Manager, Sustainability

Full-time

Reports to:

Global Sustainability Director

Location:

Based at IAAPA’s headquarters in Orlando or the regional office in Brussels; alternative locations may be considered depending on the candidate’s profile.

Application instructions:

Please submit your CV/resume together with a cover letter outlining your motivation for the role and how your experience aligns with the position. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Application deadline:

31 March 2026 (Applications are reviewed continuously, and the position may be filled before the deadline.)

Start date:

As soon as possible

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry. Our purpose is to bring the global attractions family together, and our mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the industry through member connections.

For over a century, IAAPA has connected companies of all sizes and people of all levels to provide meaningful experiences for their guests around the world. We host global events and expos that showcase innovation, support trade, and share best practices. Our tools and resources help member businesses operate smarter, safer, and more profitably—while delivering guest experiences that create lasting memories.

Opportunity Overview

This is a new role, and the Sustainability Manager will play a key role in advancing IAAPA’s sustainability ambitions by embedding sustainability across IAAPA’s expos—where the association has its greatest visibility, impact, and opportunity to lead—as well as guiding the sustainability journey for the association’s internal operations overall.

This role is suited to an experienced sustainability professional with a relevant academic foundation and at least five years of relevant, hands-on sustainability experience. Experience working with events, exhibitions, or large-scale operations and/or within the Attractions industry is an advantage.

Reporting to the Global Sustainability Director, this role also collaborates closely with Expo Operations and Sponsorship teams to integrate sustainability into planning, delivery, and evaluation.

The Sustainability Manager will serve as the sustainability and project lead for IAAPA’s Expo certifications, starting with the IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 followed by a phased rollout to other regions. This role will also support and be responsible for other sustainability initiatives, helping to implement IAAPA’s sustainability strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity for a sustainability professional passionate about translating sustainability strategy into practical action. This role offers variety, international exposure, and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to IAAPA’s sustainability goals and advance positive social and environmental progress.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Sustainability Manager is responsible for driving the day-to-day implementation of IAAPA’s sustainability initiatives by coordinating activities, strengthening processes, and engaging colleagues across the association. Working closely with the Global Sustainability Director, this role ensures that sustainability priorities move from planning to practical execution through clear procedures, structured data tracking, and consistent follow-through.

While the primary focus is IAAPA’s internal operations and expos, the role may also support selected member-facing initiatives by contributing practical tools, insights, and resources that help members advance their sustainability efforts.

Expo Sustainability Certification and Programs

• Take over ownership of IAAPA’s expo sustainability certification program upon onboarding, beginning with IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 and leading the phased rollout to additional regions.
• Implement, manage, and document certification criteria and related actions across environmental, social, and governance topics, to ensure successful certification.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the external certification body, coordinating documentation, audit preparation, on-site verification, and follow-up actions.
• Integrate sustainability requirements into expo planning, delivery, and post-event evaluation in close collaboration with Expo Operations and Sponsorship teams
• Develop and maintain practical tools, procedures, templates, and guidance to support consistent and scalable implementation across expos.
• Monitor progress against certification criteria, track corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement throughout the certification cycle.
• Engage and guide internal teams, partners, suppliers, and exhibitors on sustainability expectations, requirements, and processes as needed.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate sustainability performance data and impact stories to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of IAAPA’s expo sustainability framework, including potential future alignment with more formal standards.

Internal Sustainability and Association Initiatives

• Coordinate IAAPA’s regional Sustainability Impact Teams to strengthen staff engagement and promote sustainable workplace practices.
• Develop and deliver internal sustainability training, including onboarding and continuous learning initiatives.
• Support implementation of IAAPA’s sustainability strategy, ensuring practical alignment across teams and operations.
• Contribute to annual sustainability data collection and reporting, tracking progress and communicating results clearly.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in sustainability, environmental management, event management, or a related field
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in sustainability implementation, ideally within events, exhibitions, or the attractions industry
• Broad practical sustainability knowledge covering:
  • Environmental sustainability topics (e.g., climate impact, energy efficiency, waste minimization, food & beverage, biodiversity)
  • Social sustainability topics (e.g., accessibility, community engagement, employee initiatives)
• Practical experience in the following areas:
  sustainability standards and certification processes; developing and implementing sustainability procedures; establishing data collection systems; conducting carbon footprint calculations; planning and delivering training initiatives; managing compliance processes; sustainability reporting; and driving continuous improvement efforts
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to work independently, collaborate across teams, and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence, motivate, and engage stakeholders without direct authority
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Results-oriented, with a strong sense of accountability and follow-through