Sustainability Program Manager

Sustainability Program Manager

Location: Corporate- Dallas, TX

The Sustainability Program Manager will lead Gordon Highlander's sustainability initiatives across our commercial construction projects while helping establish and grow a new client service offering.

Working closely with Operations, Preconstruction, Project Management, and Clients, this individual will integrate practical sustainability strategies into every phase of the project lifecycle. They will provide technical guidance, support sustainable design and construction decisions, oversee certification and reporting requirements, and help clients achieve their environmental, operational, and business objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up. As Gordon Highlander continues expanding its sustainability capabilities, the successful candidate will help develop standards, create internal processes, shape client services, and position the company as a sustainability leader within the commercial construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Project Leadership

• Serve as Gordon Highlander's sustainability subject matter expert for clients and project teams. 
• Understand owner sustainability goals, certification requirements, and ESG objectives. 
• Develop project-specific sustainability strategies and implementation plans. 
• Support business development efforts, proposals, interviews, and client presentations. 
• Build strong relationships with owners, architects, consultants, and trade partners. 

Sustainable Design & Preconstruction

• Partner with Design and Preconstruction teams to identify sustainable design opportunities. 
• Evaluate materials, systems, and construction methods for environmental performance and lifecycle value. 
• Support embodied carbon reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction initiatives. 
• Research emerging technologies and sustainable construction practices. 
• Provide practical recommendations that balance sustainability, cost, and constructability. 

Project Delivery

• Manage sustainability requirements across multiple active projects. 
• Coordinate certification programs such as LEED and other owner-required sustainability standards. 
• Track project sustainability metrics, documentation, and compliance requirements. 
• Support project teams throughout construction by resolving sustainability-related questions and challenges. 
• Develop tools, templates, and best practices that improve project consistency. 

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare sustainability reports and performance dashboards for clients and project teams. 
• Analyze project performance against established sustainability goals. 
• Present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Develop training materials and educate employees on sustainability best practices. 
• Translate technical sustainability data into clear, practical information for clients and project teams. 

Program Development

• Help build Gordon Highlander's long-term sustainability program. 
• Develop internal standards, procedures, and sustainability resources. 
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, technologies, and certification programs. 
• Represent Gordon Highlander at industry conferences, professional organizations, and community events. 
• Identify new opportunities to expand sustainability services and create additional value for clients. 

Required Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills 
• Strong relationship-building and client management abilities 
• Analytical problem-solving skills 
• Project management and organizational skills 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment 
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset 
• Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Sustainability, Environmental Science, or a related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in commercial construction, sustainability consulting, architecture, engineering, or a related discipline. 
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives on commercial construction projects. 
• Working knowledge of LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, or similar certification programs. 
• Strong understanding of sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, embodied carbon, materials selection, and environmental reporting. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization. 

Professional Certifications

Required or willing to obtain within the first 12 months:

• LEED Green Associate (GA) 
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) 

Preferred

• Living Future Accreditation (LFA) 
• WELL AP 
• TRUE Advisor 
• Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)