Manager, Communications & Media

Salary: $67,000 – $83,500

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), a Washington DC-based trade association, represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. PLASTICS seeks a Manager of Communications and Media to develop public-facing editorial content suitable for public affairs, government affairs, and association use. This content will be distributed through the PLASTICS team to an audience of media, policymakers, elected officials, and the public.

The Manager will focus on promoting the value of plastic as an essential material while illustrating the personal role of the people who work within the industry. This includes highlighting those who innovate, create, and drive a circular culture through materials and products that help people live healthier, safer, and more economically sound lives. The Manager will be responsible for content creation on topics such as legislation, regulation, economics, and sustainability, providing writing, editing, and proofreading support for media and press materials.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an engaging, relatable public-facing voice that reflects industry priorities.
• Collect and manage all editorial content, including media mentions, for association and member use.
• Produce quick-turnaround collateral for Public and Government Affairs teams.
• Establish relationships with member companies, encouraging them to share stories for public-facing media.
• Serve as a liaison and department representative to member companies for press and media questions.
• Create content that showcases professionals working in the plastics industry.
• Identify and produce PLASTICS articles in collaboration with other publications, including state and federal-level news.
• Provide content for PLASTICS-managed websites targeting industry, media, and policymaking audiences.
• Create press releases and advisories for PLASTICS and collaborate with member companies to develop press plans.
• Work with the Director of Communications & Media to respond directly to media and press inquiries.
• Review content for PLASTICS executive leadership and provide editing, feedback, and support.
• Write and consult on advertising and collateral materials for public consumption, including policy and government affairs events.
• Serve as the point person for the Communications and Public Affairs department, organizing meetings and collaborative projects with other PLASTICS staff.
• Develop promotional programs for initiatives such as Recycling is Real (RIR), Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA), the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance (ARPBA), and Operation Clean Sweep (OCS).
• Manage weekly appointments with PLASTICS leadership and other associations to promote plastics within external sustainability circles.
• Attend external events to gather information relevant to PLASTICS’ promotion of sustainability and circularity.
• Work with the Future Leaders of Plastics to promote workforce development within the plastic industry.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field within a trade association, public relations agency, or similar industry.
• Experience creating public affairs and political content.
• Experience or willingness to cultivate relationships with media, press communities, and Washington, DC communications professionals.
• Experience or willingness to learn Adobe Creative Suite, HubSpot, Canva, Bgov, PowerPoint, or Vimeo.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of digital promotion and social media processes.
• Understanding of state and federal government and legislative processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively to build consensus.
• Customer service orientation for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to promoting an inclusive and diverse environment.
• Dedication to embodying and upholding PLASTICS’ core values: ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with a preference for Excel.

Interested? Please apply using the PLASTICS Job Form.

About Us

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization supporting the entire plastics supply chain. We represent nearly one million people employed by companies across the United States.

PLASTICS is a dynamic organization with an ambitious team, striving for growth and success. Together, we shape the direction of the plastics industry while fostering a collaborative and enjoyable work environment. Employees have opportunities for professional development and to impact both the industry and our association. We also encourage volunteerism and community engagement, including organizing riverbank clean-ups.

We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, well-being programs, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, competitive salaries, and work-from-home flexibility. We value work-life balance, offering unlimited paid time off, with employees taking personal time at their discretion.

PLASTICS is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, or any factor prohibited by applicable law.