Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), New York, USA

Job Description and Role Overview

Our client, a globally respected financial services group, is seeking a visionary Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to lead and accelerate its organisation-wide sustainability agenda. Based in New York and reporting directly to the Group CEO, the CSO will serve as the strategic lead for sustainability, embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations across core business functions, financial products, and investment decision-making.

This executive-level opportunity is ideal for a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) or senior ESG professional ready to drive meaningful impact at scale, guiding both internal operations and external market influence through innovative, data-driven strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Define and deliver a comprehensive, long-term sustainability strategy aligned with corporate objectives and evolving global ESG standards.
Serve as the Chief Sustainability Officer across all business units, guiding climate risk, regulatory compliance, and sustainable investment.
Act as a trusted advisor to the board, shaping the firm’s strategic response to sustainability risks and opportunities.
Lead the development and execution of sustainable finance frameworks, integrating ESG into lending practices, asset management, and client advisory services.
Oversee ESG disclosures, regulatory reporting (e.g., SEC, ISSB), and voluntary frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD), ensuring robust governance and transparency.
Manage and inspire a cross-border ESG team, fostering a high-performance culture and continuous capability development.
Drive internal stakeholder education through sustainability training programmes and leadership engagement.
Chair sustainability and ESG governance committees, ensuring alignment and accountability across the organisation.
Cultivate external partnerships with investors, policymakers, regulators, and thought leaders in sustainable finance.

Qualifications

Extensive experience in a senior sustainability or ESG leadership role, ideally as a Chief Sustainability Officer or equivalent within the financial services sector.
In-depth knowledge of sustainable finance, ESG integration, and global climate and social impact frameworks.
Proven track record of developing and implementing ESG strategies that drive business growth and resilience.
Strong familiarity with US and international sustainability regulations, risk management approaches, and disclosure standards.
Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and inspire internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Experience managing diverse, international teams and aligning global operations with sustainability goals.
Advanced degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Finance, Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Business).
Exposure to emerging sustainability trends in North America and international markets, particularly in Europe or the Middle East, is advantageous.

What the Organisation Offers

A competitive base salary between USD 280,000 – 350,000 per annum
Annual performance bonus and long-term equity incentives
A hybrid working environment with offices in central New York
Lead sustainability at an executive level within a global financial institution committed to growth, innovation, and ESG excellence.

If you are an experienced Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) ready to lead transformational change and shape the future of finance, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. To learn more about our mission and projects, visit EnableGreen.

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