Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
Category:: ProfessionalSubscribe::Department:: Office of SustainabilityLocations:: Binghamton, NYPosted:: Apr 24, 2026Closes:: Open Until FilledType:: Full-timeRef. No.:: 15340Position ID:: 199753About Binghamton UniversityBinghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character - shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities, and community life - promotes extraordinary student success, research, and service; Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.Working at Binghamton University is more than about having a great job - it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton's collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty who value cutting-edge, and community-engaged research, teaching and service, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. Our high-achieving student body represents diverse experiences from first-generation college-goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration, and community service.We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and in keeping with this commitment, we welcome all to apply, including veterans and persons with disabilities.Job DescriptionBudget Title: Director (SL-6)Salary: $125,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience)Binghamton University seeks a highly strategic, visionary, and collaborative Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to serve as the institution's senior leader advancing sustainability, climate action, and environmental stewardship across all facets of the University.Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management, the CSO serves as the University's principal advisor to executive leadership on sustainability, decarbonization, and climate resilience. The CSO provides institution-wide leadership to align sustainability initiatives with the University's mission, SUNY expectations, Executive Order 22 (EO22), and New York State climate priorities.This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for setting institutional vision, establishing measurable goals, and ensuring accountability for sustainability performance across operations, academics, capital planning, and community engagement. The CSO leads a comprehensive sustainability portfolio and ensures sustainability is embedded into institutional decision-making at the highest levels.The CSO will drive implementation of campus-wide sustainability initiatives spanning energy, waste, water, procurement, and curriculum integration, working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners to deliver measurable impact, secure funding, and position Binghamton University as a leader in sustainability and climate action.This position supervises the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer and Sustainability Coordinator staff.Responsibilities Of The Successful Candidate Will IncludeExecutive Leadership & StrategyServe as the University's senior advisor on sustainability, climate resilience, decarbonization, environmental justice, and resource stewardship.Lead development, implementation, and continuous advancement of the University's Climate Action Plan and alignment with SUNY and New York State climate goals, including EO22.Establish institutional sustainability goals, metrics, and accountability frameworks; ensure transparent reporting of progress.Embed sustainability into strategic planning, policy development, and executive decision-making.Advance institutional and broader public-sector leadership by collaborating with SUNY Central, peer campuses, and New York State agencies to remove barriers, align strategies, and accelerate progress toward statewide climate goals.Institutional Integration & Capital PlanningPartner with Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction to integrate sustainability, decarbonization, and resilience into capital planning, infrastructure investments, and long-range campus development.Align sustainability priorities with institutional budgeting, capital planning, and lifecycle cost strategies.Collaborate across divisions to embed sustainability into operations, procurement, transportation, housing, dining, and auxiliary services.Lead and support the development, implementation, and alignment of major institutional planning frameworks - including the Facilities Master Plan (FMP), Climate and Energy Master Plan (CEMP), and the University Strategic Plan - ensuring sustainability is a core driver of institutional decision-making.Program Development & ImplementationDevelop and ensure implementation of comprehensive sustainability initiatives across:Energy efficiency and decarbonizationWaste reduction, recycling, composting, and circular economy/zero-waste strategiesWater conservation and utility optimizationSustainable procurement aligned with GreenNY requirementsSustainable transportation systemsBiodiversity and natural resource managementCampus-based initiatives such as community gardens and green infrastructureIntegrate sustainability into academic programs and curriculum in partnership with faculty and academic leadership.Advance innovation through pilot programs and scalable institutional solutions.Outreach, Engagement & External PartnershipsDevelop and expand signature sustainability initiatives, including fairs, summits, speaker series, reuse programs, community clean-ups, and planting efforts.Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, peer institutions, and industry leaders.Serve as a University ambassador, representing Binghamton in SUNY engagements, professional organizations, conferences, and community forums.Foster broad participation across students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.Regulatory Compliance & System CollaborationEnsure compliance with Executive Order 22 (EO22), SUNY policies, GreenNY requirements, and all applicable state and federal mandates.Collaborate with SUNY Central, peer campuses, and New York State agencies to remove barriers, align implementation strategies, and strengthen the University's ability to meet and exceed EO22 requirements.Actively engage with the GreenNY Council and its working groups, in collaboration with the NYS Office of General Services (OGS), to support EO22 compliance, contribute to statewide policy development, and advance sustainable procurement and operational practices.Represent Binghamton in cross-campus and statewide working groups, advancing policy alignment and shared accountability.Translate evolving regulatory requirements into actionable institutional strategies.Grant & Funding AcquisitionIdentify, pursue, and secure grants, rebates, and external funding to support sustainability initiatives and capital investments.Develop funding strategies that leverage public, private, and philanthropic resources aligned with institutional priorities.Organizational Leadership & Operational OversightProvide strategic oversight of the Office of Sustainability, including structure, staffing, and resource planning.Supervise the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer and Sustainability Coordinator staff. In addition, support student teams that work on sustainability initiatives, data management, reporting, and engagement.Establish clear performance expectations and accountability structures. Lead governance bodies such as the University Sustainability Committee.Partner with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leadership, academic departments, and student government to ensure inclusive and equitable sustainability outcomes.Performance Management, Reporting & MetricsEnsure completion and coordination of sustainability reporting, including greenhouse gas inventories, waste audits, and benchmarking via AASHE STARS and SUNY frameworks.Develop systems to track, benchmark, and improve performance across energy, waste, water, and emissions.Utilize data-driven insights to inform strategy and investment decisions.Academic & Research IntegrationPartner with academic leadership to advance sustainability in curriculum, research, and experiential learning.Support interdisciplinary initiatives that position Binghamton as a leader in climate and environmental research.Expand student engagement through applied, campus-based sustainability work.Culture, Engagement & Institutional ImpactChampion a university-wide culture of sustainability across operations, academics, and student life.Lead communications and engagement strategies that elevate sustainability as a shared institutional value.Position sustainability as a defining element of Binghamton's identity and long-term impact.RequirementsBachelor's degree (or higher) in sustainability, environmental science, engineering, public policy, planning, or a related fieldMinimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability, climate action, environmental management, or a related field, including leadership experienceDemonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and lead complex, cross-functional initiativesKnowledge of sustainability frameworks, climate policy, regulatory environments, EO22, and GreenNY requirementsExperience implementing large-scale sustainability initiatives across energy, waste, water, or related systemsEffective communication, facilitation, and leadership skillsDemonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and environmental justicePreferredMaster's degree (or higher) in a related fieldSeven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability or related leadership rolesExperience in higher education, government, or similarly complex organizationsFamiliarity with AASHE STARS, greenhouse gas accounting, and sustainability reporting frameworksExperience integrating sustainability into capital planning and infrastructure systemsProfessional certifications such as LEED, WELL, TRUE, BREEAM, Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), or related credentialsExperience working in a unionized environmentDemonstrated success securing external funding or grantsRecord of advancing sustainability through research, teaching, or public engagementVisa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Binghamton University is not an E-Verify employer.Additional InformationSpecial Notes:This position is considered a Campus Security Authority for purposes of Clery Act complianceOffers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentialsBinghamton University is a tobacco-free campus.Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.govPayroll information can be found on our website https://www.binghamton.edu/offices/human-resources/payroll/Cover letters may be addressed "To the Search Committee."Postings active on the website, accept applications until closure.For Information On The Dual Career Program, Please Visithttps://www.binghamton.edu/offices/human-resources/prospective/dual-career/index.htmlEqual Opportunity/Affirmative Action EmployerThe State University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of Binghamton University to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.As required by Title IX and its implementing regulations Binghamton University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs and activities which it operates. This requirement extends to employment and admission. Inquiries about sex discrimination may be directed to the University Title IX Coordinator or directly to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and OCR, as well as the University's complete Non-Discrimination Notice may be found here.Binghamton University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator by completing the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.Application InstructionsAll applicants must apply via Interview Exchange: http://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=199753Deadline for Internal Applicants: May 8, 2026Deadline for External Applicants: Open until filledReview of applications will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled.Please SubmitResume,Cover letter, andContact information for three professional referencesYou may add additional files/documents after uploading your resume. After you fill out your contact information, you will be directed to the upload page. Please login to check/edit your profile or to upload additional documents: http://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/login.jsp.