Sustainability Project Manager: Job Description

As global leaders commit to reducing carbon emissions and organizations work to adopt greener business practices, a new class of professionals is leading the way. Sustainability project managers are a driving force behind transformative projects that balance economic goals with environmental responsibility.

With responsibilities that can range from implementing renewable energy systems to reducing waste in supply chains, sustainability project managers ensure that economic growth doesn’t come at the expense of the health of the environment. Professionals who are interested in pursuing this important role should understand what sustainability project managers do, their work environments, and the educational steps to take to become one.

What Does a Sustainability Project Manager Do?

Sustainability project managers direct initiatives that align an organization’s environmental responsibilities with its strategic goals. These professionals oversee projects related to objectives such as reducing energy consumption, implementing renewable resources, and promoting sustainable business practices. In short, their work ensures that their organization not only meets regulatory standards but also contributes to a greener future.

Sustainability project managers’ typical tasks include developing plans for projects, managing the plans’ budgets, and collaborating with teams to achieve the plans’ sustainability objectives. Focusing on everything from renewable energy systems to zero-waste manufacturing, these managers play a key role in balancing an organization’s operational needs with its environmental priorities.

Typical Hiring Industries and Work Environments

Sustainability project managers work in many types of industries, reflecting the broad appeal of pursuing sustainability initiatives. In the private sector, they are often employed by manufacturing and construction firms seeking to adopt green building standards or reduce waste. Corporations in the technology sector task these managers with designing programs to minimize electronic waste or transition operations to renewable energy sources.

Government agencies rely on the work of sustainability project managers to implement policies that align with state and federal environmental mandates. Nonprofit organizations frequently hire these professionals to lead advocacy campaigns, coordinate communication outreach, and manage grants for sustainability-focused projects. Consulting firms that specialize in environmental strategy development employ these types of managers to advise their clients on how best to integrate sustainable practices into the clients’ operations.

While their work environments can vary, these professionals typically split their time among office settings, fieldwork locations, and stakeholder meetings. Remote and hybrid work options are also becoming increasingly common for sustainability project managers, as digital tools make it easier to coordinate initiatives across locations.

Education and Experience Requirements

To excel as a sustainability project manager, individuals typically need a strong educational foundation in the field and relevant professional experience.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, business administration, or project management is often a minimum requirement for a sustainability project manager position. Some employers may prefer candidates with an advanced degree in sustainability leadership, environmental management, or a related discipline.

Experience

Hands-on experience provides important preparation for this role. Aspiring sustainability project managers can gain valuable skills through internships, environmental consulting roles, or positions within corporate sustainability departments. Leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical for this type of management role.

Certification

While not required, obtaining a certification can enhance a candidate’s career prospects. Popular certifications include the LEED Green Associate credential, offered by the organization that manages the widely used Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, and the project management professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute, which demonstrates project management expertise. Knowledge of environmental regulations, renewable energy technologies, and corporate sustainability frameworks is often essential for success in this field.

Salary and Job Outlook

Sustainability project managers often have competitive salaries with their earnings based on their industry, location, and expertise. According to Payscale, sustainability managers with project management skills have a median annual salary of around $95,300 as of October 2024.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for all project managers is promising. Employment of these professionals is projected to rise by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. For sustainability project managers, growth may be driven by increasing global awareness of environmental issues and the adoption of corporate sustainability strategies. As governments and organizations continue to prioritize climate action, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to grow significantly.

The Growing Importance of Sustainability in Project Management

The evolution of project management reflects a growing global emphasis on sustainability. The traditional work-related metrics of time, cost, and scope are beginning to be joined by factors such as social and environmental impact. This shift recognizes that projects must deliver long-term value without depleting resources or harming communities.

This broader perspective has redefined success in project management. For managers in this new field, their ability to integrate innovative practices that take sustainability into account is increasingly valued.

Be an Agent of Change With a Degree in Sustainability Leadership

Many organizations now see the importance of sustainability in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. Sustainability project managers are at the forefront of this change in organizational mindset. Their ability to incorporate a sustainability perspective into the practices of organizations across industries ensures that projects of the future will contribute to a healthier planet.

If you are looking to enter this field, consider earning an advanced degree in sustainability. Claremont Lincoln University’s 100% online Master of Arts in Sustainability Leadership degree program can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive as a sustainability project manager.

The program’s curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to meet the demands of sustainability-focused roles.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the world while advancing your career, CLU’s online master’s in sustainability leadership program can help you get there. Learn more about our program today.