Executive Director, Environmental, Health, and Safety

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) provides strategic leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of auxiliary services that support safe, healthy, and sustainable learning environments across the district. This includes environmental health and compliance, energy and sustainability initiatives, indoor air quality (IAQ), life safety systems, roofing/sheet metal/welding/fencing services, and integrated pest management (IPM). The Executive Director collaborates closely with school leadership, maintenance and operations, construction management, building services, and regulatory agencies to ensure high standards of safety, service, and stewardship.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.    Strategic Leadership & Oversight:
•    Directs and coordinates district-wide programs in environmental health, life safety, energy management, indoor air quality (IAQ), integrated pest management (IPM), and auxiliary trades (roofing, sheet metal, welding, fencing).
•    Develops and implements long-range plans, standards, and policies to align operations with regulatory requirements and best practices.
•    Provides executive-level guidance to district leaders, department directors, managers, and technical specialists within assigned areas.
2.    Environmental Health & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
•    Oversees environmental services including hazardous materials management (asbestos, lead, mold), IAQ testing, and response programs.
•    Ensures district compliance with EPA, TCEQ, and other environmental and occupational health regulations.
•    Leads proactive strategies for maintaining air and environmental quality in educational settings, including implementation of IAQ management plans.
3.    Energy & Sustainability:
•    Directs the district’s energy conservation and sustainability initiatives, including energy tracking, utilities management, and renewable energy projects.
•    Promotes environmentally responsible practices that reduce resource consumption and support long-term operational efficiency.
•    Analyzes utility data and performance metrics to guide decision-making and capital planning.
4.    Life Safety & Compliance:
•    Provides executive oversight of fire safety, alarms, suppression systems, and emergency egress compliance in collaboration with Facilities and Security.
•    Ensures compliance with NFPA, fire marshal regulations, and life safety codes.
•    Partners with safety and risk management teams on incident response protocols, staff training, and emergency preparedness.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

5    Roofing, Sheet Metal, Welding, and Fencing:
•    Manages operations of skilled trade units providing preventive maintenance, repairs, and construction support related to roofing, gutters, flashing, fencing, gates, and custom metalwork.
•    Oversees capital replacement planning for roofing systems in coordination with maintenance and capital improvement teams.
6.    Integrated Pest Management:
•    Serves as or oversees the IPM Coordinator responsible for implementation of the district's Integrated Pest Management Plan in accordance with state law.
•    Promotes safe, environmentally sound pest control practices in coordination with custodial, grounds, and maintenance teams.

7.    Administrative & Auxiliary Support
•    Ensures effective business operations, budgeting, procurement, and compliance within each operational unit.
•    Develops and monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and service accountability.

8.    Other Duties As Assigned.
 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Health, Industrial Hygiene, Facilities Management, or related field; Master’s preferred.
 

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership in facilities operations, environmental health and safety, or related areas in a large organization.
•    Demonstrated experience in K–12, higher education, or large public-sector settings preferred.  

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Preferred Certifications (one or more):
•    Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
•    Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
•    LEED Accredited Professional
•    Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
•    Asbestos/Lead/Mold certifications (EPA-approved)
•    TDA IPM Coordinator Training

Expert knowledge of HISD and/or understanding of urban education and change management in complex systems.
In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations (EPA, TCEQ), building systems, life safety codes, and sustainable practices.
Ability to manage multiple specialized teams and complex technical programs.
Experience with data analysis, contract/vendor management, and budgeting.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Knowledge and appreciation of business concepts, strong business writing skills, and strong knowledge of spreadsheet and presentation software.
Strong problem-solving and project management skills, including strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach an end goal.
A commitment to equity; demonstrates a sense of urgency regarding closing the achievement gap and driving equitable educational opportunities for all students.
A successful record leading effective teams and individuals, managing organizational change, setting and achieving ambitious goals, and initiating key innovations.
Demonstrated ability to develop a vision and inspire others to achieve shared goals.
Comfort in leading difficult conversations, guided by the best interests of students and families.
Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions.
Strong time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills.
A flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences (e.g., large groups, staff meetings, executive briefings, public board meetings, memos).
Strong analytical skills and a high degree of intellectual curiosity to distill analysis into insights and translate insights into action.
A performance management, accountability, and systems-thinking orientation necessary to inform data-driven strategy development and execution.
Ability to initiate and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels, along with the ability to build consensus on pathways for improving student outcomes and addressing complex issues.
Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education.
Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district wide.
 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.    
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.