The Important Role of a Head of Sustainability

While sustainability is good for the planet, companies that prioritize sustainability may find that it’s also good for the bottom line. A study by McKinsey & Co. and NIQ found that from 2017 to 2022, products with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) claims outperformed products without such claims, achieving cumulative sales growth of 8 percentage points higher. These findings align with Nielsen’s research showing that 78% of U.S. consumers care about leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

However, having ESG claims isn’t to prove a company is truly sustainable. By hiring a head of sustainability, companies can create initiatives that back up those claims and show that they’re working hard to build a more environmentally friendly future.

Becoming a head of sustainability means playing an integral role in paving the way toward this future. First, though, an aspiring head of sustainability must develop leadership skills and specialized knowledge in this fascinating field, such as by earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Sustainability Leadership.

What Does the Head of Sustainability Do?

Also known as a sustainability director or a chief sustainability officer, a head of sustainability creates the overarching vision for a company to better use resources and become more environmentally friendly. They then develop programs to achieve this greener vision, such as improved manufacturing processes, energy-saving initiatives, more sustainable offices, and environmental education training programs for workers.

The head of sustainability’s focus is on minimizing their organization’s negative environmental impact. However, these sustainability leaders usually work with strict budgets, so they must also focus on becoming both greener and financially efficient.

Head of Sustainability Job Description

The job duties and responsibilities of a head of sustainability include the following:

• Creating and enacting policies and strategies to reduce resource use, energy use, pollution, and waste
• Monitoring sustainability strategies and determining whether sustainability goals are met
• Analyzing sustainable practices and finding areas for improvement
• Developing education initiatives to encourage sustainability among employees
• Presenting sustainability initiatives to media, government agencies, and other interest groups
• Assisting with presenting the company’s greener image to the public
• Supervising employees working on sustainability initiatives

Head of Sustainability Work Environment

Heads of sustainability may work for private or public organizations, from technology start-ups to grocery stores to transportation services. Sustainability touches many facets of people’s lives, as reflected in the many types of companies these professionals may work for.

Sustainability leaders will likely have opportunities to work in a growing variety of environments in the years ahead. According to research by the Harvard Business Review, sustainability is a critical driver of consumer trust, especially among younger generations, such as millennials. As these generations’ purchasing power increases, it will become even more crucial for companies to prioritize sustainability.

Head of Sustainability Job Outlook and Salary

Sustainability is a fast-growing job sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sustainability careers not only are growing but also tend to have a higher annual median wage than the median for all workers in the United States.

Job Outlook

According to the BLS, employment of top executives — including those who focus on sustainability — is expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033.

Average Salary

According to Payscale, the median annual salary of a head of sustainability or a sustainability director is about $120,220 as of November 2024. The majority of this income comes from the position’s base salary, while the remainder may come from bonuses and profit sharing.

Becoming a Head of Sustainability

Heads of sustainability may take different paths to reach their positions, but some general education, professional experience, and skill requirements are often needed to excel in this role.

Education Requirements

In most cases, a head of sustainability must hold at least a master’s degree. These degrees can vary by subject, but they may include environmental studies, sustainable architecture, or sustainability leadership.

Professional Experience

A head of sustainability should have prior experience working in sustainability, but they should also have experience in a leadership role. Many sustainability leaders have prior experience as managers or supervisors. They should also be proficient in environmental law and sustainability research.

Necessary Skills

Skills needed as a head of sustainability include the following:

• Communication: In addition to needing to communicate effectively within their organization, a head of sustainability must be able to present their findings to the public to ensure transparency in their sustainability efforts.
• Leadership: Heads of sustainability should be passionate about protecting the environment and the public, and they should have the leadership skills to inspire that passion and the motivation that comes with it in their team.
• Strategizing: A head of sustainability should be detail-oriented and excel in strategizing realistic, greener procedures and programs that their company can put into effect.
• Analytical Thinking: Sustainability leaders should be able to continually monitor the success of their programs and initiatives, measure performance against goals, and find ways to improve.
• Budgeting: Heads of sustainability typically operate under a strict budget, so they should be able to find the most efficient ways to reach their goals within the budget.
• Management: Heads of sustainability should have experience in managing others, including training employees on environmental initiatives, supporting employees in day-to-day duties and career growth, and hiring employees to expand their environmental efforts.

Preparing for a More Sustainable Future as a Head of Sustainability

Sustainability is about building a better future. At its core, it means protecting our natural resources and prioritizing the health of both our planet and the people who call it home. For businesses, embracing sustainability also increases public trust — and the profits that often accompany it.

Claremont Lincoln University’s online MA in Sustainability Leadership can empower you to shape the future as a head of sustainability. Learn to create socially responsible initiatives that address the triple bottom line of the new economy: planet, people, and progress. Become a leader in change through classes focused on sustainable resource management; impact assessment; and equitable, inclusive, and diverse team building.

Start your greener future today with CLU.