Director, Public Policy

Reports To: Vice President of Government Affairs

FLSA Exemption: Non-Exempt

Office Location: Headquarters – Washington, D.C.

Job Description

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), a Washington DC based trade association represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. PLASTICS is actively searching for a skilled Director of Public Policy to provide expert opinion and analysis of current and proposed policies that impact the plastics industry. The Director will provide written memorandum and official comments, host webinars, and work with the broader Government Affairs team to achieve PLASTICS’ advocacy goals. The Director will be the in-house expert on policies related to the plastic industry such as recycling, extended producer responsibility (EPR), bottle bills, sustainability, materials policy (plastic, paper, aluminum, etc.), and composting/ bioplastics.

Responsibilities:

• Lead policy development on policy issues to develop advocacy strategies and promote the industry’s position with government officials.
• Serve as the in-house expert on policies impacting the industry and provide guidance to the industry.
• Build and advance relationships with federal and state policy makers on issues affecting the industry.
• Work with the Public Policy Committee to develop consensus on priority needs and formulate policy positions and strategy on key issues to advance the industry.
• Attend congressional and executive branch hearings and meetings and brief members on legislative and administrative issues.
• Track legislation at the state and federal level on issues important to the industry.
• Monitor and analyze existing and anticipated legislation at the federal and state level.
• Draft one pagers, talking points, comparison documents, fact sheets, white papers, official testimony, and amendments to advance the plastics policy position.
• Develop and present advocacy content for presentations at PLASTICS and industry events.
• Partner with internal stakeholders such as the Communications team to draft communications including articles, blogs, written summaries, updates on legislative or political strategy on policy issues.
• Manage PLASTICS engagement with industry coalition, trade associations, and member companies on projects and campaigns to represent PLASTICS’ members’ interest.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in politics, government affairs, law, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in a similar role or related position in public policy, politics, and/or government affairs; Capitol Hill, government agency, advocacy firm, trade-association or corporate experience required.
• Experience with federal, state or local legislation.
• Experience with issues impacting the plastics industry such as sustainability, recycling, energy, extended producer responsibility, and materials policy.
• Familiarity with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food Drug administration (FDA), and/or related state agencies.
• Experience cultivating relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Understanding of 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%)

Learn more here