Summary
Description
Job Description
** Applications will be received until May 23, 2025. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **
About this job:
Leads the district’s climate action and sustainability efforts by aligning environmental goals with strategic and capital planning priorities. Oversees the implementation of high-impact projects and initiatives that promote environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social equity. Applies technical expertise, strong communication, and collaborative leadership to advance renewable energy use, resource conservation, and responsible energy procurement. Champions student and staff engagement in sustainability and supports educational efforts that prepare students for participation in a green economy. Effectively uses data analytics to drive improvements, efficiencies and decisions.
**The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, Chief of Operations and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.
What DPS Offers You:
- A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
- Salary Range: $105,639 – $129,387. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
- In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
What You'll Do:
- Leads a team of sustainability professionals by setting clear performance expectations, providing regular coaching and feedback, and supporting professional development aligned with climate action priorities.
- Coordinates the implementation and ongoing refinement of the District’s Climate Action Plan, facilitating engagement with staff, students, and community members; prepares progress updates and supports leadership presentations to the Board of Education when needed.
- Monitors and manages sustainability-related budgets, including utility expenditures; prepares funding proposals and supports grant applications to advance climate action initiatives.
- Manages sustainability-related contracts and vendor relationships, including those for utilities, waste services, performance contracting, and climate-related consulting.
- Maintains relationships with community partners, governmental agencies, and internal departments to advance sustainability objectives and support cross-functional initiatives.
- Supports the rollout and monitoring of sustainability programs and projects; provides guidance and coordination to site-level teams and other district sustainability staff.
- Identifies barriers to meeting sustainability goals and collaborates across departments to implement practical, equity-centered solutions.
- Prepares and distributes communications and presentations that convey climate data and progress in accessible formats for diverse audiences.
- Maintains documentation of key processes, procedures, and projects to support institutional knowledge and continuity of operations.
- Stays informed on emerging sustainability technologies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory requirements relevant to school districts and incorporates relevant updates into program planning.
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor's Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business, Finance or Project Management is required.
- A Master's Degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business, Finance or Project Management is preferred.
- Five (5) or more years of leadership and experience in sustainability or related discipline.
- Three (3) or more years of management responsibility.
- CEM required.
- Additional AEE Certifications such as CEP and CLEP desired. LEED Green Associate and/or LEED AP also desired.
- Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
- Experience in analyzing data, and using this data to form process and program improvements and to inform strategy.
- Outstanding facilitation and communication skills, including ability to inspire others.
- Demonstrated experience managing and completing multiple projects (full life-cycle project planning and implementation.
- Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills with demonstrated ability leading a high-performing team.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization.
- Self-starter/leader who can anticipate department needs in a proactive (versus, reactive) manner.
- Strategic planning and organizational development knowledge and skills.
- Ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources.
- Outstanding facilitation and communication skills, including ability to inspire others.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Google Workspace.
- Ability to work in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment with district and school leaders, faculty, staff and students.
- Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
- Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
- Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun
About Us
Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.
