Director of Sustainability

Reports To

President

About Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI)

CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 135 billion food, beverage, aerosol, and general line cans; employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa; and generates about $15.7 billion in direct economic activity. CMI members include steel and aluminum food, beverage, aerosol, and decorative can manufacturers plus aluminum, steel, lining, and ink suppliers. The small-staff trade association of six individuals manages programs for the benefit of the industry, mostly on trade, sustainability, and product stewardship. CMI staff work closely with the members to promote and protect the metal can industry, which provides the safest, highest-quality, and most sustainable packaging.

Position Summary

The Director of Sustainability develops and executes CMI’s sustainability strategy across all metal cans. The primary focus is on increasing recycling rates, but this position directs all activities that build upon the can’s leading sustainability performance. This role guides research, on-the-ground activations, and cross-sector collaborations, while serving as a primary resource to members, policymakers, and partners on sustainability topics. The Director represents the industry externally, fosters consensus internally, and executes high-impact programs that reinforce metal packaging’s primary role in a domestic, resilient circular economy.

There is a strong base of sustainability work at CMI including a comprehensive program to reach ambitious aluminum beverage can recycling rate targets, an Aerosol Recycling Initiative in collaboration with the Household & Commercial Products Association, and a global partnership to address away-from-home recycling of used beverage cans through the Every Can Counts initiative. While the Director of Sustainability will help support CMI’s sustainability policy priorities, this position will focus on leading the non-policy aspects of CMI’s sustainability efforts. CMI is looking for a leader that can execute the existing sustainability work and take it to the next level.

The Director of Sustainability will have support from the CMI team, its members, and its partners in elevating the association’s sustainability work. CMI’s President previously led the association’s sustainability work, there are two government relations professionals on staff that manage sustainability policy efforts at the federal and state levels, and most CMI members have employees that focus exclusively or mostly on sustainability that serve on CMI’s sustainability committees.

Key Responsibilities
Sustainability Program Development and Execution (60%)

Produce, implement, and continuously improve strategic plans, together with CMI members and partners, that advance sustainability for each metal can type in CMI’s portfolio.

Lead CMI’s efforts in strategic sustainability programs, such as Every Can Counts U.S., can capture equipment financing at material recovery facilities, and the Aerosol Recycling Initiative, through direct action, management of consultants, and collaboration with partners.

Determine and fulfill, often with the aid of an outside consultant, metal can industry research and data needs to better explain and strengthen the metal can’s sustainability story, for example with updated recycling rates and life cycle assessments.

Support CMI’s sustainability policy aims, such as assisting CMI’s state government relations lead and being another CMI representative within the Coalition for High Performance Recycling to advance extended producer responsibility and recycling refund bills at the state level.

Assist product stewardship efforts, including on materials of interest and facility safety, within CMI’s Scientific, Technical, and Regulatory Affairs committees.

Stakeholder Management (15%)

Cultivate strong working relationships across the packaging, recycling, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors to enhance information sharing and collaboration on key projects.

Represent CMI at events and with external initiatives to clearly articulate the can industry’s positions and views and serve as a pragmatic, dependable partner.

Committee Management and Member Relations (15%)

Serve as CMI staff lead to the CMI Beverage Can Sustainability Committee and CMI Steel Can Sustainability Committee, which includes developing plans, budgets, and meeting agendas to drive consensus and delivering clear outcomes and action items.

Respond to CMI member sustainability inquiries in a timely manner with helpful, accurate information.

Build deep, trusted relationships with individuals at CMI members focused on sustainability so CMI can better understand their needs and translate them into programs, resources, and advocacy priorities.

Communications (10%)

Ensure all of CMI’s communications have accurate sustainability claims.

Draft CMI member newsletter updates and memos and participate in members-only webinars providing the latest information on sustainability trends and policies.

Develop clear sustainability messages for both technical and non-technical audiences for the CMI website, social media, advocacy fact sheets, and external communications, including media relations and conferences.

Qualifications
Experience

Minimum of four years experience working in the sustainability field.

Preference for experience working in a member-based organization or navigating complex stakeholder environments and building consensus across diverse interests.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.

Preference for advanced degree in sustainability, communications, environmental science, or related field.

Knowledge

Knowledge of recycling, materials, extended producer responsibility and other circular economy policies, and related sustainability issues is desired.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective and innovative sustainability activities and strategies.

Effective verbal and written communication skills; a compelling storyteller that can captivate and persuade an audience.

Adaptive and collaborative—essential in a small-staff association team.

Skilled in building consensus and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.

Comfortable managing multiple priorities and projects, as well as working independently.

Why Join Us

Lead the charge for a package that has a strong sustainability profile but that also—with the right action from CMI—can be further improved.

Work directly with senior industry leaders and partners who are shaping the future of packaging, recycling, and sustainability.

Join a collaborative, high-energy, small but mighty team where your expertise and initiative are valued, you have the freedom to act nimbly, and your growth is supported.

Competitive salary and benefits with flexible hybrid work.

Travel

Occasional domestic travel (10–20%) required for advocacy meetings, conferences, recycling initiatives, and member engagement.

Compensation

Range of $100,000–$180,000 plus benefits such as retirement, long-term disability insurance, health insurance, telephone stipend, professional development, and PTO plus all federal holidays.

To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and optional cover letter to [email protected]
outlining relevant experience and interest in the position. CMI is an equal opportunity employer.