Director, Office of Sustainability and Resilience

Description

The County of Santa Clara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. This executive-level position is responsible for leading and coordinating County-wide programs that advance environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and natural resource stewardship.

The Director will oversee strategic initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhancing climate adaptation, promoting sustainable food systems, protecting natural resources, and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices. A key responsibility includes directing the development and annual update of the County’s Sustainability Master Plan, ensuring alignment with departmental operations and compliance with environmental regulations and policies.

This role requires a collaborative leader who can work across County departments, local jurisdictions, regional agencies, and community stakeholders to integrate sustainability and climate defense strategies into all aspects of County governance. The Director will also lead select regional initiatives and represent the County’s sustainability efforts before boards, commissions, and the public.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of countywide sustainability and resilience programs.
• Oversee the development and execution of the Sustainability Master Plan.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance environmental goals.
• Represent the County in public forums and policy discussions.
• Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
• Manage program budgets, evaluate effectiveness, and report on outcomes.
• Inspire partnerships and advocate for investments that expand impact.

Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker and persuasive communicator with a strong track record in environmental policy, program management, and stakeholder engagement. They will bring a passion for sustainability, a commitment to equity, and the ability to lead complex initiatives that deliver measurable environmental and community benefits.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

This recruitment is continuous until filled; the first review of applications will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

This recruitment requires the submission of an online application. No paper applications will be accepted. Applicants must apply online at https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

It is important that the following information be included in your application packet, as it will be evaluated during the competitive review process:

1. Résumé;
2. Cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate, including specific examples from your experience (maximum of 3 pages); and
3. Complete responses to the supplemental questions.

Thorough referencing and a background investigation will be conducted once mutual interest has been established. The finalist will be asked to provide a minimum of five references, and prior authorization from the finalist will be obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Quynh Truong, Executive Services at quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org.

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Typical Tasks

• Plan, organize, implement, and direct County-wide energy, sustainability, water, and integrated pest management programs through subordinate managers in Sustainability and Integrated Pest Management (IPM);
• Work closely with other County departments to integrate sustainability and climate defense considerations into all County activities, goods, services, and programs;
• Make administrative interpretations of pertinent local, state, and federal laws, and regulations;
• Prepare and recommend new and revised strategies, initiatives, programs, policies, procedures, plans, rules, regulations, and laws;
• Develop a comprehensive County Sustainability Master Plan and manage annual updates;
• Represent the County before boards, commissions, political bodies, news media, and the general public relating to sustainability and IPM;
• Work closely with representatives from other local, state, and federal agencies as well as allied non-profits and other institutional stakeholders;
• Appoint subordinate managers and evaluate their performance in achieving program and individual goals and objectives;
• Develop and conduct public relations/community outreach programs to promote knowledge regarding Sustainability and IPM programs, objectives, laws, and regulations;
• May be assigned Disaster Service Worker duties, as assigned; and
• Perform related duties and special projects as required.

Employment Standards

Considerable education, training and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks and possession and application of the knowledge and abilities listed below.

The knowledge and abilities listed below would be acquired through the attainment of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business, Finance, Public Administration, Environmental Law, Natural or Physical Sciences, Environmental or Sustainability Management, Urban Planning, or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of recent progressively responsible experience working in resource conservation, green building, sustainability, climate change mitigation and/or planning, energy/water conservation, or structural and non-production agriculture pest management, 2 years of which must include management of a Sustainability or IPM type program.

A Master's Degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of general experience. Administrative experience handling complex programs and projects at a public agency is desirable. Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of all phases of sustainability including, but not limited to: resource conservation, green building, climate change, and energy and water conservation;
• Principles of structural & non-production agriculture pest management including, but not limited to: vertebrate, invertebrate, and vegetative pest management using integrated methods including biological, cultural and, if necessary, chemical control;
• Principles and practices of organizational development and public administration;
• Principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, and motivation, performance evaluation, training, and employee/labor relations;
• Principles and practices of effective public relations;
• Principles and techniques of problem solving and conflict resolution;
• Practices and techniques of budget preparation, monitoring, and control;
• Legislative processes at both the state and local levels, and the proceedings of federal legislation as they affect local programs;
• Federal, State, and local agencies and their roles in sustainability and IPM matters;
• Applicable laws and regulations governing green building, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programming, California Public Utilities Commission proceedings, integrated pest management, and Community Energy programs;
• Effective management of fiscal resources, including grant, procurement, and budget administration;
• Procurement of professional consultant services;
• Contract administration;
• General principles and applications of modern information systems.

Ability to:

• Effectively plan, prioritize, direct, coordinate, and manage staff and functions of a comprehensive sustainability and IPM program;
• Prepare and administer the office’s budget;
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships with County departments/staff, and representatives from other local, state, and federal regulatory programs;
• Plan, motivate, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of staff;
• Coach and mentor staff and conduct succession planning activities;
• Conduct effective public relations, outreach, and information programs;
• Deal effectively and constructively with members of policy boards, commissions, elected and appointed public officials, and the general public in discussing sustainability and IPM problems;
• Understand, interpret, and apply provisions of federal, state, and local legislation, rules and regulations pertinent to the administration of sustainability and IPM programs and policies;
• Evaluate gaps in County strategies, initiatives, or programs that negatively impact sustainability and climate defense improvement and make corrective recommendations;
• Effectively assist County departments to set performance goals, monitor, and make progress on goals that positively improve sustainability and climate defense;
• Express ideas and communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in oral and written form;
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills coupled with excellent communication skills to effectively present findings or recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, Board Committees, or commissions;
• Formulate and interpret strategic plans, mission statements, policies, and procedures;
• Supervise staff engaged in research, analysis, and evaluation of data;
• Prepare clear and comprehensive correspondence and reports;
• Identify new developments and emerging challenges in the field of sustainability and IPM.