programs

Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of ongoing sustainability programs that enable participation and behaviour change across campus, including:

• Managing the Green Office program, including development of best practice resources and delivery of mentorship, coaching, training, and support to ambassadors and participating departments
• Managing the Green Labs program, including engagement with participating labs and development of program resources and supports
• Overseeing the Green Residence program in partnership with Campus Housing, including student ambassador support and program delivery
• Leading the Green Volunteers program to expand participation and build sustainability capacity across campus
• Supporting and strengthening sustainability-focused student leadership networks, including collaboration with student clubs, societies, and groups
• Designing and delivering sustainability-related training and certificate programs for employees, including:
  • Learning outcomes development
  • Content design and facilitation
  • Program evaluation and participation tracking
• Managing the delivery of the Sustainability Leadership Certificate alternative credential for students, including supporting participation, building connections with campus and community partners, supporting student progression, and evaluating submissions and completion

Engagement to Support Institutional Initiatives and Behaviour Change

Support the successful uptake and integration of sustainability initiatives led by the Sustainability Office and campus partners by:

• Collaborating with the Sustainability Projects Manager and other partners to support engagement and adoption of new sustainability initiatives and projects
• Translating project outcomes, tools, and initiatives into accessible programs, training, and participation opportunities for campus audiences
• Identifying barriers to participation and developing approaches to increase uptake and sustained behaviour change
• Providing feedback from program participants and stakeholders to inform continuous improvement of institutional initiatives
• Developing and implementing behaviour change approaches, in partnership with campus stakeholders, to support adoption of sustainability practices, including:
  • Energy and water conservation
  • Waste reduction and diversion
  • Sustainable transportation
  • Sustainable food practices

Event and Campaign Delivery

Plan and deliver sustainability-focused engagement initiatives that build awareness and create opportunities for participation, including:

• Coordinating an annual calendar of sustainability-related programs, campaigns, and events aligned with institutional priorities
• Leading delivery of key engagement initiatives such as:
  • Earth Month
  • Waste Reduction Month
  • Sustainable transportation campaigns (e.g., Bike Month, Carpool Week)
• Planning and delivering community-building events such as Eco-Summit and other initiatives that recognize sustainability achievements
• Supporting workshops and hands-on activities that enable practical engagement in sustainability

Partnerships and Community Building

Develop and maintain relationships that strengthen program reach and effectiveness:

• Collaborating with campus partners (e.g., Housing, Plant Operations, Food Services, Faculties, student groups) to co-deliver programs and embed sustainability into campus life
• Supporting integration of sustainability into student and employee experiences, including orientation and co-curricular activities
• Supporting integration of sustainability into various departments and teams, aligned with the Sustainability Playbook
• Building and maintaining relationships with community partners involved in joint engagement initiatives
• Participating in internal committees and working groups as required

Program Evaluation and Operational Support

Support continuous improvement and alignment with Sustainability Office priorities by:

• Tracking program participation, outcomes, and key performance indicators
• Supporting data collection related to engagement and behaviour change metrics for institutional reporting
• Contributing insights and analysis to inform program refinement and strategic decision-making
• Maintaining the Sustainability Office website in accordance with institutional guidelines and departmental priorities
• Supporting annual work planning and prioritization of programs in alignment with the Director's direction

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Education or training related to environmental science, studies, policy, sustainability, or a related field
• Master's Degree preferred

Experience

• 3-5 years of professional work experience is sustainability programming, behaviour change initiatives, or employ/student engagement
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering programs, training, or initiatives that drive participation and behavioural change
• Experience working in a complex, multi-stake holder environment; experience in a post-secondary academic setting is an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (data tracking, basic analysis), Word (document development), and PowerPoint (presentations)
• Strong understanding of sustainability concepts relevant to a post-secondary institution, including waste, energy/emissions, water, transportation, and sustainable food systems
• Knowledge of behaviour change frameworks (e.g., Community-Based Social Marketing), program design, and evaluation approaches
• Experience developing and delivering training and educational programs for diverse audiences (e.g., students, staff, volunteers)
• Basic experience with web content management software
• Strong program and event management skills, including planning, coordination, partnership development, delivery, and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, faculty, and community partners
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage audiences and support learning and participation
• Ability to navigate differing perspectives and build consensus on sustainability-related topics in a complex organizational environment
• Experience tracking and interpreting participation or engagement data to inform program improvements
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment with competing deadlines

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.