Director, Government Affairs

Responsibilities:

Promotes the plastics industry’s agenda through direct lobbying of Capitol Hill and the Administration to ensure sound policies for innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

Advises members on the impact of policy initiatives in Congress and the federal government and assists in members’ understanding of compliance rules.

Builds, maintains, and enhances relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, administration, and regulatory officials to influence outcomes of government activities impacting the U.S. plastics industry.

Assists in the strategic development of PLASTICS’ positions on federal legislation and proposed rules and guidance.

Represents PLASTICS’ on industry and issue-based coalitions and other stakeholder groups to make sure our voice and positions are heard.

In concert with the Government Affairs teams, manages aspects of the Plastics Industry Fly-In to produce an effective in-person lobbying event for members to interact with Members of Congress.

Works to engage members in advocacy so that Members of Congress can interact directly with their constituents in the plastics industry such as deploying grassroots resources when legislative activity warrants industry action and coordinating plant tours for Members of Congress to visit member companies’ facilities.

Works with other members of the Government Affairs team to grow PLASTICS’ political action committee (PAC) and utilizing the PAC as another advocacy tool by creating a yearly plan to increase member participation and a yearly budget to identify targeted disbursements to key candidates.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in politics, government affairs, or a related field.

A minimum of five years’ experience in a similar or related position in government affairs, encompassing both direct lobbying and grassroots advocacy; experience in government representing corporations or associations on a variety of policy issues; Capitol Hill, trade-association, lobbying firm, corporate or plastic industry experience required.

Experience cultivating relationships with stakeholders.

Experience in political fundraising.

Experience with the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee on issues such as sustainability, recycling, energy, and materials policy.

Experience managing a federal political action committee (PAC) and filing lobbying disclosure acts (LDA).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Understanding the legislation and regulatory processes, the role of lobbying and grassroots mobilization, and federal compliance for political action committees.

Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills with diverse stakeholder audience.

Self-motivated with attention to detail and excellent analytical, strategic, problem-solving, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to work well autonomously and collectively to build consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to prioritize and work on various projects simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results.

An earnest work ethic and dedication to the organization’s success in service of our membership.

A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with colleagues from multiple backgrounds.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to travel (<15%).

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