The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a global, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., working to improve environmental sustainability, human health, and resilience in the built environment through its programs and rating systems including LEED. Today, people in over 180 countries and territories live, work, and learn in LEED certified buildings, communities, and cities that protect health, climate, and natural resources, and enhance quality of life.

USGBC is currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Circularity and Materials Management to join our Technical Development Team. The Technical Development Team is responsible for executing the evolutionary development and ongoing maintenance of the rating systems and technical products managed by USGBC in a manner that reflects best-in-class practices with a goal of accelerating market transformation towards a more sustainable future. The body of work associated with this ongoing effort is achieved through collaborative engagement with internal and external subject matter experts, thoughtful research, and dynamic responses to market drivers.

This position is a key contributor to the creation of a suite of rating systems including the TRUE certification for zero waste and the LEED green building rating system, with a specific focus on circularity, zero waste, materials management, and waste diversion. The work championed in this area will emphasize the vital relationships among materials and ecosystems, delving into key aspects including resource consumption and conservation; circularity of product lifecycle; responsible diversion; integration with local communities and regional waste systems; and the environmental impacts of zero waste. In addition to contributing to the ongoing support of current rating systems, the role will play a pivotal part in shaping future developments.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manage the technical development of the TRUE rating system.
• Support development of LEED Material and Resources category with a focus on buildings, cities and communities.
• Work in close collaboration with the product management team to articulate and realize the vision for TRUE.
• Aid in the development and optimization of technical tools and resources, such as rating system guidance, addenda, sample forms, and adaptions to existing rating systems that support specific project types
• Support the management of the TRUE Advisory Council and the Technical Advisory Groups for the Materials and Resources credit categories including identifying agenda items and guiding discussions during reoccurring meetings.
• Provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise for the development of rating systems in key technical areas such as:
  1. Waste diversion strategies
  2. Upstream and downstream material management solutions
  3. Circular economy policy and design
  4. Community impacts of waste
  5. Resource conservation
• Remain current on new and developing industry issues, trends, scientific research, technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards and publications etc.
• Facilitate technical conversations, conduct research, and build consensus on technical solutions that enhance the usability, implementation, and impact of the rating system worldwide.
• Cultivate an engagement with global external subject matter experts focused on the built environment.
• Work collaboratively with other rating systems and credit category teams (e.g. SITES or Location & Transportation) to ensure maintenance of balanced, cohesive, and cogent rating systems.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing and client solutions teams to help develop marketing materials, advocacy, and educational products.
• Provide input for budget development and ongoing team management.
• Represent USGBC in public speaking engagements including preparation of technical content for speaker applications and presentations.
• Respond to occasional media inquiries and liaise with stakeholder groups.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Technical knowledge and at least 7 years of work experience in a relevant field.
• Technical understanding of and experience with circular economy and waste management topics including evolving diversion technologies and methodologies, diversion measurement and calculation, physical waste infrastructure management, zero waste hierarchy, waste auditing, environmentally preferrable purchasing, Life Cycle Assessments, circular economy solutions, hazardous waste management, and extended producer responsibility.
• Experience working with relevant stakeholders in the commercial and industrial sectors such as clients, vendors, account reps, and cooperatives to develop material management projects.
• Strong track record of collaboration with other subject matter experts to drive the timely completion of polished, market facing deliverables.
• Understanding of facility operations and material flows.
• General understanding of high-performance green building/community design, construction, and operations.
• Commitment to USGBC's mission.

Desired Qualifications:

• TRUE Advisor, or ability to obtain TRUE Advisor certificate within 6 months of hire.
• LEED Accredited Professional, or ability to obtain LEED AP credential within 12 months of hire.
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining voluntary standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with a diverse array of individuals and constituents.
• Ability to distill complex technical information into succinct, clear language.

Details:

• Full Time, permanent, salaried, benefits-eligible, exempt status
• Location: Remote or hybrid position in Washington, DC headquarters
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm EST, 40 hours per week, occasional evening and weekends
• Travel - upon request and approval.
• USGBC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to advancing social equity in our work and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits:

Employees work for an established mission-based and member-driven nonprofit organization with a compelling vision, nonprofit competitive compensation that includes 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health insurance, employer sponsored Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA), generous paid leave, in addition to a renewal leave of six weeks for employees celebrating monumental employment anniversary.

The headquarters office is a LEED Platinum commercial interior space in a LEED certified building in the LEED Platinum certified central business district in the first LEED Platinum certified city, Washington, DC. The office serves as an example for green design and construction products and practices. It is close to public transportation and incorporates many healthy and environmentally friendly features, including an on-site gym, rooftop lounge and healthy snacks for staff.