Senior Manager - Policy Strategy & Engagement

Role Overview

CAA is seeking a Policy Strategy and Engagement Senior Manager, with a particular focus on policies and regulations that harmonize and operationalize EPR legislation and regulations for paper and packaging products. This role will be part of the National Program Planning and Operations team and will report to the Director, Policy Analysis. The Policy Strategy and Engagement Senior Manager will be instrumental in managing engagement with CAA’s Founding Members to shape policies that support EPR harmonization, plan development and adoption.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage CAA’s consultation processes on regulatory, technical and policy-related issues with producers, trade associations and other interested parties.
• Plan, design and facilitate structured consultation process (e.g. working groups, advisory consultation processes (e.g. working groups, advisory committees, and member forums) to inform and build alignment around policy development and regulatory positioning
• Serve as a trusted liaison between CAA, Founding Members, trade associations and other interested parties to support policy development, harmonization initiatives and strategic engagement efforts.
• Create and manage the development of policy communications for internal and external audiences, including key messages, PowerPoint presentations, briefing notes and Q&As, backgrounders.
• Develop communications materials tailored to specific audiences, in collaboration with CAA’s Communications Team, that support CAA’s thought leadership and advance EPR harmonization.
• Track, analyze and conduct research on EPR policies and broader trends.
• Participate in relevant policy discussions and learning sessions to stay informed on EPR best practices.
• Support the development of policy and program planning where CAA may become the PRO.
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in ambiguous situations, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and determine when issues require escalation versus independent resolution.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, concise language
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to conduct detailed policy analysis, collect feedback, assess implications from multiple perspectives, including producers, regulators, trade associations, CAA and develop strategic recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment, ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with limited direction
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams
• Demonstrated ability to convene, manage and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings, working groups and committees, including navigating differing perspectives and driving towards aligned outcomes

Qualifications

• Required bachelor’s degree (preferably in public policy, environmental or sustainability studies, or a related discipline)
• Requires 7+ years of experience in public policy and 2+ directly with EPR preferably with paper and packaging EPR.
• Strong communication, presentation, analysis, and collateral material development skills with the ability to summarize and communicate findings effectively
• Required proficiency in PowerPoint with demonstrated experience developing executive-level presentations and briefing materials tailored to specific audiences
• Preferred experience in policy communications 
• Preferred experience working within or closely with a trade association, industry group or member-based organization
• Preferred familiarity with SmartSheets

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Remote from the United States of America
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge and experience.
• Reports To: Director, Policy Analysis

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact careers@circularaction.org.