The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), a Washington, DC based trade association represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. PLASTICS seeks a Vice President of Government Affairs to leads PLASTICS’ federal, state, and regulatory affairs policies and programs associated with its advocacy efforts. The Vice President of Government Affairs develops a comprehensive strategy and approach to address the legislative and regulatory issues and concerns of the plastics industry and continually strives to increase the involvement and awareness of PLASTICS and its members. The Vice President of Government Affairs is also the primary advisor and serves as the staff executive to the Public Policy Committee (PPC) and Political Action Committee (PAC), and industry councils. 

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. 
• Partner with the PPC and industry councils to identify public policy priorities and develop programs and actions to respond to those issues. 
• Work with Council liaisons, PPC and the Communications department to establish a functioning process for members’ input on public policy issues and dissemination of critical issues to the membership. 

• Lead the 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 of PLASTICS with the U.S. Congress, executive branch, state legislative bodies, as well as 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 members 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 their learning and development. 
• Manage the budget for the department. 
• Manage/hire lobbyists and other consultants. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• A minimum of ten years’ experience in federal and state government affairs; trade association, plastics industry and media relations experience preferred. 
• A minimum of five years of people management and leadership experience. 
• A 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of the legislation and regulatory processes, the role of lobbying and grassroots mobilization as well as federal compliance for political action committees.
• Excellent written and verbal communication including presentation skills with diverse stakeholders. 
• Self-driven with attention to detail and excellent analytical and big picture thinker, think and lead strategically, a change agent, and creative problem-solver skills.
• Excellent organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. 
• 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. 
• A true dedication to the constant improvement of the organization’s reputation. 
• Demonstrated ability for managing, motivating, and leading a government affairs team responsible for the advocacy of the plastics industry. 
• A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds.  
• 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. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.  
• Ability to travel (>30%). 

Interested?

Please email a cover letter with salary requirements and resume with Vice President, Government Affairs in the subject line to [email protected].

About Us: 

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization here to support the entire plastics supply chain. We are proud to represent the nearly one million people who are employed by companies in the plastics supply chain in the United States. PLASTICS is a dynamic organization with an ambitious team, striving for growth and success. Together we 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 our association.  We also encourage volunteerism. As a team we seek opportunities to improve the communities in which we work and visit, including organizing riverbank clean-ups.

We offer generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, well-being, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, competitive salaries, and work from home flexibility.  We work hard, we play hard and we value a work-life balance!  In fact, we offer unlimited paid time off and employees take personal time off at their own discretion. 

PLASTICS is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, or any factor prohibited by applicable law.