Senior Corporate Sustainability Specialist

Job Description

About CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities, and talents of our diverse workforce. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

About the Senior Corporate Sustainability Specialist Role

We are seeking a dynamic Sustainability Sr. Specialist to join our Corporate Sustainability team and support the goals and objectives of the corporate sustainability reporting function.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of developing and executing effective programs that support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Key priorities include managing components of CenterPoint Energy’s corporate sustainability report and annual disclosures from planning to completion. This position takes a lead role in directing and serving on a variety of assigned working groups composed of key internal stakeholders.

This position requires excellent corporate writing, collaboration, and communication skills, and the ability to think creatively and solve complex problems.

Essential Functions

• Support the development of the corporate sustainability report, including writing effectively in a consistent style and format and editing content received from subject matter experts.
• Develop, implement, and monitor communications and/or project plans and processes from inception to completion.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to direct ESG messages and data needs across the organization that are accurate and complete.
• Drive collection of company-wide content and data; analyze, measure, and track activities using the Workiva ESG module, which serves as a repository for auditable ESG content and data.
• Develop presentations on ESG performance, trends, and recommendations for various audiences.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on corporate sustainability topics, the sustainability website, and the Workiva ESG platform.
• Act as a key point of contact with the sustainability website vendor for enhancements, visuals, and updates.
• Research current and emerging sustainability trends to ensure programs and initiatives are up to date.
• Independently solve moderately complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the success of sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain an ongoing understanding of industry ESG best practices and reporting standards.
• Support day-to-day activities related to the sustainability function as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental policy, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with strong, proven experience in writing, editing, and managing projects and plans from planning to completion.
• Strong critical thinking and communication skills, with the ability to present metrics, explain findings, and articulate issues and challenges together with proposed solutions.
• Excellent and proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in collaboration with cross-functional teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data management software; graphic design skills are a plus.
• Ability to multi-task and quickly prioritize projects and work well under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with ESG reporting tools, data systems, and platforms preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays, and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution