Executive Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Executive Director of Environmental Health & SafetyAbout the CompanyProgressive public research universityIndustry Higher EducationType Educational InstitutionFounded 1868Employees 1001-5000CategoriesEducation Non Profit Universities Colleges & Universities Oregon State UniversityAbout the RoleThe Company is in search of an Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to provide strategic and operational leadership for its comprehensive, university-wide EHS programs. This includes a wide range of areas such as laboratory safety, hazardous waste, biosafety, radiation safety, occupational safety, fire and life safety, and environmental resource protection. The successful candidate will be a seasoned, collaborative leader with deep technical expertise in EHS, strong people leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and organizational landscapes. The role is highly visible and has a broad impact across the research, academic, and operational enterprise, requiring the Executive Director to work closely with senior leadership, researchers, deans, and regulatory partners to ensure a safe, compliant, and forward-looking campus environment.Applicants for the Executive Director position at the company should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least five years of progressively responsible EHS leadership experience, and a proven track record in managing professional teams and budgets. The role demands a trusted advisor, proactive risk manager, and champion for continuous improvement, safety culture, and inclusive practices. Strong communication, strategic planning, and risk management capabilities are essential. While not mandatory, advanced degrees, higher education experience, professional EHS certifications, and experience in a union environment are preferred. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader, dedicated to the mission of the company, and committed to the values of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.Hiring Manager Title Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and ManagementTravel Percent Less than 10%FunctionsEducation/Academic Administration Non-Profit Management