Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

WashREIT is a publicly traded company transitioning from a diversified REIT into a pure multifamily REIT and expanding from the DC metropolitan area into Southeastern markets.   We’re growing for sure!

We have an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) to join our team.  This individual will be responsible for providing leadership and direction on companywide ESG initiatives, policies and practices. 

You are a good fit if you have had progressively more responsible roles performing duties related to ESG, preferably in a public company and ideally in the real estate sector.

In this role, you will be working a flexible 3/2 (office/remote) hybrid schedule.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Policy and Strategy

• Provide technical, research, policy and strategic direction to Senior Leadership and the Board for all aspects of ESG, including building upon the current companywide ESG goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Property Management and Asset Management departments on strategic capital decisions.
• Lead the company’s sustainability initiatives and build strong working relationships across the company to advance internal education and awareness of key ESG topics (e.g. climate risk, net zero, health & wellness, diversity & inclusion, etc.), with a particular focus on the multifamily industry. 

Performance and Reporting

• Manage company’s annual GRESB survey response, as well as other industry survey submission, as well as the publication of the annual ESGS Report.
• Work closely with Investor Relations to communicate the company’s ESG performance to stakeholders, through ratings and disclosure frameworks such as SASB, TCFD, MSCI, ISS, and others.
• Advance the company’s net zero carbon commitment and support the identification and implementation of energy, carbon, water, and waste reduction projects.
• Support the Asset and Property Management departments in pursuing property-level initiatives including energy procurement, utility management, certifications (LEED, BREEAM, ENERGY STAR, etc.), renewable energy, green leasing, health & wellness, and more. 

Social Impact

• Identify objectives and support the achievement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in human capital and supply chain decisions.
• Support stakeholder programs including those related to resident satisfaction, community engagement, and procurement practices, and provide guidance on other key social developments in the real estate industry.

Industry and Regulatory Engagement

• Follow market trends and research evolving systems and standards to help senior leadership create appropriate strategic planning decisions.
• Present to external audiences on the company’s ESG program and property-specific achievements to elevate the firm’s ESG profile in the industry.
• Provide industry leadership, maintain relationships, understand market trends, and engage with policymakers through active participation in organizations such as AOBA, DC's BEPS Task Force, NAREIT, NAIOP, ULI Greenprint, and Better Buildings. 

REQUIREMENTS

• BS/BA degree in relevant field
• Progressively more responsible experience performing duties related to ESG, preferably at a publicly traded company, ideally in the real estate sector, including driving global ESG integration and reporting and initiatives that tie to business decisions.
• Experience interacting with finance, risk management and investor relationship departments and engaging with ESG ratings firms and other key stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of ESG and sustainability practices and trends, and ability to successful implement into practice.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational management skills, including strong interpersonal skills. 
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to champion through daily interactions. 
• Champions commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives.

WHO IS WashREIT?

WashREIT, publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol WRE, is a trusted authority in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country.   We own a research-driven portfolio of value-oriented multifamily properties (7,500+ units) located in high-growth Washington, DC metro submarkets and are expanding our reach into Southeastern markets and fully transforming into a multifamily REIT.

WHY WORK AT WashREIT?

• We’re team players!  We value our open culture working in a collaborative environment that values interdisciplinary teamwork, creative ideas and uncommon solutions.
• We practice corporate responsibility!  Our focus on sustainability creates positive environmental, social, and ethical impacts in the regions where our residents live.
• We are creative, committed, and ambitious!  Our flat organizational structure facilitates frequent, meaningful interactions with company executives, and our commitment to teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit enables employees at every level to conceptualize ideas and make them happen.
• We provide outstanding compensation and benefits! You will be paid well for your work, with a competitive wage and will be eligible for incentive compensation based on your efforts and company performance.   Our flex vacation policy gives you the flexibility to take the time off when you need it and our hybrid work schedule respects your work/life balance.
• We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging!  We believe diversity drives innovation. Companies that are diverse are proven to be better companies. We are building a culture where differences are valued and creating an environment for people to do what they do best while learning, growing, and affecting company change through meaningful contributions.
  

COVID-19 COMPLIANCE
As a condition of employment, all new hires must be fully vaccinated by their start date and have obtained a booster shot no later than their eligibility or thirty days from hire (if eligible).