Assistant Director of Sustainability

The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo’s Sustainability Department seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. This role supports the County’s vision to build sustainable communities that meet the needs of both present and future generations.

The Assistant Director will partner closely with the Director to manage a $40M dollar budget and a high-performing team of approximately 35 professionals to lead efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve natural resources.

Why this Role Matters

The County of San Mateo is at the forefront of advancing climate action and sustainability through innovative programs and policies that directly impact County operations, residents, businesses, and future generations.

As the Assistant Director, you are the “engine” of the department. While the Director focuses on broad policy and external regional alignment, you will ensure the department’s internal operations, financial health, and program delivery are world-class.

This position helps translate vision into action by aligning resources, managing the Department’s administration and communications functions, mentoring a high performing team, fostering a culture of innovation and professional growth, strengthening partnerships and programs to address inequities, and delivering measurable outcomes.

As the Assistant Director of Sustainability, you will be a primary lead to:

• Transform Systems: Create systemic change by leading policy development and planning, influencing and aligning with state and federal mandates.
• Catalyze Regional Climate Solutions: Advance regional climate solutions by forming impact networks, securing funding, and adopting strategies for economic efficiency.
• Empower Community Leadership and Action: Enable communities to lead and act on climate issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.

What You Will Do

This position supports and leads key operational and strategic functions for the Sustainability Department, including but not limited to:

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Director to set strategy and turn sustainability goals into actionable plans while driving performance and continuous improvement.

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee daily operations and lead sustainability programs, ensuring resources, workflows, and timelines align with priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team through coaching, performance management, and a collaborative work environment.

Partnerships & Public Engagement

• Build partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders while representing the department to leadership and the community.

Policy, Budget, & Administration

• Support budgets and policy development while ensuring compliance with procurement and regulatory requirements.

Communication & Organizational Impact

• Communicate key initiatives and outcomes to strengthen impact and serve as Acting Director as needed.

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates bring strong executive leadership experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for sustainability and public service. The ideal candidate is:

• An Experienced Public Sector Leader: Brings approximately 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience, ideally in sustainability, public administration, or related fields, with a strong understanding of California local government.
• A Strategic & Innovative Thinker: Able to identify emerging opportunities and develop practical, forward-thinking solutions.
• A Collaborative & Influential Partner: Skilled at building relationships across departments, agencies, and communities to drive alignment and results.
• Politically Astute & Organizationally Savvy: Comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments and public sector dynamics.
• A People-Centered Leader: Committed to developing staff, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a high-performing and engaging workplace.
• Strong in Financial & Program Management: Experienced in managing large budgets, allocating resources effectively, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• An Effective Communicator: Able to clearly articulate vision, influence decision-making, and engage diverse audiences.
• Grounded in Equity & Community Impact: Integrates equity, inclusion, and social justice into program design and implementation.

Qualifications

Executive Management & Leadership

• Ability to lead strategic and operational planning in a large organization
• Experience managing programs, budgets, and organizational performance
• Commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into sustainability efforts

Program Management

• Knowledge of public procurement, contracting, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing complex programs and mentoring program staff
• Familiarity with sustainability practices (e.g., climate, energy, waste, transportation, community engagement)

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong team building collaboration and relationship-building abilities
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Public Process

• Experience managing public processes and community engagement efforts
• Ability to work effectively with agencies, boards, and the public

How to Apply

Apply online at jobs.smcgov.org  by April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

• Resume
• Cover Letter, no more than 2-pages, answering the supplemental questions in the job announcement

• Please describe in detail how your background and experience qualify you for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. In particular, please include an overview of your executive management and leadership experience; your experience working in the public sector, working with elected officials, and with the community; your financial and budgetary management experience including the size and scope of the budgets; and your experience and approach to managing and developing teams along with the number of people managed. 
• Provide detailed information regarding your management experience working in climate change, sustainability, climate resilience, waste management, energy/water conservation or resource protection. Describe how you built capacity in your direct reports and the organization for successful program management. 

Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Opens: March 26, 2026
• Deadline to Apply: April 17, 2026
• Application Screenings: April 24, 2026
• Phone Screenings: April 30, 2026 and/or May 1, 2026
• Panel Interviews: May 6, 2026