Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. They are seeking a Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs to lead advocacy strategies on behalf of member companies to effectively manage environmental, health, and safety (EHS) and product regulatory issues related to plastics industry operations.

PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, and competitive salaries. This position is hybrid, requiring three days in the office each week.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs, the Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs leads advocacy strategies on behalf of member companies for science- and fact-based regulations, codes, and standards where appropriate to protect and grow the industry, consistent with PLASTICS’ strategic objectives. The Senior Director leads the development and implementation of environmental and product regulatory programs and projects. This position also collaborates internally and externally to support relevant work on EHS and product regulatory issues to advance member priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of EHS and product regulatory and technical programs/projects relevant to plastics industry operations.
• Serve as the staff lead for relevant PLASTICS committees, including administration, budgeting, and consultant/project management, consistent with PLASTICS’ goals.
• Engage with the committee members to develop consensus on priority needs and policy positions and proactively advance priority issues to meet members’ needs.
• Analyze and evaluate existing and anticipated regulations, policy developments, and related initiatives; develop and execute relevant advocacy strategies.
• Lead the development of briefings, technical evaluations, testimony, and comments on regulatory issues that impact the industry.
• Collaborate with the Government Affairs, Sustainability, and Industry Engagement teams and others internally to support work on EHS and product regulatory issues and to solicit member input.
• Partner with the Fluoropolymers Division to track, analyze, and monitor developments related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and other regulatory and industry issues, ensuring proactive compliance, informed decision-making, and effective advocacy efforts.
• Engage with and provide support to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Packaging Materials Committee (FDCPMC) on an as-needed basis in collaboration with the Director of Public Policy, ensuring informed policy development, regulatory compliance, and effective industry advocacy.
• Develop communications and programming to provide members with relevant compliance assistance and education; encourage member participation in regulatory processes.
• Provide representation and advocacy to, and collaborate with, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and other related government agencies and coalitions.
• Interface with association members, regulatory agencies, industry trade groups, coalitions, scientific institutions, non-governmental organizations, other stakeholders, and external counsel to represent PLASTICS member interests.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen a network of key officials and decision-makers to advance industry priorities.
• Promote transparent, science- and fact-based decision-making in regulatory and related policies and processes.
• Assist in responding to relevant press inquiries and developing other public messaging, including communications related to rulemaking.
• Oversee the daily workflow and learning and development of the Manager, Regulatory Affairs.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills with diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Self-motivation with an ability to work well autonomously.
• Strong attention to detail and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent analytical, strategic, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to and 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.
• Earnest work ethic and dedication to the collective success of the organization in service of its membership.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset when addressing complex challenges and issues.
• Commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds.
• Commitment to embodying and upholding PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in polymer science/engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science/engineering, toxicology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in a similar or related position in a plastics, chemical, environmental, or occupational health and safety-related regulatory government agency.
• Minimum of three years of people management and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related agencies or organizations.
• Expert knowledge of the plastics industry, EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), relevant EHS and product laws, regulations, and processes, programs, and standards.
• Expert knowledge of food, drug, and cosmetic packaging and the regulatory scheme that encompasses these products.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing committees and working with coalitions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree
• Trade association experience

How to Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to the following job link:

Apply to PLASTICS Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Salary Range: $152,000 – $210,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

About the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain. From the technological advancements it enables to the possibilities it creates, the organization is dedicated to helping members shape the future and make a positive impact every day.

PLASTICS is the only association that supports the entire plastics supply chain and has a track record of fostering collaboration between each segment of the industry, evolving right alongside the plastics industry as a whole.

Together, employees at PLASTICS 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 the association.

PLASTICS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.

www.cessnasearch.com

Resumes can be submitted to the job link here: Apply to PLASTICS Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs or emailed to [email protected].