Sustainability Associate Director – Grant Thornton (US)
We are currently seeking experienced individuals to join our expanding Advisory Sustainability Practice. The role requires a self‑motivated, initiative‑driven leader capable of delivering programme and project milestones across regulatory, strategic, sustainability and change‑management challenges.
Roles & Responsibilities
Collaborate within a multi‑disciplinary team to successfully deliver and manage projects across a range of key areas.
Client Responsibilities
Successful and effective end‑to‑end delivery of external client projects.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of client and work stream operations, processes, and business objectives and utilise this knowledge on assignments/projects.
Demonstrate excellent attention to detail and an ability to work to strict deadlines.
Work and communicate effectively with senior management, team members and clients, providing relevant summary updates and escalations as appropriate.
Manage reporting requirements, project plans, project status reports, RAID logs, management updates and other reports as required.
Build client relationships and interact proactively with key stakeholders to gather information, resolve issues, and provide analysis to inform client deliverables.
Internal Responsibilities
Assist in client account management activities such as recruitment for the project team, managing financial aspects of client engagements, and quality and risk management.
Lead and support presentations and proposals for medium to high complex projects to prospective and existing clients.
Communicate effectively with senior management and build, manage and motivate high‑performing teams.
Build strong internal relationships and network within Consulting and across other service lines.
Support team development activities, including but not limited to management, coaching, and mentoring.
Conduct performance reviews and contribute to performance feedback.
Contribute to people initiatives including recruiting, retaining and training activities.
Understand, follow and communicate workplace policies and procedures.
Skills and Experience
Education and Certifications
Master’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 10+ years direct experience in advising clients across sectors on climate and environmental risks at both strategic and operational levels.
Experience supporting organisations to assess and communicate how climate‑related risks and opportunities influence business resilience, investment decisions, and long‑term value.
Significant experience in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting (Scopes 1, 2, and 3), emissions inventories, carbon reduction planning, and supporting organisations on net‑zero target setting and implementation.
Demonstrated understanding of carbon markets and experience with carbon credit registries or trading schemes.
Strong knowledge of climate disclosure frameworks (e.g., TCFD, ISSB, CDP).
Knowledge of evolving sustainability regulations (e.g., California SB 261, SB 253, TNFD).
Proven ability to quickly grasp complex topics beyond core areas of expertise and apply critical thinking to develop practical, tailored solutions.
Deep understanding of the relationship between climate change, business risk, and value creation, with a focus on integrating this into core business functions.
Strong commercial background with expertise in business strategy, operations, and the quantification of environmental and social impacts.
Experience identifying opportunities for growth and supporting business development, including through tender responses and client proposals.
Skills and Attributes
Communication: Skilled in stakeholder engagement and communication, with the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible, outcome‑oriented language.
Analytical skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience applying them to assess sustainability risks, model impacts, and support data‑driven decision‑making.
Leadership and Team Building: Committed to building team capability through coaching, knowledge‑sharing, and supporting development of junior colleagues.
Organisation: Scheduling and facilitating meetings, including agendas and minutes.
Attitude: Strong work ethic, proactive attitude to issue resolution, delivering excellence, managing deadlines and being comfortable leading a team.
MS Office: MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills.
About Us
Grant Thornton is a global network of independent firms serving clients worldwide. We work as trusted advisors, bringing local knowledge and national expertise, with a global presence, to help businesses succeed now and in the future. We value diversity, inclusion and integrity and strive to create a culture where every employee can thrive.
What does this mean for you?
A career in a more inclusive working environment, a more collaborative work culture, a more supported and flexible working role, more possibilities to grow and opportunities to help shape the future for your clients.
Benefits
Our benefits package is designed to support a healthy lifestyle and help employees flourish. For more information, please visit our benefits page.
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