ESG Analyst II

Overview

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term.

Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.

The Role

We are seeking an ESG Analyst II to support and promote initiatives and programs related to inclusion & diversity, environmental sustainability, philanthropy, and communications and reporting.  Responsibilities and areas of focus to include, but are not limited to:

Inclusion & Diversity: Support the Director of ESG, I&D in the development and implementation of AvalonBay’s Inclusion & Diversity program. 

• Support the development, management, and integration of Associate Resource Groups (ARG), which includes creating and maintaining resources to promote consistency and alignment.
• Manage the I&D and ARG annual plans and budgets.
• Manage the I&D calendar and help coordinate and support celebration and awareness months and days, as needed.
• Engage internal stakeholders in the development, facilitation, and implementation of programs and initiatives related to I&D.
• Support the collection and analysis of I&D metrics, as needed.
• Create and manage the I&D resource and training library and partner with the Learning & Development team to integrate I&D elements into the company’s broader training and development strategy.

Environmental Sustainability: Support the execution of environmental sustainability programs and initiatives working with the Senior Manager and VP of ESG.

• Manage and continue to evolve the energy performance dashboard working closely with the Utilities team.
• Generate Physical Climate Risk assessments and Biodiversity assessments from appropriate portals.
• Support waste and water task forces as needed.
• Research existing and maintain awareness of upcoming jurisdictional transparency and performance standards and map to portfolio.
• Review industry leading ESG reports and additional environmental disclosures/ranking to support the continued evolution of the company’s ESG program.
• Work with quality and design teams to track building certifications.
• Support identification and implementation of environmental initiatives.

Strategic Philanthropy: Provide day-to-day management of AvalonBay’s Building Strong Communities philanthropy program. 

• Collaborate with and support regional philanthropy leads in execution of annual philanthropy plans.
• Provide oversight and manage AvalonBay’s volunteer platform (Benevity Spark).
• Manage and track the annual philanthropy budget via AvalonBay’s donation platform (Benevity Grants).
• Manage and support the company’s annual Spirit of Caring Season and Days through template creation, volunteer planning support, etc.

Communications & Reporting: Work with members of ESG and Marketing/Communications teams to regularly communicate ESG initiatives, events and progress – both internally and externally.

• Support the creation of AvalonBay’s annual ESG report, CDP filing, and GRESB submission.
• Manage the ESG, I&D, and Philanthropy internal intranet sites.
• Support updates to the ESG, I&D and Careers external sites, as needed.
• Work with team to create content for communications plan for both external stakeholders and residents.

You Have...

Education: Bachelors Degree required

Experience: 2-3 years of relevant experience supporting ESG programs and initiatives with a focus on environmental sustainability and social impact.  Real estate industry knowledge and LEED AP accreditation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clear and concise written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate complex topics and develop strong relationships and partnerships with internal teams.

• Creative problem-solving skills with the confidence to start and research tasks and projects with limited direction at times.

• Strong time and project management skills, including the ability to manage tasks and projects with competing priorities.
• Highly organized self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Understanding of the business case for ESG and inclusion and diversity.

• Builds relationships, influences, and works collaboratively in cross functional teams as demonstrated by success in current or previous role.
• Computer skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. High level of excel proficiency a must. 

How AvalonBay Supports You

We know that our teams are the beating heart of our success and we’re committed to showing our appreciation.

We offer:

• Comprehensive benefits — health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock purchase plan and more. Click on Benefits for information.
• Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.
• Associate recognition (a company-wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization – including destination awards, ‘AvalonBay’s Very Best’ recognition program and others!).
• A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes.
• A culture built on purpose and our core values - A Commitment to Integrity, A Spirit of Caring, and A Focus on Continuous Improvement.

Additional Info

AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must  recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated.  With this we know we can do great things.

AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person’s  race,  ethnicity,  color,  religion, sex, national  origin,  sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic  information (including  characteristics or  testing),  citizenship  status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.

AvalonBay will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with requirements under the law.

#LI-Hybrid

For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice