Research Foundation - Assistant Director Center for Sustainable Materials Management

Research Foundation - Assistant Director Center for Sustainable Materials Management

SUNY ESF - 4.2

Syracuse, NY Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $85,000 a year 4 days ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Pension plan Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Team management

Full Job Description Location:

Syracuse, NY Category:

Research Foundation Job Type:

Full-time Posted On:

Thu Apr 23 2026

Job Description:

Title:

Assistant Director, Center for

Sustainable Materials Management Unit:

Executive Operating and Chief Sustainability Officer /

CSMM PI Office Duration:

Two years, possible extension

Salary:

$70,000-$85,000 (based upon experience)

Location:

Syracuse, New York (some travel throughout New York State) General Function and Scope of the Position Working under the direction of the Center's Executive Director, the Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in the strategic and day-to-day management of the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (SMM). This position supports overall Center operations while also leading priority initiatives, managing staff and partnerships, and ensuring successful execution of programmatic goals. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Support the Executive Director in overall leadership, strategy development, and operational management of the Center Oversee coordination and implementation of multiple projects across the Center's six core activity areas with a focus on product stewardship, green procurement and expanding recycling market development Ensure project progress, deliverables, and outcomes align with the Center's mission, strategic priorities, and funder expectations Support and manage partnerships with government agencies, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and academic collaborators Provide leadership in proposal development, strategic planning, and securing additional funding opportunities Support sub-awardees, subcontractors, and external partners to ensure accountability and performance Supervise staff, students, and temporary employees, providing mentorship and performance oversight Lead or support preparation of technical reports, presentations, and communications materials Represent the Center at conferences, meetings, and stakeholder engagements across New York State Oversee communications strategy, including web presence, outreach, and stakeholder engagement Facilitate internal team coordination and partner meetings Liaise with sponsor representatives (DEC), co-project directors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and resource availability Support administrative and operational functions including budgeting, purchasing, personnel coordination, and financial reporting Leadership, communication, and project management responsibilities are central to this role.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field 7+ years of progressively responsible professional experience, including leadership, project management, and program coordination At least 3-5 years of experience in materials recycling, solid waste management, sustainable materials management, or related field Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or programs involving external sponsors, academic research, and/or government entities Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement abilities Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in a relevant field Experience working within or alongside government agencies (e.g., NYS Department of Environmental Conservation), higher education, or applied research centers Experience securing funding, writing proposals, or managing grants Familiarity with New York State materials management systems, policies, and challenges

Additional Information:

In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by

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; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting

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University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

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is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.