Company Overview

Join a growing environmental and sustainability consulting organization that provides practical, business-focused solutions to corporate and private equity clients. The firm supports organizations with sustainability strategy, ESG program development, transaction advisory, due diligence, risk management, and corporate reporting initiatives.

This opportunity offers the chance to join a collaborative and entrepreneurial team where strategic thinking, client relationships, and innovative problem-solving are highly valued. The organization maintains a people-first culture focused on delivering high-quality consulting services while supporting long-term professional growth.

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Position Overview

The Senior ESG & Sustainability Consultant will serve as a strategic advisor and project leader, supporting clients with sustainability and ESG initiatives across a variety of industries. This role combines project management, sustainability consulting, ESG reporting, client engagement, business development, and team mentorship responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will bring experience supporting corporate sustainability programs, ESG initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts, along with strong project management capabilities and a consultative approach to helping organizations improve ESG performance and create long-term value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ESG and sustainability consulting projects from proposal development through successful completion
• Manage client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on sustainability strategy, ESG initiatives, and performance improvement programs
• Conduct materiality assessments, gap analyses, peer benchmarking studies, and ESG program evaluations
• Develop sustainability strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, and implementation roadmaps
• Support greenhouse gas accounting efforts, emissions reduction initiatives, and climate-related strategy development
• Prepare sustainability reports and disclosures aligned with recognized ESG frameworks and reporting standards
• Work directly with private equity firms and portfolio companies to implement ESG programs and drive measurable outcomes
• Conduct ESG due diligence assessments supporting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions
• Prepare and review technical reports, presentations, executive summaries, and client deliverables
• Contribute to business development efforts through proposal preparation, client meetings, and strategic growth initiatives
• Support development of new ESG service offerings, thought leadership materials, and market-facing content
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance and quality assurance oversight
• Stay current on evolving ESG regulations, disclosure requirements, and industry best practices

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline
• 3+ years of experience in ESG consulting, sustainability consulting, corporate sustainability, or related advisory services
• Experience supporting corporate sustainability programs, ESG initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Familiarity with ESG disclosure frameworks and reporting standards including GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, and related methodologies
• Experience conducting materiality assessments, benchmarking analyses, sustainability reporting, or ESG performance evaluations
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, budgets, schedules, client communications, and technical deliverables
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage clients and stakeholders
• Experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior leadership teams and clients
• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed to support client engagements
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• Experience supporting private equity firms, portfolio companies, or mergers and acquisitions transactions
• Familiarity with ESG ratings methodologies and sustainability benchmarking tools
• Experience conducting ESG due diligence assessments and sustainability risk evaluations
• Proven success contributing to business development, client growth, and strategic consulting initiatives
• Experience developing thought leadership materials, sustainability strategies, and ESG action plans
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and mentoring junior staff

What You'll Receive

• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing sustainability and ESG consulting practice
• Leadership-focused position combining strategic consulting, project management, client engagement, and business development
• Diverse project exposure across sustainability reporting, ESG strategy, greenhouse gas accounting, due diligence, and performance improvement initiatives
• Competitive compensation of $90,000 - $150,000 base salary plus performance bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays, PTO, professional development support, and flexible work arrangements
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture with direct access to firm leadership and opportunities for career advancement

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply directly or submit a resume with the subject line: Senior ESG & Sustainability Consultant. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.