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SUSTAINABILITY PROG PLANNER, FPDC
Job Title: SUSTAINABILITY PROG PLANNER, FPDC
Job Code: 1385
FLSA: E
Job Level: 15
Revised Date: 10/13/2025
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
Play a pivotal role in advancing Duke Health's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable healthcare practices. This role is responsible for implementing and managing initiatives that reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Collaborating across departments, the Sustainability Program Planner integrates sustainable practices into daily operations, aligning with Duke Health's strategic goals while enhancing its reputation as a leader in healthcare sustainability. This position requires a deep commitment to Duke's values and objectives, with the expectation of fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the organization. The Sustainability Program Planner will report to the Director of Sustainability and Climate Health.
Work Performed
Execute comprehensive sustainability strategies addressing energy use, resource conservation, waste reduction, recycling, pollution prevention, sustainable procurement, transportation, and sustainable building practices.
Analyze and assess current operating procedures, materials, and methods; anticipate and implement changes based on sustainability goals, including life cycle assessments and cost-benefit analyses.
Establish best practices, set SMART goals, and evaluate the impact of sustainability initiatives.
Integrate sustainability into operational and strategic planning across departments.
Support in the development and maintenance of policies related to environmental management, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable travel to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with industry best practices.
Conduct sustainability-related risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and standards.
Support in the establishment of policies that align with sustainability goals while supporting regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with internal departments ((engineering and operations, environmental health and safety, marketing, and clinical teams) and Duke University Office of Climate and Sustainability to integrate sustainability across the health system.
Develop partnerships with vendors to implement sustainable supply chain strategies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental footprint of procurement.
Together with the Director of Sustainability and Climate Health, build effective relationships with external community organizations, industry groups, and government entities to support and enhance sustainability efforts.
Capture and analyze data to measure performance, develop and distribute regular reports, updates, and recommendations on sustainability progress, including greenhouse gas inventory reporting.
Communicate sustainability metrics and outcomes to key stakeholders, including the Director of Sustainability, Sustainability Program Working Group, and Sustainability Affinity Group.
Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop website content, educational materials, and sustainability reports.
Lead and promote sustainability engagement activities through tools, education, and training to increase awareness among staff members, patients, and the community and promote a culture of sustainability.
Coordinate sustainability-focused engagement activities, including Earth Week events and educational workshops.
Work with human resources and educational teams to integrate sustainability training into new employee orientation and ongoing professional development.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Work requires a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, sustainability, or related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Work requires a minimum of five years of experience in healthcare sustainability. Eight years of experience is preferred.
LEED Accredited Professional is preferred.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
