Job Description
Catawba College seeks an Environmental Sustainability Coordinator to manage the Environmental Stewards program and advance sustainability initiatives on campus. This full-time role involves recruiting and mentoring student employees, coordinating sustainability projects, and facilitating peer education. Ideal for early-career sustainability professionals, the position requires a relevant degree and strong organizational skills. The job is office-based in Salisbury, NC, with occasional evening or weekend hours.
Full-time position
Position Summary The Environmental Sustainability Coordinator supports campus-wide sustainability initiatives by coordinating and managing Catawba’s Environmental Stewards program. This position plays a key role in advancing environmental and social responsibility on campus through peer-to-peer education, program implementation, and student engagement. The role is ideal for an early-career sustainability professional seeking hands-on experience in program coordination, leadership development, and campus sustainability operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Environmental Stewards Program Coordination & Management
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise a team of student employees or volunteers supporting campus environmental and sustainability initiatives.Provide ongoing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback to student team members.Facilitate regular team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture.
Campus Sustainability Initiatives
Coordinate student support for sustainability programs such as waste reduction, energy conservation, sustainable transportation, food systems, regenerative landscapes, and climate engagement.Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating sustainability projects and campaigns.Track program participation, outcomes, and impact metrics in collaboration with sustainability staff.
Peer-to-Peer Education & Outreach
Support and oversee peer-to-peer education efforts, including workshops, tabling, presentations, and residence hall or classroom outreach.Develop educational materials and messaging that engage diverse campus audiences.Collaborate with campus partners (housing, dining, facilities, student organizations, academic departments) to expand sustainability education efforts.
Administrative & Program Support
Assist with scheduling, payroll/time tracking, and budget coordination for student staff.Maintain documentation, reports, and communications related to student programs.Support training, assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement of Environmental Stewards program.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental studies, education, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).Demonstrated interest in sustainability, environmental justice, or climate action.Experience working with or leading students, volunteers, or peer educators.Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in campus sustainability programs or higher education settings.Supervisory or team coordination experience.Familiarity with sustainability best practices, behavior change strategies, or peer education models.Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Core Competencies
Leadership and mentorshipProject coordinationCollaborative problem-solvingPublic speaking and facilitationEquity-centered and inclusive engagement
Work Environment
This position works closely with students, faculty, staff, and community partners in an office and campus-based setting. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support student programming and events
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants shall submit the following materials, in a single file, pdf version only, to employment@catawba.edu:
A letter of application;Resume or Curriculum Vitae; andContact information for three (3) professional references.Review of completed applications begins January 15, 2025, and continues until the position is filled.
ABOUT CATAWBA:
Founded in 1851 in Newton, North Carolina, Catawba was started by German pioneers who had traveled from eastern Pennsylvania to settle in the valleys of the Haw, Yadkin, and Catawba Rivers. In 1890, Catawba became a coeducational institution and the first woman graduate completed her studies in 1893. In 1925, Catawba moved and re-opened to its current location in Salisbury, NC, which is about 45 minutes from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, two hours from the mountains, and four hours from the beaches.
Today, Catawba College has 41 buildings on 276 wooded acres on a residential campus. Catawba is known for its 189 acre on-campus ecological preserve. Ranked as one of the best colleges in the south, Catawba offers 70