How to hire a director of sustainability

How to hire a director of sustainability, step by step

Here's a step-by-step director of sustainability hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a director of sustainability job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new director of sustainability
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a director of sustainability do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the director of sustainability you need to hire. Certain director of sustainability roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A director of sustainability's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, directors of sustainability from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of directors of sustainability and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Director Of Sustainability	Description	Hourly rate
   Director Of Sustainability		$38-86
   Vice President Of Engineering	A Vice President Of Engineering manages all aspects of the company's engineering product development activities. They are responsible for strategic planning, production designing, quality assurance, and problem resolution.	$46-112
   Chief Of Staff	A chief of staff primarily supports an executive through performing various administrative tasks. Most of their responsibilities revolve around collaborating with other executive support personnel to devise strategies that will help the company, responding to inquiries and correspondence, approving communications letters, managing schedules, setting appointments, and serving as an advisor to the executive... Show more	$40-96

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Supply Chain
   • Renewable Energy
   • Project Management
   • Sustainability Initiatives
   • EHS
   • Leverage
   • Oversight
   • Sustainability Strategy
   • Sustainability Programs
   • External Stakeholders
   • Sustainability Plan
   • Environmental Sustainability
   • Program Management
   • Waste Reduction

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Deploy the project on AWS form and lead the DevOps team.
   • Manage all aspects of the RFP and contract award process.
   • Manage all external communication with customers, NGOs and the general public.
   • Interface with the DoD customer to define release contents and manage scope.
   • Manage both the ISO [] and the fiber certification program documents through this system.
   • Direct all preconstruction, estimating, scheduling, logistics efforts and manage the buyout and installation of the geothermal system.

   More director of sustainability duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your director of sustainability job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A director of sustainability salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, directors of sustainability' average salary in florida is 33% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level directors of sustainability earn 55% less than senior-level directors of sustainability.
   • Certifications. A director of sustainability with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a director of sustainability's salary.

   Average director of sustainability salary

   $120,649yearly

   $58.00 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level director of sustainability salary

   $80,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average director of sustainability salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$147,923	$71
   2	Michigan	$132,305	$64
   3	New York	$130,528	$63
   4	Ohio	$128,677	$62
   5	New Hampshire	$128,553	$62
   6	Massachusetts	$128,467	$62
   7	Texas	$127,865	$61
   8	Connecticut	$126,905	$61
   9	District of Columbia	$124,297	$60
   10	South Carolina	$123,864	$60
   11	Illinois	$122,903	$59
   12	Virginia	$112,445	$54
   13	Missouri	$110,339	$53
   14	Arizona	$109,697	$53
   15	North Carolina	$108,729	$52
   16	Idaho	$108,236	$52
   17	Colorado	$102,902	$49
   18	Oregon	$102,657	$49
   19	Washington	$101,995	$49
   20	Pennsylvania	$101,938	$49

   Average director of sustainability salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$173,401	$83.37	3
   2	Aspiration	$159,776	$76.82
   3	Abbott	$152,448	$73.29
   4	Nike	$151,258	$72.72
   5	QuantumScape	$147,965	$71.14
   6	Capgemini	$146,121	$70.25
   7	Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.	$144,214	$69.33	8
   8	Pwc	$143,780	$69.13
   9	Lendlease	$139,077	$66.86
   10	Microsoft	$138,921	$66.79	2
   11	Callon Petroleum	$138,249	$66.47
   12	McCarthy Holdings, Inc.	$138,053	$66.37
   13	Baptist Health Home Care	$136,673	$65.71
   14	New England Aquarium	$133,768	$64.31
   15	HealthPartners	$130,986	$62.97
   16	Mastercard	$125,735	$60.45	5
   17	L'Oréal	$125,705	$60.44
   18	Xylem	$124,987	$60.09
   19	Harvard University	$121,809	$58.56
   20	NRG Energy	$120,537	$57.95

4. Writing a director of sustainability job description

   A job description for a director of sustainability role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a director of sustainability job description:

   Director of sustainability job description example

   Plastic waste is an immense global challenge, with only 10% of post-use plastic is recycled today. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment due to its chemical complexity, contamination and an infrastructure built for a different kind of economy. Agilyx is changing this.

   We believe the time is right to expand advanced recycling, giving post-use plastic a new, circular life by converting this valuable material back into its original building blocks for reuse. By enabling plastic circularity on a global and commercial scale, we aim to play a vital role in accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.

   With Agilyx's chemical recycling technology and intelligent feedstock management system, mixed plastic waste can be converted to new virgin equivalent plastics, as well as chemical products and fuels - creating the opportunity for true circularity.

   Position Summary

   Agilyx is seeking a Sustainability Director to further strengthen its sustainability/ESG programs, which are a central element to the company's mission. Agilyx is the first among its peers to publish a comprehensive Annual Report/Sustainability Report and establish quantitative, time-bound sustainability goals.

   In this role, the Sustainability Director will be responsible for developing and managing sustainability programs for the company globally. The Sustainability Director also will be the champion for the company's recently announced Sustainability goal related to Climate.

   Responsibilities

   · Create a framework for collecting environmental and other data for the annual sustainability report.

   · Implement EHS/Sustainability software platform for the collection/validation of emissions and sustainability data.

   · Provide quantitative content for annual public sustainability reporting. Work with Investor Relations to complete ESG information requests from investors for ESG ratings.

   · Serve as the company expert on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and work with Agilyx operations team to establish the company's current carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2).

   · Serve as a key member of the team developing the Annual Report/Integrated Report and help advance the company toward SASB public reporting.

   · Lead the development of company strategies related to climate and carbon and recommend specific climate actions in support of Agilyx's climate goal to the company's executive team.

   · Work with Operations and Procurement leaders to analyze green energy options, develop energy efficiency programs, and other sustainable procurement initiatives.

   · Select and direct suppliers providing environmental services or other specific sustainability services.

   · Direct and oversee external experts on Life Cycle Analysis to complete LCAs for the company's processes.

   · Engage the Agilyx employee base on the company's sustainability strategy and programs by creating and delivering effective communication and training programs.

   · Participate in Business Development conversations with customers/partners and serve as sustainability subject matter expert with customers.

   · Represent the company in interactions with external stakeholders such as associations, NGOs, community organizations, and government policymakers on topics related to Sustainability. Occasionally serve as a company spokesperson with news media interviews and VIP tours of Agilyx facilities.

   
   
   

   Education Requirements:

   Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as Engineering, Chemistry or Environmental Science from an accredited institution is required. An advanced degree such as MS in engineering/science discipline or MBA is preferred.

   Experience Requirements:

   Must have at least 10 years of professional work experience, including at least 3 years managing programs related to Environmental Regulatory Compliance or Sustainability, preferably in a manufacturing company or consulting firm.

   Candidates with experience in environmental permitting, environmental regulatory affairs, carbon footprint reporting under Greenhouse Gas Protocol/CDP Scope 1 and 2, EHSQ software, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and Life Cycle Analysis work are highly preferred.

   Required Skills:

   Candidates should be confident public speakers, able to interact with external parties, champion advanced recycling, and represent the company's brand.

   Teamwork and collaboration are important, along with the initiative to create new programs where none exist today and get buy-in from leadership for new programs and projects.

   The Sustainability Director must be detail oriented and technically strong. Should have a broad understanding of commercial, regulatory, and emerging issues and trends in areas related to chemicals, plastics and recycling/waste management, as well as working knowledge of US and EU laws and regulations related to environment, health, safety and sustainability.

   Also important is a strong ability to lead via influence, persuasion, negotiation, and effective communications across all levels of the organization, from front-line technicians to the Board of Directors.

   Location and Working Conditions:

   Role is located on East Coast of U.S. The role will be based out of the company's office/labs in New Hampshire, but the candidate can work remotely based in a home office on the East Coast of the U.S. The individual will be working with colleagues based in Europe and Oregon, so ability to work with other time zones is important.

   The role will require travel occasionally to Agilyx and partner facilities, as well as industry events, in U.S. and internationally.

   Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status.

   Company Culture

   We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

   Agilyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

   Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

   
   
   

   PI191723577

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5. Post your job

   To find the right director of sustainability for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with directors of sustainability they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit directors of sustainability who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your director of sustainability job on Zippia to find and recruit director of sustainability candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with director of sustainability candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new director of sustainability

   Once you've found the director of sustainability candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new director of sustainability. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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