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 Regional Director of State Government Affairs to manage state legislative and regulatory issues in the West Region. This is an exciting opportunity to represent PLASTICS in a high-profile position while building consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders for a forward-thinking nonprofit organization. PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, and competitive salaries. This position is remote within the West Region; candidates based in CA (or willingness to relocate) strongly preferred.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs, the Regional Director of State Government Affairs proactively works to influence elected officials and staff to advance the plastics public policy agenda. The Regional Director identifies legislative and government relations issues, opportunities, and priorities and collaborates with other entities to build areas of common interest. Working in conjunction with the PLASTICS team, the Regional Director will facilitate conversations between members and key policymakers across the region and build relationships to grow PLASTICS’ presence.

Responsibilities

Track legislation, public policy, and regulatory issues at the state and local level.
Meet with elected officials and staff to advocate for industry positions on key issues.
Draft public testimony, letters, and issue papers relevant to the plastics industry.
Testify before elected and appointed bodies on behalf of the industry.
Compose correspondence for PLASTICS on legislative and regulatory proposals.
Attend regional meetings to ensure PLASTICS is represented in covered states.
Engage effectively with policy groups and coalitions working on policy priorities of mutual concern.
Manage and direct contract lobbyists in various states.
Build, maintain, and enhance effective relationships with key elected officials and relevant staff to advance industry priorities.
Organize facility tours for policymakers to provide firsthand insight into member operations.
Organize advocacy events to facilitate direct engagement between members and elected officials.
Collaborate with the PLASTICS team on state government affairs needs, including issue summaries, presentations, and inquiries about policy positions.
Manage additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills with diverse stakeholder audiences
Ability to communicate in-depth and complex issues with industry groups, policymakers, and opinion leaders and the public
Self-motivated with attention to detail and excellent analytical, strategic, problem-solving, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritize and work on a variety of projects simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results
Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work well autonomously and collectively to build consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders
Earnest work ethic and dedication to collective success of the organization in service of membership
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 30%

Required Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in politics, government affairs, or a related field
Minimum of five years of experience in a related state legislature, government affairs, political campaigning, or coalition-building position for a trade association or lobbying firm
Experience with regional legislative processes and policy landscapes in California, Oregon, Colorado, Hawaii, and Washington
Experience cultivating relationships with key elected officials and staff
Understanding of the state regulations and legislative processes
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Experience

Government affairs experience in California
Experience in the plastics industry

How To Apply

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

Salary range: $150,000 - $180,000

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.

Regional Director, State Government Affairs