Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Director of Sustainability leads Durham Academy’s efforts to improve the environmental context for the ethical, happy, and productive lives we envision for our students. In particular, the Director is working with all stakeholders to make progress towards the goals approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2023:

• Education for sustainability at all levels and on every topic

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Increase biodiversity on campus

Within the school community, the principal serves as a resource, motivator, guide, and strategist. Off campus, the director works to strengthen connections with local environmental groups and national educator networks.

This is a position that starts for 12 months July 1, 2026.

Required traits and skills

• Proactive positivity. Ability to motivate and inspire others across disciplines, backgrounds, social, political and age groups

• Significant professional experience or advanced study in environmental sustainability

• Demonstrate professional and personal commitment to sustainability

• Experience working in a school environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through projects, organize volunteers, and advocate for change

• Personality traits suitable for nurturing children’s development – energy, creativity, flexibility, patience and sense of humour

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the school’s current Sustainability Action Plan to achieve the four-year goals approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2023

• Establish new sustainability goals and action plan for 2028 and beyond; Lead execution

• Organize a 9-member Sustainability Leadership Team to provide input from various school constituencies, develop strategic planning goals, and promote broad participation in implementation

• He co-advises the State Sustainability Committee for high school students. This group raises awareness, organizes events, and advocates for change.

• Coordination of annual assessment of greenhouse gas emissions

• Raise awareness of the environmental impact of operations and lead efforts to improve it

• Manage the sustainability budget and track operational savings

• Seek and support collaboration with programs in facilities, wellness, marketing, communications, diversity, equity and engagement

• Participate in the life of the upper or middle school as a teacher, coach, co-advisor, chaperone, capstone leader, or other role(s) that is substantive but does not exceed 25% of a full-time role.

• Develop trips, workshops, and other educational experiences for students, faculty, staff, and parents

• Helping teachers integrate sustainability mindsets and content into their curriculum

• Support efforts to reimagine the school’s relationship with the ecosystem; Work with groundskeepers, teachers, and student groups to increase native plants and wildlife habitat on campus

• Make sustainability visible and inspire engagement throughout the school community; Set a positive tone and a can-do attitude

• Act as a liaison between the school and local environmental groups. Attending events and sharing opportunities for volunteer participation

• Participate in climate educator networks

Teachers, administrators and DA staff

• They are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equality in the life of the school.

• A model of a student-centered approach to teaching in active classrooms.

• They possess best pedagogical practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their career, and are committed to lifelong professional growth.

• Collaborate authentically and actively while building and maintaining team relationships with colleagues.

• We are dedicated to building supportive relationships with students and understanding that student wellness is central to the student learning experience.

• Use technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning.

• Innovate and experiment to discover the most compelling learning experiences for students.

Our school

Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-K through 12th grade on two campuses. The purpose of an education at Durham Academy is to prepare each student to live life An ethical, happy and productive life. Da Strategic vision We are committed to preparing students for life, meeting learners’ needs and innovating more boldly, with a foundation that broadens and deepens our work with diversity, equity and engagement. DA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement

Diversity revitalizes, improves, and enriches the intellectual and social environment of the academic community and includes all aspects of humanity including racial identity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age, and sexual identity. We are committed to an ongoing process of increasing the diversity of our community and implementing policies, programs, and practices whereby all members of our community feel welcome, empowered, accountable, and safe. Amidst our diversity, we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of individual capabilities. (Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)

Our recruitment policy

Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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