Assistant Director of Sustainability

At The Pingry School, sustainability is not just a policy; it is a living laboratory. The Assistant Director of Sustainability is a high-visibility leadership role designed for an educator and advocate who thrives on building community and inspiring student action. This is a full-time, 12-month position that serves as the “face and voice” of Pingry’s environmental commitment.

Reporting to the Director of the Pottersville Campus, you will lead the charge in making sustainability accessible, exciting, and deeply integrated into the student experience. While this role primarily focuses on leading and mentoring our Middle and Upper School students, it is deeply rooted in collaboration; you will work in close partnership with our Lower School experiential educators to ensure a cohesive, school-wide approach to environmental stewardship. Whether you are in the Basking Ridge garden, leading a climate-action seminar, or strategizing new initiatives in Pottersville, you are the primary “influencer” driving our ecological literacy and global citizenship goals.

We are seeking a dynamic, student-centered leader who can bridge the gap between high-level environmental theory and hands-on, muddy-boots practice.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree in Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Sustainability, or Education preferred.
Pedagogical Skill: Demonstrated experience with—or a strong interest in—student-centered, inquiry-based teaching models. You possess a deep understanding of Middle and Upper School developmental needs and know how to transform “outdoor work” into a sophisticated intellectual pursuit.
Inclusive Excellence: A deep-seated commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging where every student feels seen and valued. This includes the ability to design inclusive, outdoor, and “living laboratory” learning environments that ensure all students, regardless of background, feel confident and capable in environmental science and stewardship.
Community Mindset: Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with diverse constituency groups—from Facilities and Dining Services to faculty and parents—in strict alignment with Pingry’s Mission and Honor Code.
Digital Fluency & Innovation: Proficiency in educational technology (Google Suite, Canvas/Veracross). You have a demonstrated interest in using digital tools to track sustainability data, visualize environmental impact, and evolve how technology can enhance (rather than replace) the hands-on learning experience.
Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to pivot instructional or operational strategies to meet the evolving needs of the students, the climate, and the farm.
Environmental Management: Deep familiarity with gardening, composting, and animal husbandry; willingness to learn the specific systems in place at Pingry.
Adventure Mindset: Comfort and willingness to support the High Ropes Course as a certified L1 or L2 Practitioner. Certification can be secured after employment begins.
Schedule: Ability to work a 12-month schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends aligned with farm care, retreats, or community events.

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$110,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.

Tagged as: Renewable Energy/Sustainability