Vice President of Communications

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, represents the nation’s nearly one million workers across the plastics industry supply chain. PLASTICS is seeking a Vice President of Communications to lead the organization’s external communications strategy and shape how PLASTICS, plastics, and the plastics industry are perceived by key external audiences.

PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, and competitive salaries. This position is based in Washington, DC.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President of Communications is an executive role responsible for strengthening PLASTICS’ visibility, credibility, and influence through strategic narrative development, policy-driven communications, digital engagement, earned media, and reputation management.

This position serves as a senior advisor to leadership and works in close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, compelling, and effective communications. The Vice President plays a critical part in advancing PLASTICS’ policy priorities and industry initiatives by aligning creative storytelling, media engagement, and social media strategy with PLASTICS’ mission and strategic vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead PLASTICS’ external communications and public relations strategy, with a focus on media, policymakers, brands, and adjacent industries.
• Shape and steward the organization’s external narrative to enhance understanding, credibility, and trust in the plastics industry.
• Oversee the development of creative content and storytelling strategies that communicate positive, credible, and forward-looking stories about the plastics industry across platforms and audiences.
• Serve as a senior spokesperson and media advisor, managing relationships with journalists and overseeing media engagement in support of policy, narrative, and reputation objectives.
• Lead earned media efforts, including proactive story development, issue response, and reputational risk management aligned with PLASTICS’ strategic priorities.
• Develop and oversee crisis communications strategies and protocols.
• Develop clear, consistent messaging that supports PLASTICS’ mission, strategic vision, and external positioning.
• Identify and advance thought leadership opportunities for PLASTICS’ leadership and subject-matter experts.
• Ensure message discipline and quality across all external communications channels and platforms.
• Partner with the Government Affairs and Policy team to support advocacy priorities through integrated communications strategies.
• Lead strategic communications initiatives that advance association policy goals, including integrated campaigns.
• Set and lead PLASTICS’ social media and digital messaging strategy to expand engagement, strengthen reach, and reinforce key narratives across the plastics ecosystem.
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure brand alignment and coordinate on external campaigns involving member companies.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the President and CEO and the ELT.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the Communications team, fostering high performance and professional growth.
• Oversee communications budgets, contractors, and external vendors.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance communications tools, processes, and channels to maximize impact.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of external communications, public relations, and media strategy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft, refine, and adapt communications (e.g., talking points, strategic messages, and stakeholder correspondence) while translating complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong strategic judgment, particularly in media engagement and reputational matters.
• Proven ability to think strategically, manage complexity, and lead change in dynamic environments.
• High emotional intelligence, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple initiatives, and deliver results under deadline.
• Executive-level discretion and experience working closely with C-suite leadership.
• Commitment to continuous improvement of organizational reputation and effectiveness.
• Dedication to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and values-driven work environment.
• Commitment to embodying and upholding PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Minimum of five years of experience leading and managing teams.
• Demonstrated success managing earned media, high-profile communications, and sensitive or complex issues.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with media, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience in a trade association, communications firm, or public relations agency preferred.
• Experience working in policy-adjacent, regulated, or issue-driven environments strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you meet the qualifications, please submit a resume and cover letter to the job link: Apply to PLASTICS VP, Communications

Additional inquiries and questions may be directed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or 202-232-1765.

Salary range: $230,000 – $250,000

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 plastics enable to the possibilities they create, PLASTICS is dedicated to helping members shape the future and make a positive impact every day.

Together, employees at PLASTICS help shape the direction of the plastics industry while learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions along the way. PLASTICS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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