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Sustainability Coordinator

Harvard Maintenance • United States • Added on Jul 9, 2026
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As the Sustainability Coordinator, you will serve as a central link between corporate strategy and operational execution for one of the nation’s largest facilities services providers. You will be responsible for managing critical environmental certifications, coordinating EHS technical data, and translating complex compliance requirements into clear communications for both internal teams and external clients located throughout the United States.

This role is uniquely positioned to drive sustainability within the built environment by helping high-profile commercial clients meet their specific ESG targets through greener janitorial and security practices. By focusing on green building standards like CIMS-GB, you directly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of physical infrastructure and enhancing occupant health across thousands of facilities.

This suits someone who possesses a strong grasp of environmental science and a talent for data-driven storytelling, ideally looking to bridge the gap between technical occupational health and safety and modern corporate sustainability reporting.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Sustainability Coordinator is tasked with the meticulous oversight of environmental and safety certifications that validate Harvard’s service standards. You will ensure that all documentation is audit-ready and that the company maintains its standing in programs like CIMS-GB, which are critical for commercial real estate partnerships. Beyond compliance, you will play a significant role in client-facing ESG support. This involves gathering data and crafting customized reports that help Harvard’s clients track progress against their own environmental benchmarks. You act as a translator, turning operational safety and waste data into meaningful narratives for stakeholder consumption.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep exposure to the intersection of EHS and ESG frameworks, learning how facility management impacts broader corporate sustainability disclosures. You will develop expertise in specific industry reporting platforms such as EcoVadis, CDP, and GRESB, which are essential tools for modern sustainability professionals. Furthermore, you will have the chance to learn how to leverage AI platforms to streamline administrative sustainability workflows. Mentorship from the Director of Sustainability and the EVP of EHS&S provides a high-level view of how a major service provider aligns its business purpose with environmental stewardship and employee safety.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like Sustainability, Environmental Science, or Occupational Health & Safety. While 1 to 3 years of experience is preferred, the role is accessible to early-career professionals who demonstrate a strong understanding of technical ESG topics and possess excellent organizational hygiene for managing multiple accreditation renewals. Software proficiency is non-negotiable, particularly within the Microsoft Office Suite. A candidate who is a self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment will thrive here, especially if they have an analytical mind for data and a creative spark for communications and training content development.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize any experience you have with Green Building standards or specialized certifications like LEED or CIMS. Since this role bridges EHS and Sustainability, your application should demonstrate that you are comfortable with technical safety regulations while being equally focused on the 'softer' side of sustainability, such as stakeholder engagement and reporting. Highlight your ability to use technology to solve problems. Given the company's interest in AI for efficiency, mentioning any experience with data automation or AI-driven productivity tools could give you a competitive edge. Ensure your writing samples or cover letter reflect an ability to communicate complex data-driven stories clearly to diverse audiences.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The sustainability focus of this role is heavily centered on operational compliance and service excellence. You will likely spend significant time on green cleaning protocols, occupational health and safety metrics, and the environmental impact of chemicals and waste management within client facilities. There is also a strong emphasis on the 'Social' aspect of ESG, particularly through employee training and safety culture. By aligning internal safety practices with external ESG reporting, the role ensures that Harvard’s 'Inverted Pyramid' philosophy—putting employees first—results in measurable and reportable social impact for the business.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the coordination of data across a large, geographically dispersed workforce. Gathering consistent information for certifications and internal reports from various operational teams can be a complex logistical task requiring persistence and diplomacy. Additionally, you may find it challenging to balance the rigorous compliance demands of EHS with the more creative and strategic demands of sustainability communications. Staying productive in a fast-paced corporate headquarters while managing the administrative burden of multiple renewal deadlines requires exceptional time-management skills.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a compliance audit review, checking that recent service logs align with the requirements for the CIMS-GB certification. Mid-morning could involve a collaborative session with the Director of Sustainability to draft a response for a client's ESG inquiry or a CDP disclosure request. The afternoon might shift toward educational content creation, where you design a training module for field staff on new safety protocols or environmental best practices. Your day likely ends with data analysis, perhaps using AI tools to summarize waste diversion figures or safety incident rates for an upcoming quarterly report.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Building a career at Harvard Maintenance offers a path toward senior EHS&S leadership. Given the company's size and its commitment to 'Service Excellence,' a successful coordinator can move into regional management or specialized sustainability strategy roles over time. Because you will be working cross-functionally and with external clients, you will build a valuable professional network in the commercial real estate and facilities sectors. These relationships, combined with the technical expertise gained in ESG reporting, prepare you for high-visibility roles in corporate social responsibility or environmental risk management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Director of Sustainability and the EVP of EHS&S, who provide strategic direction. You will also interact frequently with operational teams and site managers to gather data and deliver training, ensuring that field practices reflect corporate commitments. Externally, you will engage with client sustainability leads, helping them navigate their own reporting requirements. You may also interface with certification bodies and auditors to maintain the company’s credentials, acting as the professional face of Harvard's environmental and safety programs.

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