Type: Full-Time
Salary: $94,524 – $109,889. The starting salary is negotiable above this range based on the factors detailed in the description.
Posted: 01/16/2025
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Category: Other Executive; +1

Portland State University (PSU) is hiring an innovative and motivational Director to lead the Planning and Sustainability Office. This dynamic department plays an important role in determining and planning the future direction of PSU. In 2024 U.S. News recognized PSU as the best national university in Oregon for Social Mobility and Service Learning, as well as Oregon’s Most Innovative campus. PSU has a long history of creating sustainable solutions that impact not only the campus but the Portland region, and the Planning and Sustainability Office drives many of these innovations.

The Planning and Sustainability Director provides campus leadership for institutionalizing equitable and sustainable practices in campus planning, operations, policies, programs, plans, and contracts. They report to the Associate Vice President for the Planning, Construction & Real Estate division and work with all sectors of the university.

Key areas of responsibility include the following:

  • collaborating with campus executives and departments to develop and document sustainable strategic plans which address materials management, building and infrastructure maintenance, energy conservation, watershed stewardship, land management, transportation and commuting, and community and academic partnerships;
  • creating long-range plans for the university that respond to the changing nature of higher education, meet city and regional goals, and integrate sustainable solutions;
  • overseeing the Campus Planning team’s activities including mapping/GIS, campus planning projects, community engagement initiatives, and oversight of feasibility studies;
  • communicating all planning and sustainability issues for PSU, including a monthly newsletter, website updates, and social media communications, as well as representing campus planning and sustainability perspectives in both internal and external settings;
  • tracking, analyzing and budgeting utilities, and managing utility cost reduction initiatives;
  • overseeing the Materials Management Services group and advising on strategic planning, policy and standards compliance, budgeting, process improvement for efficiency opportunities, sustainability innovations, and waste reduction strategies;
  • personnel management for 2 direct reports as well as general oversight for a total team of 8 full time employees and approximately 15-20 temporary and/or student employees.

This permanent, full time, position works within an innovative team-oriented environment in downtown Portland, and includes a comprehensive benefits package with at least 38 days of paid time off each year, 95% employer-funded premium healthcare, 100% employer-funded retirement plans, and 70% off of tuition for you, dependent children, and your spouse or domestic partner.

The Planning & Sustainability Office nourishes a growing culture of sustainability within PSU and enables a vibrant living laboratory for exploration and innovation. Through partnership and collaboration, we aim to align policy, practice, and planning with PSU’s sustainability, resilience, equity, and educational goals.

Work Schedule

  • Generally, Monday-Friday (8am-5pm)
  • Some flexibility, including remote work, may be an option

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science, sustainability, planning or a related field.
  • At least five years of experience in planning and/or sustainability.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
  • Demonstrated interest in sustainability and planning related topics.
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups/individuals and building partnerships toward common goals.
  • Effective communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills.
  • Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in planning, public administration, environmental science or a related field, and 10 years of related experience.
  • LEED Accreditation.

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting annual salary is $94,524 – $109,889. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
  • Relocation reimbursement may be available.
  • PSU’s excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Review the Benefits at PSU webpage for full details.
  • Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.