Position Type: Full time
State: VA
City: Arlington
Zip Code: 22203

Overview

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., an equity REIT, has a long-term track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets, and delivering outsized, risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. With equal parts experience and vision, we’ve established a leadership position rooted in our purpose of creating a better way to live and that is always focused on building value for the long term.

Creating a better way to live is the purpose that binds AvalonBay associates. We take that purpose seriously and expect you will as well. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and taking ownership of our choices and actions, we act in ways that focus on creating value for our customers, investors and associates. Your positive, professional, and consistent personal interactions make AvalonBay a great place to work.

The Role

We’re looking for a Senior Manager of Sustainability to play a key role in shaping and executing our company’s environmental sustainability and decarbonization strategy. This role focuses on driving measurable impact across our portfolio by identifying and implementing energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects, ensuring compliance with evolving building performance standards (BPS), and operationalizing sustainability efforts throughout the organization.

You will lead strategic initiatives that support our climate and energy goals, serve as a key liaison across teams, and help us meet regulatory requirements while creating long-term value.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor Building Performance Standards

• Stay on top of emerging and existing sustainability regulations across markets

• Analyze BPS requirements, develop compliance strategies, and educate internal stakeholders

• Act as the internal subject matter expert and maintain relationships with jurisdictions and utilities

Energy Benchmarking

• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to oversee community-level benchmarking and ENERGY STAR data accuracy

• Ensure consistent and reliable reporting for internal and external use

Emissions Data Oversight

• Manage and validate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data for Corporate Responsibility reporting

• Provide quality control, guide REC purchasing, and support third-party assurance

Project Planning & Implementation

• Lead the identification, planning, and reporting of scalable decarbonization and energy efficiency projects in collaboration with Asset Management, Engineering, Capital Projects, and other teams

Internal Engagement & Tools Development

• Participate as an active member of the Sustainability Council and cross-functional task forces, contributing to strategic sustainability initiatives

• Design and implement tools and resources that enhance visibility into climate-related risks and asset-level performance

• Lead educational sessions to build awareness and drive engagement around the company’s sustainability goals and decarbonization strategies

Technology Pilots

• Partner with leadership and external stakeholders to identify, evaluate, and pilot new technologies that reduce energy use or carbon impact

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability, Business, or a related field (engineering preferred)

• Master’s degree in Sustainability, Real Estate, Economics, Public Policy, or related discipline a plus

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience managing engineering or sustainability projects in real estate or a related field

• Expertise in building science, energy auditing, electrification, and carbon accounting

• Proficiency with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and familiarity with onsite/offsite solar management

• Experience with GHG accounting and compliance strategies strongly preferred

Certifications:

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and LEED AP preferred

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong cross-functional project management and stakeholder engagement skills

• Excellent analytical skills with Excel modeling experience

• Deep knowledge of decarbonization and sustainable building technologies

• Effective communicator with strong writing and presentation abilities

• Proven ability to lead through influence in complex, matrixed environments

• Strategic thinker who can manage multiple competing priorities

• Familiarity with real estate fundamentals including design, construction, and financial analysis

How AvalonBay Supports You

Additional Info

AvalonBay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  We believe that in order to achieve our purpose of creating a better way to live, we must recruit, develop and retain associates with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and create an environment that encourages all voices to be heard, understood and appreciated. With this we know we can do great things.

AvalonBay makes employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics or testing), citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by the law.

For California residents, if you elect to apply to AvalonBay you accept the AvalonBay California Personnel Privacy Notice (https://www.avaloncommunities.com/california-personnel-privacy-notice/)

Job ID JR105152