Chief Sustainability Officers

Five or more years of experience in lower-level management roles, combined with contributions to successful sustainability programs, are usually required to secure a chief sustainability officer position. This job requires strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively interact with people of all levels within and external to the organization. CSOs have extensive knowledge of environmental issues and regulations and are able to develop and implement corporate policy changes and processes to address environmental concerns. They use software programs regularly to conduct their work, such as database software like Microsoft Access, enterprise resource planning software like SAP, and e-mail, spreadsheet, and video conferencing software.

CSOs are creative thinkers who can gather information from a wide variety of sources, analyze this information, and come up with solutions that are best for the company and the environment. They have a flexible mindset and are able to deal with the many changes they face on a daily basis in their work. They are decisive, enjoy working with others as wells as independently, and value achievement. CSOs must be honest and have integrity and strong ethics because they serve as a role model for their company's values, culture, and ethical standards