Director of Public Policy

About the Job

About the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA):

The RBA is a business coalition committed to helping our more than 500 members understand and improve the social and environmental challenges and opportunities in the global supply chain. Our vision is a coalition of companies driving sustainable value for workers, the environment, and business throughout the global supply chain, by collaborating to improve working and environmental conditions and business performance through leading standards and practices. The RBA accomplishes this by building and implementing programs and initiatives, including the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI), Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), Responsible Factory Initiative (RFI), and Responsible Environment Initiative (REI).

We are currently seeking a Director of Public Policy, reporting to the RBA’s Vice President of Public Policy. The primary objective of this position is to support the RBA’s expanding work in the area of public policy engagement, with a geographical focus on North America (United States, Mexico, Canada). Your main goals will be to ensure that the organization’s programs, initiatives, and tools are underpinned by an excellent understanding of relevant public policies and regulations; to ensure that emerging laws and regulations build on credible industry approaches and tools; to educate relevant policymakers about the work of the organization; and more widely to further develop RBA’s reputation as a technical expert and trusted partner of policymakers.

The position will serve as the organization’s lead expert on public policy in North America, including in the wider area of responsible business conduct, ESG, and supply chain due diligence, as well as in specific thematic areas such as forced labor and environment; including climate, circularity, biodiversity, and chemical management.

Beyond monitoring relevant policy developments, the Director of Public Policy will also plan and conduct strategic policy outreach and maintain positive relationships with relevant U.S. and international stakeholders. This role requires a high degree of understanding of policy and regulatory trends impacting responsible business efforts, a thorough understanding of industry supply chain due diligence realities, and a combination of business savvy and political acumen. Experience engaging key U.S./international policymakers and relevant government agencies is desirable. This role has frequent and continuous exposure to U.S./international policymakers as well as other external stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Relevant degree and a minimum of 8 years of professional experience
• Track record of senior-level engagement with U.S. and/or international policymakers
• Knowledge of U.S. and wider North American regulatory landscape as it relates to responsible business conduct, forced labor, environment, business and human rights, ESG, and related areas
• Ability to understand and communicate complex policy dynamics and how they relate to the realities of global supply chains
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple activities with competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills and political savvy
• Able to establish schedules and meet deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write/edit policy language and speak at large, public conferences
• Ability to multitask and work independently and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Legal experience considered an asset

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and nurture government relationships in key U.S., regional and international institutions and agencies, providing updates on RBA tools, programs, and positions
• Track ongoing regulatory and legislative developments in the U.S. (federal/state) and internationally, and provide regular reporting to members via input into the RBA Global Public Policy Hub and Policy Note
• Keep senior RBA staff regularly informed of new developments and participate in relevant initiative and workgroup activities
• Engage RBA members on social- and environmental policy-related advocacy and education as appropriate
• Cultivate local stakeholder contacts to assist in the operations of RBA tools and programs.
• Assist in the development of RBA white papers and other materials, providing regional focus
• Develop in-country meetings and events for RBA senior staff and assist in large-scale regional event planning
• Liaise with relevant RBA Regional Networks

Additional Information:

This role is located at the RBA headquarters office, in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., near the King Street Metro. Standard office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Occasional calls outside these standard office hours may be required, as well as travel to events and conferences. The RBA offers a competitive benefits package, including onsite parking or transit subsidy and optional twice-weekly group workouts. This is a growing organization serving global members, and we are looking for a motivated team player.

How to Apply:

Please apply below or send a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to [email protected] with “Public Policy Director” in the subject line. We also encourage applicants to share their starting availability. Preliminary interviews will be video-based. References and a standard background check will be required for final candidates.

Applications will be screened on an ongoing basis.