Education & Outreach Program Design Manager

CIRCULAR ACTION ALLIANCE

9h•Remote

About The Position

The newly established National Recycling Education & Outreach (E&O) team will be the driving force behind behavioral change in recycling and waste diversion across states that implement packaging EPR. This team designs, implements and measures comprehensive strategies that empower residents, businesses, and communities to recycle right, reduce waste and participate effectively in evolving circular economy initiatives. As an integral member of this team, the Manager of Education & Outreach Program Design brings strategic thinking and systems expertise to transform high-level goals into scalable frameworks that support producer-led EPR programs. Reporting to the Recycling Education & Outreach Director, this role manages the design and continuous improvement of nationally harmonized outreach frameworks that can be adapted across states. You’ll develop toolkits for local engagement, integrate culturally responsive messaging into outreach approaches, and support how communities are educated and mobilized to participate in circular economy initiatives. This position collaborates cross-functionally and with state teams to ensure outreach models are both locally relevant and nationally consistent. In this role, you’ll design and support implementation of intervention models and program standards that guide national and state-level outreach efforts. You’ll help shape how outreach efforts are measured by applying performance tracking methods and sharing insights that improve program design over time. Your work plays a key role in advancing CAA’s strategy to drive measurable shifts in recycling behavior and long-term public participation.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to design, operationalize and scale recycling education and outreach frameworks across jurisdictions.
Deep knowledge of recycling systems, waste management and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy.
Proven success leading cross-functional collaboration and influencing diverse partners toward shared goals.
Skilled in using behavioral science frameworks (e.g., community-based social marketing, nudging) to drive measurable participation and trust.
Strong analytical and evaluation skills, with experience interpreting performance data and applying insights to improve design.
Cultural competency and a commitment to equity in outreach.
Ability to distill complex recycling and policy concepts into actionable, audience-centered messages.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, compliance-driven, multi-interest holder environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Communications, Public Policy or comparable experience(7+ years required).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in program design, public engagement, sustainability education or outreach strategy.
Demonstrated success managing or advising large-scale outreach or behavior change campaigns with measurable outcomes.
Experience collaborating with government agencies, producers, municipalities or advocacy organizations.
Experience deploying multilingual or multicultural outreach to reinforce equity and accessibility.

Responsibilities

Design and evolve scalable E&O frameworks, including intervention models program standards, and approaches for tracking and evaluating impact.
Develop and maintain a catalog of adaptable toolkits and intervention activities to support local engagement across diverse communities.
Ensure frameworks are harmonized across states while allowing flexibility for local innovation and cultural responsiveness.
Support E&O program design, advising internal teams and external interest holders on best practices, implementation strategies and policy alignment.
Collaborate with content and communications teams to ensure storytelling is incorporated into outreach frameworks as a best practice for audience engagement and behavior change.
Advise internal teams, state agencies and external partners on program design, implementation strategies, and policy alignment.
Counsel and support states on E&O program design and implementation, including budget allocation, messaging strategy and interest holder coordination.
Assess and respond to state-specific needs, ensuring consistency with national objectives and regulatory requirements.
Apply performance tracking methods and contribute insights to broad evaluation strategies.
Monitor the behavioral impact of outreach interventions and apply insights to refine program design.
Support the development of KPIs and reporting tools to track adoption and effectiveness of E&O frameworks.
Stay current on EPR legislation, recycling trends and public engagement strategies to inform program design and innovation.
Performs other related duties as assigned.