Director, Federal Affairs (Packaging)

TalentRemedy • Arlington, TX

7d

About The Position

The Director of Federal Affairs will drive federal policy strategy on recycling infrastructure and technology, packaging labeling and design standards, and solid waste management. The role works with Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other federal agencies to advance the association’s positions, and serves as a resource to member companies navigating a changing policy landscape. The director is expected to bring familiarity with federal environmental and packaging policy, established relationships on Capitol Hill and with relevant agencies, and the ability to translate complex regulatory developments into strategic guidance for members.

The position leads advocacy, stakeholder and member engagement, and issue expertise across packaging and recycling policy. It collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders, represents the organization in coalitions and public forums, and provides research and policy updates to staff and members. The role also contributes to advocacy for other federal policy priorities. Duties and responsibilities may change or be added at any time.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree required.
• 7–9 years of direct experience working with Congress, the EPA, the FTC, and/or other federal and state agencies on packaging, recycling, environmental, or sustainability policy issues.
• At least 3 years of related employment in a relevant field such as environmental policy, packaging sustainability, recycling infrastructure, or waste management.
• Demonstrated results in government, association, and/or political environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state packaging, recycling, and environmental regulations pertinent to consumer packaged goods is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including collaboration, customer service, and relationship building.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts for various audiences.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to learn issues, build strategies and tactics, execute plans, and drive results.
• Advanced public speaking skills and confidence representing the association and its positions to external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Office 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reports, data analysis, and presentations.
• Flexibility in learning new software and technical applications.
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the Senate Commerce Committee or House Energy and Commerce Committee.
• Advocacy or public affairs campaign experience.
• Congressional office or federal/state agency experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of policy strategies related to recycling technology and infrastructure, labeling, and waste management, including engagement with federal and state agencies such as the EPA and FTC.
• Advocate with the U.S. government, including Capitol Hill, for policy positions impacting consumer packaged goods manufacturers and aligned with clients’ objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Congress, federal regulators, and allied trade associations to build support for policy initiatives.
• Develop proactive policy positions and industry response plans in anticipation of regulatory shifts, and monitor, identify, and communicate relevant trends and policy developments.
• Track and assess federal implications of state-level packaging policies to inform federal strategy.
• Maintain knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks and policies affecting recycling in consumer products and packaging.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and Communications to shape and promote policy positions, draft legislative materials, and develop internal and external narratives.
• Serve as liaison to member companies on recycling issues, providing updates on legislation, administrative or Congressional actions, and advocacy initiatives.
• Engage member businesses to build cross-industry support and coordinate policy approaches.
• Represent the organization in industry coalitions and public forums, articulating its policy positions.
• Monitor and assess legislation, regulations, and emerging policies, including extended producer responsibility legislation, recycled content mandates, and packaging sustainability requirements.
• Provide research, data, and issue-related information to staff, members, and stakeholders through reports, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Collaborate with the Federal Affairs team to advocate for other federal policy priorities.
• Advocate for practical, science-based packaging and recycling policies that balance regulatory goals with manufacturers’ operational realities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director