Description
Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.
Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.
The opportunity
Who is an Eco Rep and what will my role provide?
Eco Reps are student leaders who support the Office of Sustainability's mission by promoting sustainable practices, engaging in the campus community, and contributing to sustainability programs and initiatives. This position provides hands-on experience in project management, communication, leadership, and problem-solving while supporting students to build valuable professional skills and advance sustainability efforts at SNHU.
Job Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
The Athletics Sustainability Liaison Eco Rep serves as the primary connection between the Office of Sustainability and SNHU Athletics, helping integrate sustainability practices into athletic programs, facilities, and events.
Program Development & Coordination
- Assist with planning and implementing sustainability initiatives within SNHU Athletics.
- Support the development of annual sustainability goals and projects for athletic programs and facilities.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve sustainability practices within athletics operations.
- Collaborate with Athletics staff to support sustainability-focused programs and campaigns.
Sustainable Event Support
- Coordinate sustainability efforts at athletic events, including recycling, composting, waste diversion, and fan engagement activities.
- Assist with implementing Green Game or sustainable sporting event initiatives.
- Help ensure sustainability materials, signage, and educational resources are available at athletic events.
- Track and report sustainability outcomes associated with athletic events.
Student-Athlete Engagement
- Promote sustainability awareness among student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff.
- Develop educational campaigns and outreach opportunities tailored to athletics audiences.
- Facilitate activities, presentations, or workshops that encourage sustainable behaviors.
- Serve as a sustainability resource and peer educator within the athletics community.
Data Collection & Assessment
- Collect and analyze sustainability-related data from athletic events and facilities.
- Track metrics such as waste diversion, recycling participation, event engagement, and resource conservation efforts.
- Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and visual summaries that communicate program impact.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of athletics sustainability initiatives and recommend improvements.
Partnership & Relationship Building
- Build relationships with coaches, student-athletes, athletics staff, and campus partners.
- Serve as a liaison between the Office of Sustainability and Athletics Department.
- Collaborate with other Eco Reps to integrate athletics-focused sustainability initiatives into broader campus sustainability efforts.
- Support partnerships with community organizations and vendors when appropriate.
Communications & Outreach
- Assist with promoting athletics sustainability initiatives through social media, newsletters, event announcements, and presentations.
- Share success stories and program outcomes that highlight the impact of sustainability efforts within Athletics.
- Engage spectators, fans, and campus community members in sustainability initiatives during athletic events
Qualifications
- Enrolled in SNHU classes
- Must be a student athlete on a SNHU sports team
- Current student in good academic standing
- Interest in sustainability, environmental studies, or related field
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Organized, reliable, and comfortable engaging with diverse audiences
- Familiarity with recycling/composting practices (or willingness to learn)
- Able to support colleagues with attending or working at other events is mandatory- this includes Good Stuff (Winter and last three weeks of classes/week after classes end), Arboretum After Dark in October, Campus Race to Zero Waste
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with event planning, outreach, or peer education
- Knowledge of local/state waste guidelines (e.g., food waste practices)
- Experience with data tracking tools (Ex: Excel, Google Sheets)
Learning Outcomes
Through this position, the Athletics Sustainability Liaison will develop skills in sustainable event management, stakeholder engagement, leadership, data analysis, and environmental communication while advancing sustainability initiatives within SNHU Athletics and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship among student-athletes and fans.
Athletics Sustainability Liaison Learning Goals/Outcomes
By the end of this position, the student will be able to:
Sustainable Athletics Operations
- Explain how sustainability principles can be applied within collegiate athletics and recreation settings.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve sustainability practices at athletic events and facilities.
- Evaluate the environmental impact of athletic operations and recommend practical improvements.
Event Sustainability Management
- Assist in planning and implementing sustainability initiatives at athletic events, including waste diversion, recycling, composting, and sustainable purchasing efforts.
- Develop skills in event logistics, coordination, and volunteer management.
- Assess the effectiveness of green event strategies and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Data Collection & Impact Assessment
- Collect and analyze sustainability-related data from athletic programs and events.
- Track metrics such as waste diversion, participation, and resources used to support program evaluation.
- Communicate program outcomes and impact through reports, presentations, and visual summaries.
Environmental Education & Outreach
- Create and deliver educational campaigns that engage student-athletes, coaches, and spectators in sustainability initiatives.
- Utilize peer education and communication strategies to increase awareness and participation.
- Translate sustainability concepts into messages that resonate with athletics audiences.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a liaison between the Office of Sustainability and Athletics Department.
- Build partnerships with coaches, student-athletes, athletics staff, and campus partners to advance sustainability goals.
- Demonstrate leadership by championing sustainable practices and encouraging community participation.
Equity, Well-Being & Community Impact
- Recognize the connections between sustainability, health, wellness, equity, and community engagement within athletics.
- Support initiatives that promote inclusive participation and shared responsibility for sustainability efforts.
- Consider social and community impacts when developing sustainability recommendations.
Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Apply systems-thinking approaches to understand the relationship between athletics operations, environmental impact, and community engagement.
- Develop solutions to sustainability challenges that are practical, measurable, and aligned with organizational goals.
- Evaluate competing priorities and make recommendations based on data and stakeholder needs.
NACE Competency Alignment
This position supports development in:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Work Schedule/Hours
10 (up to 15 if student can work and there are programmatic needs)
Hours will be scheduled during the week M-F, some nights and weekends may be needed
Additional Information
Resume-Ready Outcomes
Students in this role will gain experience in:
- Green sports and sustainable athletics programs
- Event sustainability planning and implementation
- Waste diversion and resource conservation
- Sustainability data collection and reporting
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Leadership and peer education
- Project management
- Environmental communication and outreach
We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.
Compensation
The hourly pay range for this position is $13.00 - $15.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. 
