Build on existing skills while learning on the job from industry experts! In this unique career opportunity you’ll get a rare view of the intersection between business and environmental stewardship. You’ll manage projects related to packaging and recovered fiber initiatives, conduct research and represent the association with stakeholder groups. The perfect candidate will be able to analyze facts and data, effectively strategize and communicate complex information. Specifically, you will:
Paper and Packaging Recovery
Develop subject matter expertise (data & information) that can support lobbying efforts; participate in policymaker education and lobbying activities as needed
Stay current on issues and developments in the recycling industry and marketplace and understand how they relate to state legislative and regulatory action
Interface with members of the Recovered Fiber Sector, Packaging Sector – Containerboard/Kraft, Corrugated Packaging Alliance and other recycling industry trade associations and ENGOs, as needed
Identify issues and assist the Executive Director, Recovered Fiber and Vice President, Industry Affairs in determining desired outcomes to advance the Sectors’ objectives
Assist with research projects on certain packaging and/or paper recovery and recycling topics. This includes:
Support implementation of research design, approach, and data collection
Assist with analysis of data/information, next steps and communication of results to staff and members
Represent AF&PA to outside audiences, organizations and strategic alliances through various means including public speaking to groups of all sizes
Serve on the Product Sustainability and Market Access Team and track the budget
Serve as staff executive for the Renewable Bag Council
Recycling Outreach
Manage the development and execution of Recovered Fiber educational outreach plan to accomplish the industry’s objectives, to include:
Keep members apprised of relevant Recovered Fiber initiatives and activities
Engage other recycling industry associations to advance common educational outreach goals
Provide information and content ideas and collaborate with communications staff team on creation of interactive, informative and up-to-date recycling-related materials for the AF&PA website, print and digital media (with communications and vendors)
Support execution of communications/outreach plans for America Recycles Week
Lead educational/advocacy with outside stakeholders and municipalities supporting product recyclability.
General
Participate in Sector and committee program planning, and prepare materials for meetings
Create documents and memos on assigned topics
Draft text and create graphics for presentations
Maintain and update committee distribution lists (for mailing letters, e-mail notices, etc.).
Help manage and monitor Industry Affairs departmental budget planning and implementation
Conduct research and participate in other special projects as approved by supervisors
Qualifications / Skills / Experience
If your experience does not perfectly align, but you believe you could do a great job – we encourage you to apply! There are a lot of diverse work experiences that may run parallel to what we know about our role and industry. Your unique perspectives and experience could make us the perfect match.
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred; Sustainability, Business Administration, Marketing, or Communications preferred
Five or more years of professional work experience required, including experience in one or more of the following roles: federal or state policy development, corporate or trade association government, industry affairs or sustainability, or other related role
Experience in packaging, recycling, sustainability, product stewardship, and/or natural resources preferred
Excellent communication skills in writing, editing and public presentation
Strong organizational and project management skills to effectively balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong critical thinking, analytical and research skills
Ability to produce high quality work within tight deadlines
Ability to develop, analyze and evaluate statistical data
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with initiative, and limited supervision
Ability to maintain confidentiality, and exercise discretion in sensitive AF&PA matters and on policy and market issues
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive rapport with co-workers
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to travel to member facilities, industry conferences, and policymaker meetings in the US and Canada
Ability to occasionally work outside of regular business hours/days as necessary
