Director - Public Affairs, CO

Circular Action Alliance• Remote, CO, US, CO

4d•$170,000 - $190,000•Remote

About The Position

Serves as a senior leader within CAA Colorado, responsible for advancing the successful implementation of Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program. The role provides strategic leadership and operational execution across state regulator relationships, Colorado board governance, interest holder engagement, service provider relationships, and cross-functional coordination across Circular Action Alliance (CAA) teams. The Director represents CAA on the Colorado EPR Advisory Board, supports the organization’s relationship with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and coordinates regulator engagement with Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (CRA). The role develops and facilitates Colorado board meetings, tracks board-directed actions, and partners with the Executive Director and CAA teams to implement the approved Program Plan. The Director assesses legislation, regulations, local ordinances, market conditions, stakeholder developments, risks, and operational challenges affecting the program. The role leads strategic initiatives and program deliverables, coordinates across internal business units, supports compliance reporting and annual reports, and represents CAA Colorado with governments, elected officials, service providers, industry groups, and other stakeholders. It also contributes to advocacy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, communications, and community outreach. The position is remote in Colorado and reports to the Colorado Executive Director. Pay is based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law, including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and knowledge.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, communications, business, environmental policy, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs, public policy, stakeholder engagement, or a related discipline.
Experience working with government agencies, boards, elected officials, industry associations, or community stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives and coordinating across internal and external teams.
Strategic leadership and sound judgment in complex regulatory and public affairs environments.
Strong government relations, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building capabilities.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving organization.
Knowledge of public policy, regulatory processes, board governance, and external communications.
Demonstrated discretion, diplomacy, collaboration, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Experience with environmental policy, recycling, EPR, or other complex regulated programs.

Responsibilities

Represent CAA on the Colorado EPR Advisory Board; prepare and submit board materials and presentations, attend meetings, and provide strategic updates and recommendations to the Colorado Executive Director.
Work with Compliance & Regulatory Affairs (CRA) to support CAA’s relationship with CDPHE, represent CAA in regulator meetings as directed, serve as a designated regulator point of contact, and coordinate meeting preparation, issue management, follow-up, and regulatory implementation.
Develop Colorado board agendas with the Executive Director and administrative team; coordinate materials and presentations; plan meeting schedules; facilitate meetings; take minutes; and track completion of board-directed actions.
Partner with the Executive Director and CAA teams to implement Colorado’s approved Program Plan.
Work with CRA to analyze legislation, regulations, local ordinances, market conditions, and stakeholder developments that could affect program implementation.
Assess emerging risks, opportunities, and operational challenges and develop strategic recommendations that advance program and organizational objectives.
Lead strategic development and execution of program deliverables, special projects, and strategic initiatives supporting CAA Colorado operations and long-term program success.
Ensure Colorado operational considerations and compliance requirements are incorporated into state and national planning and support functions.
Coordinate communication between CAA Colorado and Program Planning and Operations; track implementation activities, regulatory developments, stakeholder issues, and operational priorities with CRA.
Collaborate with Legal, CRA, Communications, Finance, and other business units to align Colorado strategies and operational practices with organizational objectives.
Support CRA in developing annual reports and coordinate with CRA to ensure compliance reporting is completed accurately and on schedule.
Represent CAA Colorado with local governments, elected officials, service providers, non-governmental organizations, industry associations, and other stakeholders; participate in conferences, workgroups, stakeholder forums, and public meetings.
Represent CAA Colorado before organizations such as Colorado Municipal League and Colorado Counties Inc., and collaborate with national government affairs and stakeholder relations teams.
Support interactions with producers, trade associations, other state EPR programs, and national or international organizations.
Manage and oversee the state lobbying contract and external consultants at the direction of the State Executive Director.
Support legislative and regulatory advocacy, including attending meetings, providing testimony, and delivering stakeholder presentations as appropriate.
Partner with the Executive Director and Colorado Communications Manager on messaging and communications strategies for external audiences.
Support public affairs, stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and media-related activities with Colorado and national communications staff.
Ensure communications align with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder needs.