The University of Sheffield
Sustainability Behaviour Change & Engagement Officer
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Overview
The Sustainability Behaviour Change & Engagement Officer will support the delivery of sustainability engagement and behaviour-change activity across the University, helping staff and students take practical action in support of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Based in Estates & Facilities Management, the role will help translate University-level sustainability commitments into clear guidance, local actions and practical engagement activities. The postholder will work with colleagues across Schools, Faculties, Professional Services and the Students’ Union to support a One University approach to sustainability, with a focus on the everyday behaviours and decisions that influence energy and water use, resource consumption, waste, reuse, travel and lower-carbon ways of working.
The role will support the Sustainability Programme Lead by helping to coordinate engagement mechanisms such as the Sustainability Network, local sustainability action planning, impact reports and staff and student sustainability initiatives. The postholder will act as an approachable point of contact for sustainability queries, signposting colleagues to the right guidance, tools, data and specialist advice.
The postholder will produce clear guidance, updates, toolkits, case studies and digital content that help people understand sustainability impacts, why they matter and how they can contribute.
This will be an active delivery role, not simply an advisory post. The postholder will help coordinate engagement activity, support local action and follow up with colleagues to ensure sustainability opportunities are translated into practical change.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in sustainability, people and practical change to develop experience in engagement, behaviour change, project support, reporting and stakeholder coordination within a large, complex organisation.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of sustainability engagement and behaviour-change activity aligned with the Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
- Act as an approachable point of contact for sustainability queries from staff, students and local sustainability leads.
- Support the Sustainability Network, staff and student sustainability activity and other communities of practice.
- Help Schools, Faculties and Professional Services develop local sustainability actions using impact reports, guidance and feedback.
- Contribute to behaviour-change interventions that make sustainable choices easier, more visible and more rewarding.
- Support targeted engagement projects linked to energy and water use, resource efficiency, reuse, waste reduction, sustainable travel and lower-carbon ways of working.
- Produce clear engagement materials, guidance, toolkits, case studies, web content and updates.
- Maintain sustainability engagement records, contact lists, action trackers and shared information systems.
- Gather and present information to support reporting, dashboards, rankings, governance updates and the annual sustainability report.
- Support sustainability meetings and working groups, including agendas, minutes, action logs and follow-up.
- Liaise with colleagues across EFM, academic departments, Professional Services and the Students’ Union to support coordinated sustainability activity and communications.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
- Stage assessed at
- An honours degree or equivalent experience
- Essential
- Application
- Awareness of behaviour-change approaches, organisational culture or community engagement
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Demonstrable interest in sustainability and environmental issues
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build positive collaborative relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Ability to produce clear written materials, such as guidance, briefings, web content, case studies or updates
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, deadlines and stakeholder requests
- Essential
- Interview
- Ability to organise, summarise and present information clearly, including using spreadsheets or similar tools
- Essential
- Application / Interview
- Experience supporting engagement activity, behaviour-change initiatives, campaigns, events or practical projects
- Desirable
- Application / Interview
- Understanding of sustainability within a university or large, complex organisation
- Desirable
- Application / Interview
- Experience of supporting meetings, events, networks or communities of practice
- Desirable
- Application / Interview
Further Information
- Grade
- 5
- Salary
- £27,319 - £31,236, with potential to progress to £33,951 through outstanding contribution
- Work arrangement
- Full-time
- Line manager
- Sustainability Programme Lead
- Direct reports
- NA
- Our website
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For informal enquiries about this job contact James Merryclough, Sustainability Programme Lead: on j.merryclough@sheffield.ac.uk or on 07415 604224
Next steps in the recruitment process
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact admin-engmain@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
- More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 01/11/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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