Policy Director

The EPR Leadership Forum (ELF) was formed in 2024 to support well-designed packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in the U.S. ELF is comprised of leading manufacturers and retailers of consumer packaged goods, dedicated to advancing policy in line with the organization’s Guiding Principles.

Position Overview

ELF is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Policy Director to foster consensus and facilitate positive change by engaging with lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations to advocate for well-designed packaging EPR policy. In addition to overseeing advocacy strategy for ELF across prioritized U.S. states as the central point of communication among coalition members, engaged advocates, and other stakeholders, the Policy Director will drive ELF’s organizational strategy, program management, and development and dissemination of thought leadership collateral for U.S. audiences. The Policy Director will work closely with ELF’s Co-Presidents and established association management firms administrative and advisory firms as well as representatives from ELF member companies. The Policy Director will have the opportunity to grow ELF and shape its future, as it is a young entrepreneurial organization with a strong member company network to progress goals alongside.

This is a full-time position. At present, the work environment is hybrid with a preference for Washington D.C.-based applicants. Some travel will be required and there will be an opportunity to work in-person in the Washington, DC area. Virtual meetings are most frequently oriented around the Eastern Standard Time zone.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advocacy Strategy Development: Collaborate with association leadership to create and implement an effective advocacy strategy for EPR policies and identify priority jurisdictions, leveraging previous experience in the field.

  • Policy Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis of EPR policies, proposed legislation and regulations, and trends to inform advocacy efforts and engagement initiatives.

  • State Monitoring: Continuously monitor developments at state and national levels to identify opportunities for targeted advocacy and strategic interventions in line with EPR goals.

  • Lobbyist Coordination: Facilitate discussions and decision making relative to when and how to deploy coalition assets in support of established advocacy goals starting with a select group of priority states. Manage the contracted lobbying firm and act as liaison between the lobbyist(s) and the members of ELF. Ensure ELF’s compliance with lobbying obligations.

  • Testimony Delivery: Represent ELF by testifying at both the state and federal levels as needed. 

  • Policy Engagement: Engage with lawmakers, industry groups, and environmental organizations to build consensus and drive positive change in the realm of EPR.

  • Letter Drafting and Communication: Draft and review letters, memoranda, and policy documents that advocate for EPR principles and facilitate effective communication with stakeholders.

  • Meeting Management: With the support of ELF’s contracted administrative and advisory firms, efficiently organize and coordinate meetings with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and environmental organizations to advance EPR goals.

  • Member Engagement: Collaborate with association members, facilitating information sharing, and supporting their participation in advocacy initiatives.

  • Thought Leadership: Contribute to thought leadership publications and execute webinars to promote well-designed EPR policies and share information with stakeholders.

Required Skills and Qualifications 

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and/or government relations, with a focus on EPR policies and practices.

  • Strong knowledge of policymaking processes at state and federal level in the US, specifically as related to packaging policy issues and regulatory developments.

  • In-depth knowledge of waste management, recycling, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

  • Experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the packaging value chain including but not limited to multinational manufacturers and retailers of consumer-packaged goods, environmental NGOs, trade associations, and policymakers.

  • Strong leadership skills to set and drive an agenda, including ability to think strategically, prioritize a range of complex issues and adapt quickly in fast-paced and dynamic environment.

  • Strong communication skills (written and oral) to engage external and internal stakeholders, including the ability to succinctly frame policy positions and issues.

  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, environmental studies, political science, or related disciplines).

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, environmental studies, political science, or related disciplines).

  • Knowledge of EPR-adjacent regulatory topics, including source reduction, advanced recycling, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

  • Excellent command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

  • Top notch interpersonal skills and ability to confidently connect with members up to C-suite level.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the above qualifications.

Salary, Benefits & Disclosures

  • Salary is commensurate with experience. Salary range for this role is $125,000-$150,000/yr plus benefits. 

  • The EPR Leadership Forum, through its association management company, provides access to an array of benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, and retirement savings. 

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The EPR Leadership Forum is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. ELF does not discriminate based on disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.

  • US Work Authorization is required to be considered for this position.

How to Apply

Please send your application including a curriculum vitae and writing sample to the following contact: contact@epr-leaders.org.  Kindly use the subject heading ‘Application – EPR Policy Director.'