Sustainability Program Manager – Climate Resilience

The County of San Mateo Sustainability Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sustainability Program Manager – Climate Resilience.

 About the Sustainability Department

Formed in July 2014 as a part of the County Executive’s Office, the Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work that is designed to bring solutions today while solving for tomorrow. The Sustainability Department has programs to help the county both fight and prepare for climate change, ensure clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources for future generations through waste reduction.

 At the Sustainability Department, we:

• Transform Systems: Create systemic change by leading policy development and planning, influencing and aligning with state and federal mandates.
• Catalyze Regional Climate Solutions: Advance regional climate solutions by forming impact networks, securing funding, and adopting strategies for economic efficiency.
• Empower Community Leadership and Action: Enable communities to lead and act on climate issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a candidate with experience in the areas of climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; water quality and stormwater management; community and business empowerment; and strong program and staff management skills.

Under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director, the Sustainability Program Manager leads the six-member Climate Resilience team focused on reducing greenhouse gases in county operations, improving watershed water quality, implementing community resilience initiatives, and incorporating resilience in policy and planning documents.

Responsibilities include overseeing implementation of the Government Operations Climate Action Plan; Stormwater Municipal Regional Permit compliance; County employee commute alternatives program; Green Business Program; and adaptation and resilience planning to address impact such as extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfire smoke. The role also involves overseeing program budget, grant administration, vendor contracts, and monitoring policy and program developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, administer, and coordinate the activities of professional and technical staff involved in Climate Resilience work;
• Collaborate with multiple County departments, cities and community partners on local and regional climate resilience programs;
• Innovate new approaches to transform systems and empower County employees and communities to lead and act on climate issues.

As the Sustainability Program Manager – Climate Resilience, your responsibilities will include:

• Program and Staff Management – Set strategic direction, manage complex budgets, successfully oversee and deliver projects to completion, supervise and develop staff, and present to the County Executive’s Office and Board of Supervisors.
• Vendor & Contract Oversight – Manage vendor contracts, performance and budget.
• Community Empowerment – Develop and implement community-driven initiatives and resources with county departments and community partners to build climate resilience.
• Policy Development – Track laws, regulations, policy development and requirements to support climate resilience initiatives.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic results-driven leader demonstrating deep understanding of both emission reduction and climate adaptation strategies, with extensive experience in environmental sustainability and resilience planning. They have a proven track record of program and staff management, financial oversight including managing multi-million-dollar budgets, developing funding strategies, and achieving measurable outcomes.

With a high level of political acumen, they can navigate complex issues and collaborate effectively with elected officials, County departments, and regional and community partners.

Strong communication skills are essential, as this role requires the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences. The candidate is passionate about designing and implementing programs that create tangible community benefits and empowerment. They excel at building strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, resolving community concerns, and facilitating large public initiatives.

The ideal candidate would have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience leading sustainability programs and managing staff. A collaborative and innovative approach to leadership, combined with a strong commitment to public service and environmental sustainability, is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is three years of experience in the field of sustainability or resource conservation which has included complex program implementation and coordination.

Knowledge of:

• Resource conservation and climate mitigation and adaptation planning
• Supervisory principles and practices
• Program planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Contract management
• Relevant laws, codes, and regulations

Skill/Ability to:

• Set priorities, allocate resources, and ensure program success while mentoring staff
• Manage complex projects, build cross-functional teams, and delegate effectively
• Recruit, onboard, and engage employees
• Oversee public processes and engage interest groups
• Manage vendors, consultants, and regional partnerships
• Develop organizational structure and maintain stakeholder relationships
• Navigate procurement, contracting, and best practices
• Handle sensitive situations tactfully and engage diverse audiences
• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
• Communicate effectively across disciplines (engineering, construction, regulatory, community)
• Write and administer grants

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:
Application Deadline:  Monday, January 12, 2025
Screening: Wednesday, January 14, 2025
Combined Panel Interviews: Tuesday, February 3, 2025