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 Vice President of Government Affairs to lead PLASTICS’ federal, state, and regulatory affairs and programs associated with their advocacy efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the advocacy efforts for a forward-thinking nonprofit organization. PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, competitive salaries, and a hybrid work environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Government Affairs is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy and approach to address the legislative and regulatory issues and concerns of the plastics industry, continually striving to increase the involvement and awareness of PLASTICS and its members. This position is the primary advisor and serves as the staff executive to the Political Action Committee (PAC) and industry councils and is part of the Executive Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of PLASTICS’ government affairs strategy and vision that advances policy issues across the plastic industry.
Advise the President & CEO and the Board on pertinent political, legislative, and regulatory information.
Lead PLASTICS’ PAC by establishing and maintaining a political network for fundraising activities relating to political and issue advocacy for plastics.
Represent the interest of PLASTICS before associations, trade groups, and government agencies.
Testify before government entities.
Build, manage, and strengthen overall relations between PLASTICS and the U.S. Congress, executive branch, state legislative bodies, and local governments to effectively advance and influence outcomes of government activities impacting the plastics industry.
Participate in external programs with counterparts in member companies, coalitions, and other trade associations to ensure a coordinated effort for voicing and acting upon PLASTICS and its member companies' positions and issues.
Collaborate with the Vice President of Communications to craft messaging and rapid response to media inquiries and government entities.
Lead and oversee the government affairs department covering federal, state, and regulatory issues, including staff learning and development.
Manage the budget for the department.
Manage/hire lobbyists and other consultants.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills with diverse stakeholders
Self-driven with attention to detail
Excellent analytical and big picture thinker with the ability to think and lead strategically
Ability to serve as a change agent with creative problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence
Demonstrated ability to work well autonomously and collectively to build consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Proven ability to prioritize and work on various projects simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results
Executive level of discretion and understanding of C-suite structure and organization
True dedication to the constant improvement of the organization’s reputation
Demonstrated capacity for managing, motivating, and leading a government affairs team responsible for the advocacy of the plastics industry
Commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds
Ability to model company culture and ethical standards in a positive work environment where humor, respect, kindness, and humility are valued and exhibited, and hold team members to the same standard
Demonstrated 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 30%

Required Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of ten years of experience in federal and state government affairs
Minimum of five years of people management and leadership experience
Trade association experience required; plastics industry, manufacturing industry, and media relations experience preferred
Expert knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes, the role of lobbying and grassroots mobilization, and federal compliance for political action committees
Proven track record of successfully leading the development and implementation of government affairs strategies
Demonstrated experience in negotiating complicated public policy issues among diverse stakeholders
Existing relationships with legislators and regulators and key manufacturing organizations
Demonstrated experience in relationship building with board members, internal and external stakeholders, coalitions, councils, and committees
Demonstrated experience with fundraising
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to the Apply button below.

Salary Range: $235,000 - $309,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com 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.

The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fuels Success

Cessna & Associates embraces and celebrates the strength that diversity brings to our organization. Just as we are deliberate in our own pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, our efforts support our clients' DEI success. We drive every search with an unyielding focus to create an even playing field for all candidates and assess their ability to be "culture adds," not merely "fits" for our clients. Our team builds and nurtures this rich tapestry of diversity for ourselves and for our clients.

Vice President, Government Affairs