Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, the Sustainability Director leads Durham Academy’s efforts to improve the environmental context of the moral, happy and productive lives we envision for our students. In particular, the Director works with all stakeholders to make progress toward goals endorsed by the Board of Trustees in December 2023:

• Educate for sustainability at every level and in every subject

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 

• Increase biodiversity on campus 

Within the school community, the Director serves as a resource, catalyst, guide, and strategic planner. Beyond the campus, the Director fosters connections with local environmental groups and national educator networks. 

This is a 12-month position that begins July 1, 2026.

Desired Traits and Skills

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

• Significant professional experience or advanced study in environmental sustainability

• Demonstrated professional and personal commitment to sustainability

• Work experience in a school setting

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

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

• Personal traits appropriate for nurturing the growth of children — energy, creativity, flexibility, patience and a good sense of humor

Key Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the school’s existing Sustainability Action Plan to achieve 4-year goals endorsed by the Board of Trustees in December 2023

• Develop new sustainability goals and action plan for 2028 and beyond; lead implementation

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

• Co-advise the Upper School Student Government Sustainability Committee. This group raises awareness, organizes events, and makes the case for change.

• Coordinate the annual assessment of greenhouse gas emissions 

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

• Manage the budget allocated to sustainability and track operational savings

• Seek and support collaboration with programs in Facilities, Wellness, Marketing & Communications, and Diversity, Equity & Engagement

• Participate in life of the Upper or Middle School as a teacher, coach, adjunct advisor, chaperone, Capstone Leader or other role(s) that are substantive but do not exceed 25% of a full-time role.

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

• Help teachers incorporate sustainability mindsets and content in their curriculum 

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

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

• Serve as liaison between the school and local environmental groups; attend events and share opportunities for volunteer participation 

• Participate in climate educator networks

DA Teachers, Administrators and Staff

• Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of the school.

• Model a student-centered approach to teaching in an active classroom. 

• Possess a command of pedagogical best practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their professional life, and are committed to lifelong professional growth.

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

• Are eager to build supportive relationships with students and understand 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-kindergarten through grade 12 on two campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening 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 enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. (Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)

Our Employment Policy

Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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.