What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Planning and Sustainability Office position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
03/17/2025
Classification Title
Facilities / Operations
Rank
N - No Rank
Working Title
Director, Planning and Sustainability Office
Department
600026 - PSR Campus Sustainability Office
Position Number
D96213
Representation
UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
Renewable
Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE
1
Tenure Status
N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
For information about the Planning and Sustainability Office, please visit https://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/planning-sustainability-office
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
For information about the Planning and Sustainability Office, please visit https://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/planning-sustainability-office
Position Summary
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.
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.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Generally, Monday-Friday (8am-5pm). Some flexibility, including remote work, may be an option.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $94,524 and $109,889. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be 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.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please submit your cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.
In your cover letter, please provide an example of your leadership experience when you successfully motivated and inspired others and ensured that most employees are highly engaged with their work.
In your cover letter, please provide an example of your leadership experience when you successfully motivated and inspired others and ensured that most employees are highly engaged with their work.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes
Position End Date (if applicable)
If you have questions
Please contact Angie Telford, Administrative Services Manager, at atelford@pdx.edu.
Salary : $94,524 - $109,889
