Hi Erin,

Unfortunately, I don't have a clear answer for you, but I do recommend you checking out the Sustainability-Focused Academic Programs Database for certificates and contacts who may be able to help make the decision.

Also, you may want to consider professional development opportunities for sustainability officers, like the Campus Sustainability Professionals Retreat and Sustainability Officers Workshop. Connecting with other professionals who are currently or were in a situation like yours may be beneficial to you.

My best,
Ashwini

Good day, Erin.

Judy Walton from the AASHE office forwarded to me your inquiry about additional training in sustainability leadership. You might be interested to know that at Ithaca College we have developed an on-line Sustainability Leadership professional certificate program.

We developed this professional certificate (NOT academic credit-bearing) program specifically for those thinking about becoming a sustainability coordinator for an institution/organization and for those who are already IN such a position, but feel their preparation/skillset may be lacking in some areas.

We offer 12 different seminars that are all delivered in an asynchronous (meaning you come and go as it works with YOUR schedule), online, facilitated format. The seminars are broken up in the key areas that we feel sustainability coordinators need to become proficient: leading organizational change, communication skills, business decision-making and policy development, and project management. You select the seminars that offer content in which YOU feel you need some skill development.

Here is the link to our Sustainability Leadership program.
http://www.ithaca.edu/gps/professional/devcert/sustainability/

I'd be happy to speak with you off-line about this if you have more questions.

Thanks and good luck!
Marian Brown
Special Assistant for Campus and Community Sustainability
Ithaca College
mbrown@ithaca.edu
phone: 607-274-3787