Director of Sustainability - Diamond Schmitt Architects, Toronto ESG/Sustainability, DEI Jobs

A prominent international design firm is seeking to expand its vision for sustainability and take their ongoing and groundbreaking dialogue on the design possibilities in a climate crisis to a global stage.

Diamond Schmitt is looking for a Director of Sustainability to join our practice. The successful candidate will show exceptional initiative, enthusiasm, eloquence, and nimbleness in seeking the most persuasive ways to communicate architecture’s role in leading transformative environmental change.

Environmentalism is a design issue. Our approach to architecture is motivated by the people we serve, and their aspirations. The welfare of humankind is undeniably linked to the health of our planet, and through our designs, our goal is to make our buildings give more than they take. The Director of Sustainability is a design-oriented, senior level leadership position that drives strategy, education, and analysis to benefit our projects.

The Director of Sustainability will refine and execute a plan to advance specific environmental objectives within our practice. Reporting to the leadership group, the Director will collaborate directly with project teams, and will coordinate the efforts of the Sustainability Committee.

Location:

The Director position will be based in our Toronto office and engage our Vancouver, and New York studios. Ability to travel between the studios is essential. The Director will work closely with the leadership group requiring an in-person presence based out of the Toronto office.

Please send your resume and examples of your work to hr@dsai.ca. We thank all applicants who have applied however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diamond Schmitt Architects encourages and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all aspects of the selection process.

Key Responsibilities
Seek opportunities to promote and advance our sustainability objectives wholistically.

Support staff and projects to advance the environmental performance of our projects through relevant performance standards, aspirational goals, and software tools.

Prepare key messages and briefings for leadership.

Attend interviews and support marketing efforts through writing, graphics, and statistics to advance initiatives and project pursuits.

Maintain and manage relationships with clients, consultants, and corporate membership organizations.

Qualifications
Architecture, Engineering, Building Science, Environmental Design, Planning, or related professional degree.
Licensure as an Architect or Professional Engineer, or Registered Professional Planner is an asset, but not required.
Two or more of the following accreditations (or commitment to achieve within a year):
o LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional
o Certified Passive House Designer or Consultant recognition
o BREEAM Accredited Professional
o WELL Accreditation
o Living Future Accreditation
Ability to undertake work in both official languages is a strong asset
Experience:

Minimum 10 years relevant work experience, ideally in an environment of design excellence.
Successful implementation of initiatives that have directly influenced practice, specifically environmental and sustainability practices.
Conducting research, preparing presentations, and sharing findings with professional audiences.
Required Skills:

Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, superior organizational and project management skills, ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Familiarity with project specifications, architectural drawings, and building construction.
Ability to think critically and strategically and be able to conduct self-directed research and analysis.
Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
Familiarity with local and international regulations and standards for sustainable building design.
Proficiency with relevant software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign. Familiarity with Revit, Rhino, and emissions benchmarking software is desirable.
Ability to work collaboratively with team members and senior leadership to influence policy and design.