Description : Manager, Recycling and Packaging Sustainability. Company : American Forest & Paper Association. Location : Washington, DC 20005 (Downtown area)

Build on existing skills while learning on the job from industry experts! In this unique career opportunity you’ll get a rare view of the intersection between business and environmental stewardship. You’ll manage projects related to packaging and recovered fiber initiatives, conduct research and represent the association with stakeholder groups. The perfect candidate will be able to analyze facts and data, effectively strategize and communicate complex information. Specifically, you will:

Paper and Packaging Recovery

• Develop subject matter expertise (data & information) that can support lobbying efforts; participate in policymaker education and lobbying activities as needed
• Stay current on issues and developments in the recycling industry and marketplace and understand how they relate to state legislative and regulatory action
• Interface with members of the Recovered Fiber Sector, Packaging Sector – Containerboard/Kraft, Corrugated Packaging Alliance and other recycling industry trade associations and ENGOs, as needed
• Identify issues and assist the Executive Director, Recovered Fiber and Vice President, Industry Affairs in determining desired outcomes to advance the Sectors’ objectives
• Assist with research projects on certain packaging and/or paper recovery and recycling topics. This includes:
• Support implementation of research design, approach, and data collection
• Assist with analysis of data/information, next steps and communication of results to staff and members
• Represent AF&PA to outside audiences, organizations and strategic alliances through various means including public speaking to groups of all sizes
• Serve on the Product Sustainability and Market Access Team and track the budget
• Serve as staff executive for the Renewable Bag Council

Recycling Outreach

• Manage the development and execution of Recovered Fiber educational outreach plan to accomplish the industry’s objectives, to include:
• Keep members apprised of relevant Recovered Fiber initiatives and activities
• Engage other recycling industry associations to advance common educational outreach goals
• Provide information and content ideas and collaborate with communications staff team on creation of interactive, informative and up-to-date recycling-related materials for the AF&PA website, print and digital media (with communications and vendors)
• Support execution of communications/outreach plans for America Recycles Week
• Lead educational/advocacy with outside stakeholders and municipalities supporting product recyclability.

General

• Participate in Sector and committee program planning, and prepare materials for meetings
• Create documents and memos on assigned topics
• Draft text and create graphics for presentations
• Maintain and update committee distribution lists (for mailing letters, e-mail notices, etc.).
• Help manage and monitor Industry Affairs departmental budget planning and implementation
• Conduct research and participate in other special projects as approved by supervisors

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred; Sustainability, Business Administration, Marketing, or Communications preferred
• Five or more years of professional work experience required, including experience in one or more of the following roles: federal or state policy development, corporate or trade association government, industry affairs or sustainability, or other related role
• Experience in packaging, recycling, sustainability, product stewardship, and/or natural resources preferred
• Excellent communication skills in writing, editing and public presentation
• Strong organizational and project management skills to effectively balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and research skills
• Ability to produce high quality work within tight deadlines
• Ability to develop, analyze and evaluate statistical data
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with initiative, and limited supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and exercise discretion in sensitive AF&PA matters and on policy and market issues
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive rapport with co-workers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel to member facilities, industry conferences, and policymaker meetings in the US and Canada
• Ability to occasionally work outside of regular business hours/days as necessary

Working at AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) values diverse backgrounds and capabilities and invites all talented individuals to apply to be part of our team and support our culture and mission. We encourage the exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and different perspectives to reach our goals and we support work/life balance. We offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick leave totaling 27-42 days per year, plus holidays
• 100%-85% paid CareFirst medical plans for employees (multiple options)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan with up to 9% employer contribution after waiting period
• Free access to a new 7,000 sqft fitness center with Pelotons, Mirror Fitness, weights and more
• Plus dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account...

About AF&PA

AF&PA serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $60 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.

• Health insurance