Key Changes in the US Sustainability Job Market in 2024: Trends and Insights

Key Changes in the US Sustainability Job Market in 2024: Trends and Insights

The sustainability profession has evolved from a niche area to a core element of corporate strategy over the past decade. With growing regulatory requirements, increasing stakeholder expectations, and global commitments to achieving net-zero goals, the profession is now integral to business operations worldwide. The “State of the Sustainability Profession 2024” 8th biennal survey report from Trellis (ex-Greenbiz) explores key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the profession in the US and provides insights into how sustainability professionals are navigating this complex landscape.  This article highlights the key changes shaping the US sustainability job market in 2024, with essential trends and figures to help understand the evolving landscape.

1. Surge in Sustainability Staffing

The demand for sustainability professionals continues to rise, driven by increased regulatory requirements and corporate commitments to ESG goals. Companies are expanding their sustainability teams to meet the growing complexity of compliance and reporting.
Key figures :

  • 74% of organizations have increased their sustainability staffing over the past two years.
  • 42% of organizations have added 2 or more FTEs to handle ESG disclosures
  • 67% of companies added full-time staff to manage ESG data collection, auditability, and reporting, while only 14% hired external consultants.

2. Rise of New Roles: ESG Controllers

With the growing complexity of ESG regulations, organizations are introducing new roles to manage compliance. The “ESG controller” has emerged as a critical position responsible for overseeing data systems and processes that support sustainability disclosures.
Key figures :

  • Over 50% of Fortune 100 companies now employ ESG controllers.

3. Changes in Corporate Reporting Structures

Many organizations are shifting sustainability reporting to legal departments to better manage the legal implications of ESG disclosures. The percentage of sustainability teams reporting to the legal department has doubled over the past two years, indicating the growing legal complexities associated with sustainability reporting and meeting regulatory requirement.
Key figures:

  • 14% increase in sustainability roles within legal departments compared to 2020 figure.
  • 11% increase in sustainability professionals embedded in finance departments compared to 2020 figure.
  • The number of sustainability executives reporting directly to the CEO has risen to 30%, up from 22% two years ago.
  • 49% of sustainability professionals report to an executive who reports to the CEO.
  • 31% of companies brief their board of directors annually on sustainability risks and achievements, while 30% provide quarterly updates.

4. Compensation Trends: Salaries Are on the Rise

Sustainability professionals are seeing significant increases in compensation, particularly for senior roles. The growing demand for experienced sustainability leaders is driving these salary hikes.
Key figures:

  • Sustainability managers earn an average total compensation of $159,430.
  • Directors receive an average of $244,649, while vice presidents earn $471,933, marking a 50% increase from previous years.
  • Vice presidents in California earn an average of $365,667, nearly $100,000 more than their counterparts in other regions.

5. Entry Paths and Qualifications in Sustainability

While online job boards are popular for sustainability job seekers, many senior professionals are directly contacted by recruiters. Graduate degrees, including MBAs, are not necessarily required for entry into sustainability roles, though they are more common in senior positions. Specialized certifications in sustainability reporting and management continue to be highly valued across the board.
Key figures:

  • 47% of individual contributors and 40% of managers found their roles through online job boards.
  • 39% of directors and 47% of vice presidents were directly contacted by their hiring company.
  • Only 32% of sustainability managers hold an MBA, with the number rising to 38% for directors and 44% for vice presidents.
  • Certifications such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and LEED Green Associate certifications remain popular and beneficial for career growth in sustainability.

6. Freelancers and Sustainability Consultants Are in High Demand

Freelance sustainability professionals are playing an increasingly important role in helping organizations meet specific project needs, especially in areas such as renewable energy, circular economy, and ESG reporting. This trend offers flexibility for organizations while giving freelancers opportunities to contribute to sustainability efforts on a global scale.
Key figures:

  • From 2019 to 2023, the number of freelance sustainability jobs posted on platforms like Upwork grew by over 500%.

7. Challenges: Balancing Compliance and Innovation

Sustainability professionals face the challenge of balancing the need for regulatory compliance with driving proactive sustainability initiatives. As companies focus on data collection and reporting, long-term sustainability goals such as innovation and environmental impact reduction risk being sidelined. Additionally, a trend known as “greenhushing” has emerged, where companies downplay or avoid publicizing their sustainability commitments to minimize reputational risks.
Key figures:

  • 14% of companies have started reducing the use of terms like “green” and “ESG” in public communications due to fears of greenwashing accusations.
The U.S. sustainability job market in 2024 is dynamic, with sustainability professionals playing an increasingly critical role in shaping corporate strategies and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. Companies are expanding their sustainability teams, creating new roles such as ESG controllers, and increasing salaries to attract and retain top talent. Despite challenges, the opportunities for growth in this field are immense, as organizations look to meet ESG goals and embrace sustainability at the core of their business strategies.

If your organization is seeking top talent in Sustainability, Renewable Energy, CleanTech, or ESGEnableGreen is here to help. With a global reach and expertise in sourcing sustainability professionals, EnableGreen connects companies with the right talent to drive positive environmental and social impact. Visit EnableGreen to learn more about how we can support your organization in building a sustainable future.

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We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.
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