Director, Regulatory Affairs

Kellen•Washington, DC

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you interested in making an impact on the Food and Nutrition Industry? Kellen is an association management firm seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Director of Regulatory Affairs to support clients in the food industry. A successful candidate will be a key contributor to the Public Affairs team, developing and executing strategies to achieve client objectives with a deep knowledge of the complex regulatory landscape. They will maintain effective liaison with designated federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and relevant coalitions involved in issue-related programs. Interested candidates should have a strong understanding of the food industry regarding regulatory processes as this individual will play a crucial role in representing client priorities and ensuring that client policies and positions are effectively communicated to government officials and other relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline related to public policy or a related field.
8-10 years experience working in Congress, federal agencies, consulting firms, trade associations, or specialty societies on federal regulatory issues, including experience with food and nutrition issues.
Strong expertise regarding federal regulatory policy is a must. Deep understanding of current domestic affairs and their political implications is also preferred. Knowledge of state regulatory and policy activity a plus.
Excellent interpersonal skills crucial for success, including relationship building and maintenance skills, demonstrating ability to act as a positive team player.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail. A proven self-starter with the ability to direct and manage projects is ideal.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills, which will aid in a multi-task oriented work environment.
Computer experience including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with a “Can Do” approach to diverse software packages.
Willingness to travel.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree a plus.
Food industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serving as the regulatory lead for multiple associations in the food industry, overseeing day-to-day execution of the policy agenda, offering strategic guidance on association priorities.
Monitoring, evaluating, interpreting, and summarizing complex regulatory information related to food products of interest to clients.
Communicating directly with clients and key stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers, on critical issues impacting clients.
Lead execution of priorities for regulatory committees and working groups for multiple food association clients representing industry food categories and/or ingredients as well as packaging. This role includes the development of strategic action plans, addressing specific industry issues, and collaborating with internal teams and client members to achieve objectives.
Manage regulatory and government affairs issue scope, including development of client materials in relation to activity from federal agencies (e.g., regulatory comments).
Develop accurate comment letters influencing policies based on analysis of current and proposed regulations, ensuring comments are incorporated into policies. Engage policymakers to clarify or refine client comments, as needed.
Provide input on strategy for client activities and priorities to respond to dynamic policy environment.
Identify and analyze emerging issues in federal and state food and nutrition policy, including priority client objectives and their alignment with Administration and state legislature interests.
Manage relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders, including appropriate Administration officials and professional organizations to promote regulatory agenda and execute strategic objectives.
Prepare materials for clients to be utilized in official meetings. Brief stakeholders, client leadership, and government affairs colleagues on priorities for federal advocacy.
Attend meetings with federal agency staff, public policy or congressional hearings, briefings, coalition meetings, and other events to represent association clients and develop or circulate reports.
Identify and analyze emerging issues in proposed federal and state policy, including priority client advocacy objectives.
Build relationships with external organizations including identifying potential stakeholders or organizing conference participants and speakers.
Communicate frequently with clients and internal team to meet deadlines and recommend actions, as needed.
Lead multiple client regulatory committees, workgroups, and workstreams to direct progress for strategic priorities.
Other duties that align with the mission and vision of the company, as assigned.