Zero Waste Specialist

• Lead coordination and execution of GW's Green Move-Out and Reuse Market programs, including volunteer recruitment and planning timelines for collections, logistics, collection locations, communication, and operational workflows.
• Lead the management and implementation of GW's composting program in partnership with external vendors and campus partners.
• Lead the development of campus-wide standards for waste management and implement uniform bins and consistent signage.
• Lead e-waste, cardboard, and other recycling programs in partnership with external vendors and campus partners.
• Coordinate reuse, donation, and waste diversion activities in partnership with campus departments and external community organizations.
• Monitor program operations during peak periods and resolve day-to-day operational issues.

• Supervise the day-to-day work of a Sustainability Coordinator overseeing custodial-related initiatives.
• Supervise, train, and coordinate student employees supporting Zero Waste, Green Move-Out, composting, and Reuse Market activities.
• Manage student schedules, task assignments, and day-to-day oversight.
• Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for returning and new student staff.
• Support contractors and external vendors with program coordination and data tracking.

• Lead monthly meetings with and serve as a point of contact for internal partners, including Facilities, Custodial Services, GW Dining, Campus Living & Residential Education, Grounds, and more.
• Coordinate with external partners and vendors who may be contracted to support waste management on campus.
• Manage complex schedules and optimize collection routes with external nonprofit and community partners supporting donation and reuse efforts.
• Communicate program logistics and expectations to relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless program execution.
• Design and lead regular training for front-line staff related to waste management and diversion.

• Track participation, diversion weights, and operational KPI's related to all programs and provide quarterly and annual impact reports.
• Maintain organized records and documentation to support reporting, program evaluation, and continuity.

• Lead purchasing, inventory tracking, and coordination of supplies and equipment required.
• Oversee outreach and communications related to Green Move-Out and Zero Waste initiatives, including updating and deploying signage and informational materials.
• Scope and propose budgets for the operation of zero waste programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Experience in sustainability programs, waste management, program coordination, or campus operations.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supervising or coordinating student employees or volunteers.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Reliable, proactive, and responsive.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible while completing assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently and manage high-volume activity during peak operational periods.
• Experience working in higher education sustainability, campus operations, facilities management, or environmental programs.
• Familiarity with zero waste strategies, circular economy principles, composting systems, recycling operations, and materials management programs.
• Experience managing or supporting large-scale operational programs involving multiple stakeholders and vendors.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks such as STARS or other higher education sustainability benchmarking systems.
• Experience working collaboratively with custodial, dining, housing, procurement, grounds, or facilities operations teams.
• Experience developing and implementing waste reduction, reuse, or behavior change initiatives.
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, volunteers, or program staff.
• Experience creating program budgets.
• Experience supporting sustainability-related communications, outreach campaigns, or educational initiatives.
• Familiarity with operational data tracking, diversion metrics, and sustainability performance reporting.

• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across operational and student-facing environments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex operational environments and manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach to program implementation.
• Passion for sustainability, waste reduction, circular economy initiatives, and campus engagement.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate program performance data.
• Comfortable working during high-volume operational periods and supporting occasional evening or weekend activities during major campus programs or events.

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.