Manager, Press & Public Affairs

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

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 Press & Public Affairs to create compelling editorial media content that supports public affairs, government affairs, and association initiatives. The Manager will craft content for distribution to the press, policymakers, elected officials, and the public through various PLASTICS channels.

The Manager will focus on promoting the value of plastics as an essential material throughout the media while highlighting the impactful economic contributions of the industry and its professionals—those who innovate, create, and drive circular solutions that enhance health, safety, and economic well-being.

The Manager, Press & Public Affairs will also support the Director of Communications and Media by providing writing, editing, and proofreading high-impact materials on behalf of PLASTICS and key leadership for media and press strategic pitching and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Develop key messaging and draft press releases, statements, op-eds, and other written materials.
• Monitor press coverage, manage editorial content, and track media mentions for association and member use.
• Conduct outreach and build relationships with key reporters, producers, and other media professionals to enhance industry visibility.
• Stay informed on current events to identify and act on rapid-response media opportunities.
• Support media pitching efforts by researching outlets, identifying opportunities, and assisting in developing creative approaches while building and maintaining an understanding of the media landscape.
• Create compelling content that promotes the value of plastics and highlights industry professionals.
• Write, edit, and produce high-impact materials for public affairs, government affairs, and association initiatives.
• Work closely with the Director of Communications & Media to respond to media inquiries and provide content support for executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain an engaging, relatable public-facing voice that reflects industry priorities.
• Establish relationships with member companies to source and share their stories through PLASTICS’ media channels.
• Serve as a liaison to member companies for press and media-related inquiries.
• Contribute to PLASTICS-managed websites, ensuring content is relevant for industry, media, and policymaking audiences.
• Collaborate with external publications to produce industry-related articles at the state and federal levels.
• Provide editorial support for advertising, collateral materials, and public-facing content for policy and government affairs initiatives.
• Coordinate meetings and collaborative projects across PLASTICS staff to support communications and public affairs efforts.
• Manage weekly engagements with PLASTICS leadership and partner organizations to promote industry sustainability efforts.
• Attend external events to gather insights that support PLASTICS’ advocacy for sustainability and circularity.

Education & Experience

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

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of digital promotion, social media, and digital content processes.
• Knowledge of state and federal government and legislative processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively, with a talent for storytelling and messaging.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work on a variety of projects, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Ability to work autonomously and collectively to build consensus.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• An earnest work ethic and dedication to the collective success of the organization in service of its membership.
• A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds.
• Commitment to embody and uphold PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with proficiency in Excel preferred.

About PLASTICS

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization dedicated to supporting the entire plastics supply chain. We proudly represent nearly one million people employed by companies in the plastics supply chain 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 entire plastics industry—and, as a job requirement, have some fun while doing so! Employees have the opportunity to learn, develop, and impact both the industry and our association.

We also encourage volunteerism and seek opportunities to improve the communities in which we work and visit, including organizing riverbank clean-ups.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits, including:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Well-being programs
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions
• Competitive salaries
• Work-from-home flexibility
• Unlimited paid time off (employees take personal time at their discretion)

We work hard, we play hard, and we value work-life balance!

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.

For more information, visit the Plastics Industry Association Career Center at plasticsindustry.org.

Apply here