Director, Sustainability - Strategy & Implementation

Director Of Sustainability - Strategy & Implementation The Director of Sustainability - Strategy & Implementation, provides strategic leadership for the Company's sustainability program, with responsibility for overseeing financial evaluation, project research, project delivery & implementation, and ongoing performance management. This role requires extensive finance and project management experience with the ability to independently build accurate financial models tailored to each project's technical, operational, and economic dynamics; evaluate investments against the Company's required financial metrics; and conduct forecasting and valuations. The Director leads a team to deliver sustainability projects and meet applicable compliance requirements. The role aligns sustainability investments and initiatives with corporate strategy, capital priorities, and long-term value creation. What You Will Do: Lead the Company's Sustainability projects by establishing overall strategy, priorities, aligning project investments with business objectives and capital plans, and driving continuous improvement in financial and sustainability performance. Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert on sustainability industry norms, trends, emerging investments, technical solutions, and typical project costs; assess emerging risks and opportunities and translate findings into practical recommendations. Lead project research, feasibility assessments, and design planning for sustainability investments, including solar, EV charging, electrification, energy and water efficiency, and waste reduction. Evaluate site conditions, technical alternatives, green building standards, implementation requirements, and expected costs with internal partners and technical specialists. Independently develop, validate, and maintain financial models tailored to each proposed project's dynamics, including capital and operating costs, utility rates, production or savings assumptions, incentives, useful life, maintenance, replacement costs, and implementation timing. Document assumptions and test their reasonableness against project data and market benchmarks. Conduct investment analysis, cash flow forecasting, and project valuations using appropriate metrics, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), return on investment (ROI), payback period, and lifecycle cost. Perform sensitivity and scenario analyses to assess risks and confirm whether proposed projects meet the Company's required financial metrics before recommending approval. Prepare project business cases, capital budgets, and spending forecasts; prioritize investments with Finance and Investment Management, evaluate changes in scope or costs, and update financial models and recommendations when project assumptions change. Analyze high volumes of financial, utility, operational, and sustainability data to support project selection and performance evaluation. Establish baselines and dashboards to monitor completed projects against approved financial models, forecast results, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions. Manage projects from research and design through procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout. Establish scope, budgets, schedules, milestones, and accountability; coordinate internal stakeholders and vendors; and resolve issues to deliver projects within approved cost, quality, and timing expectations. Lead competitive vendor selection and negotiate contract scope, pricing, payment terms, warranties, performance commitments, and service requirements in coordination with Legal and other relevant teams. Benchmark proposals against industry costs and monitor vendor performance and contractual obligations. Provide oversight, technical and financial guidance, and development support to the sustainability team. Assign responsibilities, review models and deliverables, and establish controls to ensure effective project completion and timely fulfillment of applicable sustainability compliance requirements. Partner with the Director of Sustainability & Impact Report to support the development, execution, and enhancement of the annual Sustainability & Impact Report, ensuring projects align with goals and accuracy of data. Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable reporting and compliance requirements; establish data validation and quality review controls to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely completion. Serve as a key representative of the Sustainability Committee by identifying priorities, sharing market insights, and recommending strategic actions. What You Will Need: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Policy, Sustainability, Engineering, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. 8+ years of progressive experience in sustainability or related initiatives, including substantial responsibility for project financial modeling, investment analysis, project management, and team leadership. Extensive finance experience with demonstrated ability to independently build and validate accurate financial models tailored to individual projects, conduct cash flow forecasting and valuations, and apply NPV, IRR, ROI, payback, lifecycle cost, and sensitivity analysis to investment decisions. Solid understanding of capital management, budgeting, financial performance management, and the relationship between project economics, operating results, and long-term asset value. Strong knowledge of sustainability industry norms, trends, technical solutions, green building standards, and typical project costs; ability to evaluate technical feasibility and commercial proposals for multifamily properties. Demonstrated experience selecting and managing vendors and negotiating project and service contracts in partnership with Legal and other stakeholders. Experience supervising and developing a team, providing technical and financial guidance, reviewing work quality, and managing project delivery and applicable sustainability compliance obligations. Knowledge of reporting frameworks and standards, including GRI, SASB, TCFD, ISSB, and other emerging disclosure requirements. Experience with sustainable ratings and assessments, including GRESB, MSCI, Sustainalytics, ISS, or similar organizations. Demonstrated experience contributing to sustainability reports, regulatory disclosures, and executive-level communications. Demonstrated project management experience delivering multiple sustainability or capital projects from research and design through implementation, commissioning, and performance review; ability to manage budgets, schedules, vendors, risks, and cross-functional dependencies. Advanced analytical skills and demonstrated ability to analyze high volumes of financial, utility, operational, and sustainability data; validate inputs, identify anomalies and performance trends, and communicate actionable findings. Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including building and auditing complex project financial models, forecasting, scenario analysis, and analysis of large datasets; proficiency in PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications. What The Job Requires: This position requires the ability to work Monday through Friday. It includes a hybrid work arrangement with in‑person office requirements for a minimum of four days per week (Monday through Thursday) at Essex's corporate office in San Mateo. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex's sole discretion. Work is primarily conducted in an office environment utilizing standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and video conferencing technology. Requires the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders across various functions and levels of the organization. Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects in a fast-paced environment. May require periodic travel for industry conferences, stakeholder meetings, community engagement activities, project sites and corporate events. Requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform standard office-related activities. What You Will Bring To The Table: Strong leadership skills with the ability to set clear expectations, delegate effectively, coach and develop a team, and hold team members accountable for project delivery, financial accuracy, and sustainability compliance. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ESG topics to diverse audiences. Strong financial judgment, strategic thinking, and business acumen, with the ability to balance investment returns, capital constraints, technical feasibility, operational needs, and compliance obligations. Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence stakeholders without direct authority. Ability to translate complex financial and technical data into clear investment recommendations and performance updates that support business decisions and sustainability objectives. High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail. Ability to navigate evolving regulatory requirements and industry trends while maintaining a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Passion for sustainability, corporate responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and creating meaningful business and community impact. All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%. Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career. New hires generally start between $152,000.00 - $191,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.This role is also eligible to participate in Essex's discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.