Director of Policy, Regulatory Strategy and Government Affairs

Job Title: Director of Policy,Regulatory Strategy and Government Affairs

Reports To: Textile Engine CEO

Location: Remote

Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time

The NSF Textile Innovation Engine of NC is an NSF-funded program of The Industrial Commons (TIC). The NSF Engines program supports the creation of region-scale, technology-driven innovation ecosystems in the US.  With a focus on building regional coalitions of partner organizations, NSF Engines accelerate the development of emerging technologies, drive economic growth, address key societal challenges, maintain national competitiveness, and strengthen national security. The NSF funds Engines to carry out an integrated and comprehensive set of activities spanning use-inspired research, translation to practice, entrepreneurship, and workforce development to nurture and accelerate regional industries.  The NSF Engines program has four strategic pillars to uphold: building American wealth, transforming nascent regional innovation ecosystems into market leaders, ensuring national leadership in key industries, and advancing technologies relevant to national competitiveness, with particular interest in regions of service that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past several decades.  

About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an economy for all. 

TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Overview:  The Director of Policy, Regulatory Strategy and Government Affairs serves as the Textile Innovation Engine's lead advocate, strategist, and subject matter expert on public policy issues that impact the future of the U.S. textile industry. This role is responsible for building relationships with elected officials, state agencies, federal policymakers, industry associations, and key stakeholders.  This Director will develop and execute strategies and communication that secures long-term public investment in the Textile Innovation Engine, strengthens the regional position as the national leader in textile innovation, and works collaboratively to create favorable regulatory and economic conditions for emerging textile industries.

Essential Functions

• Research policy and regulatory issues directly related to the targeted opportunities identified in the Strategic and Implementation Plan of the Textile Innovation Engine. 
• Develop strategies that advance the mission of the Textile Innovation Engine and the work on textile circularity, textile hemp, finished good automation, biomedical textiles and workforce development to drive national competitiveness, national security and the long-term sustainability of the U.S. textile industry.
• Build the relationship network with state and federal elected officials to educate and regularly update specifically appropriations representatives about the work and accomplishments of the Engine Ecosystem in our Region of Service (NC, parts of TN, SC, VA).  
• Coordinate and lead an annual ecosystem tour for elected officials to keep them aware and engaged of the work in their region. 
• Work with other Engines to coordinate efforts on behalf of the NSF Engines program to educate key influencers in the appropriations process. 
• Serve as the primary Engine liaison with policymakers, government agencies, industry associations, and other key stakeholders at the local, state, regional, and federal levels.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, academic, nonprofit, and industry partners to advance policy priorities, address regulatory challenges, and support shared objectives.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting the textile industry and provide strategic recommendations regarding risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, presentations, testimony, advocacy materials, and stakeholder communications to support policy engagement and decision-making.
• Convene and engage industry leaders, manufacturers, researchers, agricultural partners, brands, policymakers, and community stakeholders to build coalitions and advance strategic policy initiatives.
• Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and policy issues into actionable recommendations for leadership, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align policy initiatives with research, commercialization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic development activities.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate policy, economic, and industry data to inform strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and organizational decision-making.
• Represent the Textile Innovation Engine at legislative meetings, DC Hill visits, conferences, industry events, public forums, and stakeholder engagements.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in Public Policy, Government, Law, Economics, Agriculture, Sustainability, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, economic development, industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
• Experience working with state legislatures, federal agencies, congressional offices, trade associations, or public-sector stakeholders.
• Experience in manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, sustainability, economic development, industrial policy, or related industries preferred.
• Knowledge of public funding, appropriations processes, government investment programs, and economic development incentives.
• Experience developing and implementing policy, legislative, regulatory, or advocacy strategies.
• Knowledge of agricultural policy, Farm Bill programs, rural economic development, or domestic supply chain initiatives preferred.
• Familiarity with circular economy, sustainability, recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or industrial competitiveness initiatives preferred.
• Strong policy analysis, research, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, influence stakeholders, and develop productive partnerships across diverse sectors.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences and decision-makers.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and communicate with others.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
• Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000-$130,000 commensurate with experience and based on 40 hours per week.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.