Senior Director, International Affairs

UL Standards & Engagement • Evanston, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Director of International Affairs at UL Standards & Engagement. This position can be based in our office at either Evanston, IL, Research Triangle Park, NC or in our DC office. The Senior Director of International Affairs will oversee international government relations and international global policy strategy to advance the mission of UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) to make the world safer, more secure, and more sustainable. The Senior Director of International Affairs will drive the organization’s ability to anticipate, understand and influence international policy related to standards and regulations, including engaging U.S. international policymakers, such as ANSI, U.S. Government agencies, and other institutions that shape international standards, trade, regulatory, and public safety policies. With strong command of global trade and regulatory landscape, the Senior Director of International Affairs will identify opportunities for ULSE to inform and shape international policies, regulations, and market practices that advance public safety. Reporting to the VP International Standards, the Senior Director will serve as a strategic thought partner and advisor on geopolitical, legislative, regulatory and stakeholder developments. In partnership with ULSE’s existing regional team around the world, the Senior Director will drive international engagement with policymakers, regulators, industry representatives, standards bodies, and other influential stakeholders to deepen global awareness of ULSE and reinforce the organization’s global positioning as a trusted authority in international safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, public policy, political science, law or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international government relations, public policy, regulatory affairs, advocacy or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of direct people management experience, including leading and developing teams and driving accountability for results.
• Experience translating complex geopolitical, regulatory or technical developments into strategic recommendations across multiple countries or regions.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience within standards development, product safety, regulatory, nonprofit, or similarly mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Subject-matter expertise in at least one area related to products, safety, engineering, and/or sustainability strongly preferred.
• Experience with sectors including clean energy, lithium-ion battery and battery powered devices, fire protection, mobility, electrical products and/or artificial intelligence strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated international government affairs strategy aligned with ULSE priorities, U.S. and international policy objectives, and opportunities to advance ULSE’s mission through engagement with ANSI, U.S. Government agencies, and other influential U.S. policymaking stakeholders.
• Advise senior leadership on geopolitical, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that present opportunities or risks to the organization.
• Identify institutions, U.S. and international policy issues, and stakeholder relationships where ULSE can achieve meaningful influence, and advance the use of its standards, and align its international strategy with relevant U.S. Government and ANSI-led policy priorities.
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with policy makers, regulators, government officials, diplomatic representatives, standards bodies, and relevant U.S. Government agencies, industry leaders, trade associations, and multilateral institutions.
• Lead ULSE’s engagement with international and regional bodies, including the WTO, OECD, UNECE, CEN, CENELEC, and other organizations influencing global trade, regulation, and standardization.
• Develop targeted strategies for advancing organizational priorities within these forums.
• Monitor and influence U.S. Government and ANSI international standards and regulatory policy priorities, translating those priorities into actionable strategies that strengthen ULSE’s global engagement, standards adoption, and policy impact.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to shape international policies, regulations, and standards related initiatives that align with ULSE’s mission and expertise.
• Represent ULSE in regulatory consultations, international forums, conferences, coalitions and industry engagements, strengthening ULSE’s visibility, influence, and impact.
• Partner with internal teams across the organization to develop coordinated, evidence-based policy positions, and prepare executives and subject matter experts for consequential external engagements.
• Lead and develop team of international professionals, provide strategic direction and serve as mentor to advance capabilities in area of specialization.
• Cultivate collaborative environment to ensure team success and effective execution.
• Contribute to department initiatives as needed, develop goals, metrics, or impact measures for international affairs strategy.

Benefits

• bonus compensation
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

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