How to Become a Director of Sustainability (CSO)? Salary & Career Paths for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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In 2024, corporate sustainability efforts faced setbacks as economic and political pressures led companies to scale back commitments, resulting in a 15% decline in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments, as reported by the Harvard Business Review. Despite this, the need to mitigate sustainability risks keeps the demand for skilled leaders. As climate concerns escalate, directors of sustainability or chief sustainability officers (CSOs) are essential in helping organizations balance environmental responsibility with pr ofitability. Although there is no straightforward path for how to become one, this article offers a guide for aspiring professionals seeking to lead impactful sustainability initiatives.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a Director of Sustainability

• Sustainability leaders need technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication skills.

• Most CSOs or sustainability directors advance from mid-level managerial roles where they develop both strategic and operational experience.
• Credentials like LEED, GRI, and ISSP-CSP can make you a competitive candidate.

Table of Contents

1. What are the key responsibilities of a director of sustainability or CSO?
2. What are the educational requirements for becoming a director of sustainability in 2025?
3. What skills do you need to be a director of sustainability?
4. What is the typical career path to becoming a CSO?
5. What are the best certifications for sustainability professionals?
6. What are the biggest challenges for a director of sustainability?
7. What is the average salary of a director of sustainability?
8. How can directors of sustainability accurately measure and communicate impact?
9. How can directors of sustainability adapt to evolving external pressures?
10. How can legal expertise empower directors of sustainability in managing regulatory risks?
11. How can cross-functional collaboration drive sustainability success?
12. How can interdisciplinary education enhance sustainability leadership?
13. How can sustainability leaders effectively drive organizational culture change?
14. How do directors of sustainability ensure ESG compliance?
15. What is the job outlook for directors of sustainability?
16. What trends are shaping corporate sustainability?
17. Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Director of Sustainability

What are the key responsibilities of a director of sustainability or CSO?

A director of sustainability, or CSO in some organizations, ensures that an organization adopts environmentally friendly practices while maintaining profitability. Their purpose is to balance environmental, social, and governance goals with business objectives. Below are their duties and responsibilities:

• Developing Sustainability Strategies: Design and implement company-wide sustainability plans aligned with corporate goals.
• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Monitor environmental laws and regulations to ensure company adherence.
• Conducting Environmental Audits: Evaluate and improve the company’s environmental impact.
• Collaborating Across Departments: Partner with R&D, marketing, operations, and finance teams to integrate sustainability into the company’s DNA.
• Reporting and Transparency: Prepare sustainability reports for stakeholders, including investors and regulators.
• Educating Stakeholders: Promote sustainability awareness and practices across the organization.

These responsibilities reflect a growing need for sustainability leaders to meet both business and environmental benchmarks—an expectation increasingly embedded in conservationist job requirements across sectors.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a director of sustainability in 2025?

To excel as a director of sustainability or CSO, a strong educational foundation is essential. Most professionals in this field pursue relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with continuing education to stay current with industry trends.

Undergraduate Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for aspiring sustainability leaders. Preferred fields include:

• Environmental Science: Provides knowledge of ecosystems, environmental impact, and conservation practices. In 2022, around than 9,482 degrees in environmental science were awarded in the U.S.
• Business Administration: Equips professionals with strategic, financial, and management skills relevant to corporate sustainability.
• Environmental Engineering: Focuses on designing sustainable systems and minimizing environmental impact.
• Sustainability Studies: Offers an interdisciplinary approach to environmental and social responsibility.
• Public Policy: Develops expertise in regulatory frameworks and policy analysis.

Graduate Degrees

While not always required, a master’s degree is often preferred for leadership roles in sustainability. Advanced programs include:

• Master’s in Environmental Management or Policy: Provides technical expertise and policy knowledge to address environmental challenges effectively.
• Master of Science in Sustainability: Offers in-depth training in sustainability concepts, leadership, and corporate responsibility.
• MBA with a Sustainability Focus: Combines business management skills with sustainability principles, preparing leaders to align environmental goals with corporate strategy. While MBA programs typically take 2 or more years to complete, there are also 1 year MBA programs that combine business management skills with sustainability principles, equipping leaders to align environmental goals with corporate strategy efficiently and effectively.

A 2023 survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) found that MBAs in the United States are expected to command the highest starting salaries compared to other regions, making them the most lucrative globally, as shown in the chart below:

What skills do you need to be a director of sustainability?

Success as a director of sustainability or CSO requires a mix of leadership abilities and technical expertise. Soft skills drive change and foster collaboration, while technical knowledge ensures compliance and effective implementation of sustainability initiatives.

According to a study by Polakovoa et al., 46% of employers prioritize soft skills, and nearly 24% emphasize the importance of digital skills. To thrive in this leadership role, aspiring CSOs or sustainability directors must develop a diverse skill set that balances business acumen with environmental responsibility. The following outlines key skills needed for sustainable leadership.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Influence: Guiding teams and driving organizational sustainability initiatives.
• Communication: Engaging stakeholders with clear and persuasive messaging.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligning sustainability goals with business strategy.
• Problem-Solving: Analyzing complex challenges to develop sustainable solutions.
• Collaboration: Working across departments to implement sustainability programs.

Technical Knowledge

• Environmental Regulations: Understanding compliance with local, national, and international sustainability laws.
• Carbon Accounting and ESG Reporting: Familiarity with frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Ensuring suppliers adhere to environmental and ethical standards.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluating a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

Here are the most common skills that directors of sustainability highlight on their resumes, with project management being one of the top skills. You can develop this expertise by earning an online project management degree.

What is the typical career path to becoming a CSO?

The journey to becoming a CSO or director of sustainability often follows a structured career path that progresses through entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level roles. Each stage builds the knowledge, skills, and experience required to lead corporate sustainability efforts effectively.

Entry-Level Positions

Starting with analytical and compliance roles, professionals develop technical expertise and gain exposure to corporate sustainability frameworks:

• Sustainability Analyst: Collects, analyzes, and interprets sustainability data to support decision-making.
• Environmental Compliance Specialist: Ensures adherence to environmental laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator: Manages social impact initiatives and community outreach programs.

Mid-Level Positions

As professionals advance, they take on managerial roles that focus on overseeing sustainability programs and integrating ESG principles:

• Sustainability Manager: Develops and implements company-wide sustainability programs while tracking progress toward environmental goals.
• ESG Program Manager: Focuses on aligning corporate practices with ESG frameworks and ensuring transparent reporting.
• Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager: Oversees workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental management systems.

Senior-Level Positions

At the senior level, professionals transition into leadership roles where they define, implement, and oversee enterprise-wide sustainability strategies—a skillset often enhanced through traditional or online MBA leadership programs.

• Director of Sustainability: Leads the development and execution of sustainability policies, collaborating with various departments to achieve corporate goals.
• Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO): Sets the organization’s sustainability vision, ensures compliance with global standards, and integrates sustainable practices into core business operations.

Alternative Pathways and Specialized Roles

In addition to the traditional path, professionals with backgrounds in supply chain management, corporate governance, or environmental law may transition into sustainability leadership roles. Specialized roles such as sustainable supply chain manager or sustainability consultant can also provide the necessary experience to progress toward senior positions.

What are the best certifications for sustainability professionals?

Certifications not only validate expertise but also demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing sustainability practices. Earning recognized credentials can accelerate career growth and lead to leadership opportunities, often at a lower cost than traditional or online MBA cost. Below are some of the top certifications that can help sustainability professionals advance their careers:

• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP): Specializes in green building design and sustainable construction standards.
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certification: Focuses on sustainability reporting and disclosure frameworks.
• Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP): Recognizes advanced knowledge of sustainability practices and strategies.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM): Emphasizes energy efficiency, cost reduction, and resource management.
• SASB Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA): Equips professionals with skills in ESG reporting and financial materiality.

What are the biggest challenges for a director of sustainability (CSO)?

Directors of sustainability and CSOs face numerous challenges as they work to balance environmental goals with business success. Interestingly, many of these challenges parallel those found in the fish and game warden career path, where professionals must also navigate complex regulations, balance ecological priorities with public or economic interests, and build stakeholder trust.

Key challenges for CSOs include:

• Balancing Profitability and Sustainability: Aligning financial performance with long-term environmental objectives can be difficult, requiring a strategic approach to integrate both priorities effectively.
• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating evolving environmental laws and standards across regions demands continuous monitoring and adaptation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Securing buy-in from leadership, employees, and external stakeholders is essential but often challenging, especially when sustainability goals conflict with short-term financial targets.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Ensuring the accuracy and transparency of sustainability data is crucial for compliance and maintaining stakeholder trust.
• Lack of ESG Expertise at the Board Level: One of the most pressing challenges is that only a minority of directors, both on large and small boards, have a deep understanding of ESG principles and their impact on the company’s bottom line. This knowledge gap can hinder strategic decision-making and slow down progress on sustainability initiatives, as illustrated below:

What is the average salary of a director of sustainability?

According to Payscale, the average base salary for sustainability directors in the U.S. is approximately $120,217. Salaries tend to be higher in industries with significant environmental impacts, such as energy, manufacturing, and financial services, due to regulatory demands and ESG compliance.

Factors influencing salary include industry, company size, and education. For those considering advancing their careers, a common question is are online MBAs worth it, especially when aiming for leadership roles in sustainability. Experience level is another major factor that affects salary range as shown in the data provided by Payscale below:

How can directors of sustainability accurately measure and communicate impact?

Directors of sustainability can enhance accountability by establishing clear performance indicators and adopting internationally recognized reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, or TCFD. They integrate quantitative data—energy usage, waste reduction, emissions levels—with qualitative feedback from internal audits and stakeholder surveys to create comprehensive sustainability reports. Robust data collection systems, real-time monitoring dashboards, and third-party verifications help streamline the process and support transparent communication with investors and regulatory bodies. Additionally, aligning these metrics with strategic business objectives ensures that sustainability outcomes are directly linked to long-term operational and financial performance. For insights on balancing investment considerations, review the online criminal justice degree cost analysis.

How can directors of sustainability adapt to evolving external pressures?

In today’s dynamic environment, directors of sustainability must develop agile strategies to anticipate and address unforeseen regulatory, economic, and market disruptions. By leveraging real-time data analytics, scenario planning, and diversified stakeholder engagement, these leaders craft contingency plans that align sustainability initiatives with overall business resilience. Furthermore, by examining best practices from comparable high-stakes fields such as the highest-paying jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree, directors can integrate innovative risk management approaches that secure both environmental and financial performance over the long term.

How can legal expertise empower directors of sustainability in managing regulatory risks?

Directors of sustainability face an ever-changing regulatory landscape that demands not only environmental and business acuity but also a deep understanding of legal frameworks. Integrating legal expertise into sustainability strategies enables leaders to interpret complex legislation, monitor emerging policy trends, and develop proactive measures that mitigate legal risks. This competence is vital for anticipating regulatory shifts and aligning sustainability initiatives with legal requirements, ultimately enhancing corporate resilience. Professionals seeking to bolster their legal capabilities may consider academic opportunities such as the cheapest master of legal studies online programs to gain targeted insights into environmental law and compliance strategies.

How can cross-functional collaboration drive sustainability success?

Effective sustainability leadership hinges on integrating insights across various business functions. Directors of sustainability who foster collaborative environments work closely with legal, finance, operations, and technical teams to create well-rounded strategies that address multifaceted challenges. By uniting diverse expertise, they identify innovative solutions, streamline compliance with evolving regulations, and enhance overall corporate resilience. For example, gaining legal insights through ABA paralegal programs can support informed decision-making and bolster risk management efforts in complex regulatory landscapes.

How can interdisciplinary education enhance sustainability leadership?

Directors of sustainability can leverage interdisciplinary education to integrate complex regulatory, technical, and business insights into their leadership strategies. Combining legal studies with environmental science, for example, fosters a nuanced understanding of compliance requirements and risk management approaches. Pursuing diverse academic pathways, including accelerated paralegal certificate programs online, equips leaders with the skills needed to interpret evolving legislation, manage cross-sector challenges, and bridge gaps between operational efficiency and regulatory demands.

How can sustainability leaders effectively drive organizational culture change?

Directors of sustainability are increasingly tasked with embedding environmental accountability into the core values of their organizations. They promote culture change by implementing targeted training programs, establishing clear sustainability objectives, and facilitating ongoing, transparent communication among all levels of staff. By leveraging data-driven insights and digital monitoring tools, these leaders ensure that progress is measurable and aligned with long-term business and environmental goals. Similar to robust compliance systems found in other regulated fields, such as how do you become a DEA agent, creating incentive frameworks and recognition programs further reinforces a company-wide commitment to sustainable practices.

How do directors of sustainability ensure ESG compliance?

Ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, standards is a critical responsibility for directors of sustainability. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, companies must stay vigilant to avoid legal penalties, maintain stakeholder trust, and enhance long-term profitability. Sustainability leaders play a pivotal role in aligning corporate operations with ESG frameworks by implementing proactive strategies and rigorous oversight. Below are the key approaches they use to ensure ESG compliance:

• Monitoring Regulatory Changes: Staying informed about new and updated environmental laws, social guidelines, and governance regulations is essential. Directors of sustainability track developments from regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and international standards like the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Regularly reviewing policy changes enables them to anticipate compliance requirements and adjust company practices accordingly.
• Conducting Risk Assessments: Sustainability directors routinely conduct ESG risk assessments to identify potential areas of non-compliance and environmental risks. These assessments evaluate the company’s operations, supply chains, and community impact, helping to uncover gaps that may expose the organization to regulatory violations. Early identification of these risks allows for timely corrective action, reducing the likelihood of financial or reputational damage.
• Engaging Third-Party Auditors: To validate compliance and strengthen accountability, many companies engage third-party auditors to conduct independent reviews of their ESG practices. These external audits provide an unbiased assessment of whether the organization meets established standards and highlight areas for improvement. Third-party verification also enhances transparency and credibility, which is increasingly important to investors and other stakeholders.
• Implementing ESG Reporting Frameworks: Accurate and transparent ESG reporting is essential for demonstrating compliance and fostering trust. Directors of sustainability implement established reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). These frameworks help standardize data collection, measure performance, and communicate progress toward sustainability goals.

By applying these strategies—and meeting competencies similar to conservation officer job requirements—directors of sustainability help organizations remain compliant, resilient, and environmentally responsible.

What is the job outlook for directors of sustainability?

The demand for sustainability professionals is growing, with a Trellis survey reporting that 74% of large corporations have increased their sustainability team headcount over the past two years. This trend is especially notable in the healthcare sector, where 88% of organizations reported adding staff. Many of these positions do not require graduate degrees and can be pursued with easy associate degrees in fields like environmental science.

However, despite the growing importance of sustainability, these roles are still not prioritized at the board level. A 2024 PricewaterhouseCoopers survey revealed that only 5% of directors plan to add sustainability leaders to their boards in the coming year, highlighting a gap between organizational commitment and governance integration.

What trends are shaping corporate sustainability?

​In recent years, several key trends have been shaping corporate sustainability, reflecting the evolving priorities of businesses worldwide:​

• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in Sustainability: Companies are increasingly using AI and big data to improve environmental performance. For example, Google’s DeepMind AI reduced data center cooling energy consumption by up to 40%, leading to a 15% improvement in overall power usage efficiency. This demonstrates how advanced technology can optimize resource use and tackle environmental challenges effectively.
• Enhanced Supply Chain Transparency: There is a growing emphasis on responsible sourcing and ethical practices within supply chains. Businesses are adopting advanced tracking technologies and stricter supplier audits to ensure transparency and accountability, responding to consumer demand for ethically produced goods.
• Adoption of Circular Economy Models: Companies are shifting towards circular economy strategies, focusing on designing products for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling to minimize waste. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also creates new business opportunities through innovative product life cycles.
• Evolving ESG Regulations: Governments are implementing stricter ESG regulations, compelling corporations to meet higher sustainability standards. For example, the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mandates EU-based companies to report on sustainability metrics, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Similarly, the journey of how to become a forensic anthropologist reflects evolving practices in the field, with new technologies and methodologies being integrated into the study of human remains. Much like corporate sustainability is shaped by emerging trends, the forensic anthropology field is shaped by innovations in forensic science and anthropology.

What Do Graduates Say About Becoming a Director of Sustainability

• Becoming a director of sustainability allowed me to align my passion for environmental impact with business strategy. I’ve led initiatives that reduced carbon emissions by 30%, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see real change happen. Every day, I feel like I’m making a difference. Sarah
• As a CSO, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate across departments and influence top-level decisions that drive sustainability goals. Watching a company transform into a more responsible organization because of our efforts is both rewarding and inspiring. Mark
• The journey to becoming a sustainability leader was challenging but worth it. I’ve built a career where I can use data-driven insights to improve environmental performance while driving long-term business success. It’s empowering to know my work has a lasting impact. Olivia

Key Findings

• 74% of large corporations have been increasing their sustainability team headcount since 2022.
• 5% of directors stated that they plan to add sustainability directors to their board in 2025.
• Only 52% of directors from large boards consistently understand the nature and purpose of ESG in their organizations.
• Supply chain and renewable energy are the most common skills found in directors of sustainability resumes.
• Approximately 9,482 degrees in environmental science were awarded in the U.S. in 2022.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Director of Sustainability

What industries need directors of sustainability the most?

Industries with high environmental impact or complex regulatory requirements have the greatest need for sustainability directors. These include energy and utilities, where reducing emissions and complying with regulations is critical, and manufacturing, where minimizing waste and improving supply chain transparency are priorities. Financial services also increasingly require sustainability leaders to align investments with ESG criteria and manage climate-related financial risks. As regulatory pressures and consumer expectations rise, these industries are prioritizing sustainability expertise.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a sustainability leader?

Sustainability leaders find fulfillment in driving meaningful change and contributing to a healthier planet. They have the opportunity to align business practices with environmental responsibility, creating long-term value for both the company and society. Additionally, they influence corporate culture by fostering innovation and inspiring employees to adopt sustainable practices. The ability to see tangible results from these efforts—such as reduced carbon footprints or improved community relations—makes the role deeply rewarding.

Can I become a sustainability director without prior environmental experience?

While prior environmental experience is helpful, it is not always required to become a sustainability director. Professionals with backgrounds in business strategy, supply chain management, or corporate governance can transition into sustainability roles by gaining relevant knowledge through certifications or graduate programs. Building expertise in ESG frameworks, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement can also prepare individuals to succeed in this field. Many successful sustainability leaders leverage transferable skills to lead impactful initiatives, even without a formal environmental background.

References

• Davies, J. (2024, December 2). The state of the sustainability profession 2024. Trellis. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• Data USA. Environmental science. (2023). Data USA. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
• Evans, R., & Gao, J. (n.d.). DeepMind AI reduces Google data centre cooling bill by 40%. Google DeepMind. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
• Foley, M. (2024, December 19). 2024: The year of corporate sustainability growing pains. Forbes. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• Hamilton, J. (n.d.). Is a sustainability career on your green horizon? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• Payscale. (2025). Average sustainability director salary. Payscale.com. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• PwC. (2024). PwC’s 2024 annual corporate directors survey: Uncertainty and transformation in the modern boardroom. PricewaterhouseCoopers. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• Winston, A. (2024, December 20). "2024 was a bad year for sustainability". Harvard Business Review. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
• Zippia Team. (2025, January 8). Director of sustainability skills for your resume and career. Zippia. Retrieved March 26, 2025.