Position:  Sustainability Strategist
Location:  Kansas City, MO
Job Id:  2485
# of Openings:  1
Sustainability Strategist
Location: Kansas City
 
 
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
 
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
 
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
 
 
What We Offer:
Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + On-Site Gym + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
 
 
Who We Are Looking For:
The preferred candidate will have an interest in working in a dynamic and collaborative global design environment with a diverse range of public assembly building types, including the design of sports venues, convention centers, community buildings and transportation facilities.
 
As a Sustainability Strategist at Populous, you will collaborate with a highly creative and innovative team dedicated to problem-solving and design excellence. You will provide comprehensive sustainability support to clients and project teams, from marketing through post-occupancy. Your primary focus will be on offering technical leadership and mentorship across all aspects of integrated sustainable design delivery. Key responsibilities include facilitating sustainable design charrettes, managing certification program scorecards and associated action items, providing technical guidance on various design strategies, coordinating final certification processes, and supporting staff in their sustainability-related professional development. You will work closely with and report to the Head of Sustainability for Populous Americas.
 
 
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
  • Establish and Manage Certification Program Tools and Systems:
    • Provide and coordinate technical support for projects seeking third-party certification.
    • Conduct and oversee technical analyses that validate the sustainability pathways of projects, including energy and daylighting simulations, materials selection, and life cycle (LCA) studies.
    • Support staff in LEED and/or related program accreditations and sustainable design project leadership.
    • Ensure quality control and consistency across all Populous third-party certification projects.
    • Provide and Coordinate Technical Support for Certification Projects.
    • Coordinate the work of multiple consultants and supervise project team members, offering technical and analytical support as needed, including participation in or leading client meetings.
  • Maintain a collaborative and professional relationship with the Project Leadership Team, ensuring alignment and clear communication across all sustainability efforts.
  • Establish yourself as a leader within the firm and the industry in sustainable design technical capabilities.
  • Stay informed about current and emerging technologies, tools, and methods that impact the delivery of green building design.
  • Track and monitor federal, state, and local regulations and incentives related to sustainability.
  • Consistently review work and communicate needs and concerns to project staff, ensuring that sustainability goals are met and that all team members are aligned.
  • Team Coordination and Efficiency:
    • Coordinate team efforts to complete sustainability-related projects efficiently, ensuring that the team is working effectively and adhering to schedules and budgets.
    • Additional Leadership Opportunities:
      • Collaborate with Populous’ sustainability leaders to advance sustainability efforts, from project specifications to educational programs and new service offerings.
      • Stimulate internal interest in new innovations, technologies, and approaches, educating staff on their applications.
      • Coordinate the integration of Revit, IES, energy modeling, daylighting, and other technical analyses in relevant projects.
 
Requirements For Success: 
  • Strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of architectural building systems.
  • A thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets a must.
  • Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and certification program management (LEED, LBC, Fitwel, etc.).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Proficiency in Autodesk, Revit, required. Familiarity with Newforma preferred.
  • Communicates professionally both verbally and in writing.
  • Works in a team environment.
  • Meets deadlines.
  • Highly self-motivated personality.
 
Essential Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, interiors or a related field from an accredited program.
  • Strong interest in building systems, project management and consultant coordination (current expertise or interest/aptitude to build expertise quickly)
  • A minimum of 5+ years’ experience in architectural practice with prior experience in all phases of architectural projects. 
  • LEED Accredited Professional with specialty.
  • Other building focused sustainable design accreditations are acceptable.
  • Preferred but not required
    • Registered Architect with a current license, preferred. 
    • Project experience with sport stadiums, arenas, convention centers, hospitality, and aviation a strong plus.
    • Strong project management mindset, gained through directly relevant project experience.
    • Design level building energy modeling (non-engineering) preferred.
 
Additional details: 
  • Travel will be required.
  • Occasional overtime may be required.
 
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
 
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company 
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants  
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C 
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C 
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C 
 
Instagram: @WeArePopulous 
X: @Populous
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