Director, Environmental Health & Safety - Remote

At the American Cancer Society, we're leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

Leads all aspects of the American Cancer Society’s Environmental, Health, and Safety programs and standards for all ACS properties (excluding sites in Puerto Rico) within the operational and functional scope of the Real Estate and Facilities Management team. The primary focus is the Hope Lodge program, where ACS serves cancer patients and caregivers in temporary lodging facilities in 30+ markets across the country. Responsible for the creation and successful delivery of all Water Management Plans, Indoor Air Quality Plans and related services placing emphasis on excellent customer service, operational efficiency, and providing safe, comfortable, and sustainable facilities across the enterprise. A secondary focus will be to provide similar, proportional support to ACS offices and Discovery Shops, whether leased or owned, and in accordance with risk factors. Additional focus on Environmental, Social and Governance and WELL Building Standard endeavors that pertain to the organization’s facilities operations.

***This is a remote role that can be home based anywhere within the United States.***

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• In partnership with Department leadership and informed by cross-functional leadership input, develop, implement, and maintain EHS policies, programs, and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards. 

• Create and adhere to annual operational and capital budget related to EHS projects, initiatives, and services.

• Review monthly and quarterly operational and capital financial reports that include analysis of variances from plan, forecast and prior year; determine and execute revisions to operations accordingly.

• Support coordination and drive consistency across the enterprise. In partnership with the Facility Management Directors, develop coordinated, efficient, and consistent EHS strategies and tactics across ACS, incorporating unique requirements only when justified by business requirement.

• Oversee the operational execution of Water Management Plans and Indoor Air Quality standards. Lead, manage, or oversee responses to anomalies in partnership with Facilities Management staff, vendors, and cross-functional ACS team members.

• Direct strategy for ensuring new locations’ WMP and IAQ plans are implemented upon initial operations.

• Develop appropriate, industry-standard measurement of EHS performance. Track metrics related to all EHS activity.

• Lead turn-key project initiatives through all phases of development, from initial analysis through closeout.

• Manage multiple projects, deliverables, milestones, schedules, and budgets simultaneously.

• Maintain effective working relationships with landlords of leased properties.

• Partner with risk management to identify EHS-related risks and effective mitigation measures.

• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential environmental, health, and safety hazards within ACS facilities, with a focus on the Hope Lodges  

• Develop and maintain safety programs, including emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and safety drills.

• Train employees and management on EHS policies and procedures to enhance awareness and understanding. 

• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures to prevent their recurrence. 

• Oversee environmental initiatives such as waste management, pollution prevention, and sustainability efforts to minimize the organization's environmental impact. 

• Conduct routine safety checks, inspections, and audits to ensure compliance with water management and indoor air quality control measures, safety standards and regulations. Document findings and recommend remedial actions. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of EHS incidents, training sessions, inspections, and other relevant data. Prepare reports for management and regulatory authorities. 

• Continuously monitor EHS performance, conduct trend analysis, and implement improvements to enhance safety and environmental performance. Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.

• Oversee EHS requirements for on-site contractors and vendors to ensure their compliance with safety regulations.

• Develop, document, and oversee a program based on WELL Building Standard including construction and operation for ACS properties, primarily our Hope Lodge buildings. 

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE    

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related degree AND

• Ten+ years of experience that is directly relevant to the duties and responsibilities specified within this position description.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS  

Demonstrates ACS Leadership Competencies

• People-First Mindset – Demonstrates genuine care of ACS’s people by providing meaningful work, offering opportunities for professional development, and valuing work-life balance of team members.

• Organizational Savvy – Demonstrates clear understanding of organizational culture and effectively navigates through complex company dynamics, championing organization initiatives.

• Decision quality - Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

• Business Knowledge – Applying business knowledge and industry best practices to advance the organization’s goals and inform data-driven decision making.

• Leadership Courage – Stepping up to address tough organizational issues and demonstrates conviction and courage to do what’s right.

• Strategic Mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.

OTHER SKILLS

• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local codes and ordinances pertinent to water management and indoor air quality, facilities planning, and maintenance.

• Understanding of building systems, including air quality, water management, lighting design, and acoustic engineering.

• Strong program / project management experience required.

• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

• Proficiency in explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences, including architects, engineers, and building occupants.

• Ability to coordinate quality assurance programs in area of specialty.

• Must have skill in working with internal and external partners in negotiating contracts, work orders and preparing RFP’s as they relate to EHS areas of facilities management.

• Must possess excellent communication skills including the ability to convey complex technical information in a manner that non-technical individuals can comprehend.

• Knowledge of emergency/disaster/recovery plans and preparation.

• Ability to set clear, measurable objectives aligned with WELL concepts and organizational goals.

• Strong negotiating, influencing and problem resolution skills.

• Proven ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks within budgets and timelines.

• Demonstrated ability to assess stakeholder needs, creatively approach solutions and decide and influence appropriate courses of action. Initiate, implement and support change within the organization; proactive in removing barriers or accelerating pace.

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to travel (by car and/or airplane) when necessary to visit ACS sites and attend meetings.

The starting rate is $102,000 to $125,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

Apply