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
AvalonBay is seeking a visionary and experienced Vice President of Corporate Responsibility to lead and elevate our enterprise-wide sustainability and ESG strategy. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Portfolio and Asset Management, this role will be responsible for embedding corporate responsibility across AvalonBay’s culture, investment platform, and operations.
The ideal candidate will be a respected subject matter expert in energy, sustainability, and ESG, with the leadership and communication skills to drive transformational initiatives both internally and externally. You’ll work cross-functionally with teams across development, legal, asset management, marketing, capital markets, and more to implement and report on programs that support decarbonization, energy efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead AvalonBay’s Corporate Responsibility team, setting strategic direction and managing annual planning, budgeting, and talent development
Drive enterprise-wide Energy & Sustainability strategy, including reduction of energy, water, and waste use, and achieving Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions targets in alignment with 1.5°C goals
Oversee creation of AvalonBay’s annual Corporate Responsibility Report and other public disclosures (e.g., GRESB, MSCI), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with industry best practices
Collaborate with Investor Relations, Marketing, Legal, Finance, and others to craft transparent, high-quality ESG communications and respond to investor inquiries
Represent AvalonBay externally through public speaking, conferences, and industry engagements, present updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors
Partner with Development, Construction, and Asset Management to implement energy-saving and decarbonization initiatives across development and operating portfolios
Leverage data (via platforms like Audette) and collaborate with the Utilities team to identify and prioritize meaningful sustainability investments and ensure compliance with local Building Energy Performance Standards
Stay at the forefront of climate tech and ESG innovation by evaluating new technologies and engaging with external investment partners and peer organizations
About You:
Bachelor's degree required (Sustainability, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field); Master’s degree preferred
10+ years of leadership experience in energy, environmental sustainability, or ESG—ideally within the real estate or REIT industry
Proven success in building and executing cross-functional sustainability strategies
Deep familiarity with ESG regulatory compliance, investor reporting frameworks (e.g., GRESB, SASB, TCFD), and sustainability-linked finance
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience engaging executives, investors, and external stakeholders
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple complex initiatives concurrently
A collaborative and strategic mindset with a passion for driving environmental and social impact
How AvalonBay Supports You
We know that our teams are the beating heart of our success and we’re committed to showing our appreciation.
We offer:
Comprehensive benefits — health, dental and vision, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an employee stock purchase plan and more. Click on Benefits (https://jobs.avalonbay.com/benefits) for information.
Growth based on achievement and promotion from within.
Associate recognition (a company-wide recognition program that celebrates associate efforts and successes in contributing to the overall success of the organization – including destination awards, ‘AvalonBay’s Very Best’ recognition program and others!).
A 20% discount on our incredible apartment homes.
A culture built on purpose and our core values - A Commitment to Integrity, A Spirit of Caring, and A Focus on Continuous Improvement.
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 JR105124