Policy Associate

Job Title: Policy Associate

Position Type: Full Time, Salaried
Location: Remote (home office), must be located and able to work in the United States and have reliable internet access. Up to 20% travel.
Reports To: Legislation & Advocacy Manager

About BPI:

BPI is the leading authority on compostable products and packaging in North America, with over 500 member companies and over 15,000 certified items listed in our searchable database. As a science-driven, member-based nonprofit, BPI advocates for a shift to the circular economy through certification, education, and advocacy. Our certified products help divert food and other organics from landfills to compost, helping to avoid emissions and create a valuable soil amendment. www.bpiworld.org

Position Overview:

The Policy Associate will play an integral role in BPI’s work to build a better future. As part of a growing and dynamic industry, you will help shape and support our work to advance smarter policies across the value chain, from increasing access to compost systems to realizing the benefits of innovative products to helping consumers make more informed choices. Your work will directly affect how BPI presents policy-based solutions to a variety of stakeholders to tangibly improve outcomes for how we manage packaging and organic waste in North America. This position will report to and work closely with the Legislation & Advocacy Manager as part of a growing team to address emerging topics, develop new principles, and represent BPI and its members at public events. Consider applying if you care about effective packaging solutions, increasing food waste diversion, reducing climate emissions, and promoting healthier soils.

BPI values diversity in background and experience, continuously building a welcoming and inclusive work culture. BPI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Ensuring timely and comprehensive two-way communication of critical work progress with all members, fostering transparency and cohesion
• Working with internal departments to develop public-facing content, including social media and opinion pieces
• Maintaining partnerships with compost, packaging, and environmental organizations through regular meetings
• Tracking legislative and regulatory progress across governments
• Monitoring emerging topics and industry activity
• Reviewing policy language and helping develop positions
• Traveling to participate and speak on behalf of BPI in conferences and workshops

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Synthesize complex positions and priorities from a variety of stakeholders across the compost industry (raw materials, packaging convertors, brands, venues, municipalities, composters)
• Be familiar with the U.S. state, federal, and/or Canadian (including provincial) legislative and regulatory processes
• Tailor writing and speaking to different audiences
• Demonstrate the ability to organize and handle multiple, overlapping assignments in a timely manner
• Be comfortable with speaking publicly on core subject matters

Preferred, not required:

• Experience in compost or a related industry (i.e. recycling, waste reduction, soil health, agriculture, consumer packaging)
• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or environmental science
• 3+ years of experience in a legislative office, regulatory department, government affairs team, or environmental advocacy organization

Compensation:

$55,000 – 65,000 pay scale for the position plus bonus potential; starting salary commensurate with experience and level of training required.

Benefits:

• 401k with up to 5% employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave, volunteer days, birthday)
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Reimbursement for phone and internet expenses
• Monthly health/wellness and composting stipends

To Apply:

Send a resume and work samples (see below) to [email protected]. The application deadline is May 8, 2024, however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please indicate how you found the job posting (BPI’s Website, LinkedIn, etc.) in your application email.

Work Sample Questions: In lieu of a cover letter, please respond to these questions to give us a better idea of your skills and who you are.

1. Tell us about a public policy that exists today, from any level of government, that you admire and why.
2. Imagine you have just started in this role and now must develop expertise in the compost industry. Experts in the organization are more than willing to provide advice and guidance, but they are often busy and you can’t get much time from them. What approach do you take to build your competence and become an expert?