Application Guide

How to Apply for Project and Sustainability Associate

at SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World

🏢 About SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World

SEI stands out for its mission-driven focus on building leaders who create resilient, sustainable communities through education and partnerships. Unlike generic sustainability consultancies, SEI specifically empowers community colleges to implement climate action plans, making it ideal for those passionate about educational institutions as sustainability change agents.

About This Role

This role involves coordinating sustainability data collection for community college districts using AASHE STARS and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, then developing metrics and reports aligned with California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office goals. You'll directly impact climate action implementation across California's community college system by identifying progress gaps and creating actionable recommendations.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager data from multiple community college districts, then input findings into AASHE STARS templates. Afternoon could involve drafting a sustainability report section identifying gaps in waste reduction efforts, followed by coordinating with a district stakeholder about their benchmarking progress. The day might end with preparing newsletter content about energy conservation best practices for community college facilities teams.

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with AASHE STARS reporting or ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, specifically for educational institutions
  • Can demonstrate translating technical sustainability metrics (GHG accounting, energy/water data) into clear reports for non-technical stakeholders
  • Has managed sustainability projects with multiple community college stakeholders and understands California's specific climate regulations
  • Shows experience creating communication materials (newsletters, website resources) about energy conservation for educational audiences

📝 Tips for Applying to SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World

1

Mention specific experience with California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Climate Action Goals or similar California-specific sustainability frameworks

2

Include a portfolio link showing sustainability reports you've created that identify gaps and recommendations (not just data presentation)

3

Highlight any experience working with community college districts specifically, not just higher education generally

4

Demonstrate understanding of both AASHE STARS AND ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager - don't assume they're interchangeable

5

Show how you've managed competing priorities across multiple college districts simultaneously in past roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with sustainability data collection and reporting for educational institutions', 'Examples of translating technical sustainability information for diverse audiences (faculty, administrators, students)', "How you've supported outreach/communication efforts through specific channels like newsletters or website resources", "Your understanding of California's unique sustainability landscape for community colleges"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SEI's specific partnerships with California community college districts (mentioned in their case studies)
  • → California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Climate Action and Sustainability Goals (2022 framework)
  • → Recent sustainability initiatives at specific California community colleges like Santa Monica College or Los Angeles Community College District
  • → SEI's educational programs and how this role might intersect with their leadership development work

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience with AASHE STARS reporting - what challenges have you faced with data collection?
2 How would you develop baseline sustainability metrics for a community college district with no existing tracking system?
3 Describe a time you had to manage competing deadlines from multiple community college stakeholders
4 What strategies would you use to communicate energy conservation best practices to community college facilities staff versus administrators?
5 How do you stay current with California-specific sustainability regulations affecting community colleges?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic sustainability experience without specific mention of educational institutions or community colleges
  • Focusing only on data collection without showing ability to create actionable recommendations from that data
  • Not demonstrating understanding of California's specific regulatory environment for community college sustainability

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to SEI: Building Leaders for a Resilient World!

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