Senior Associate, Policy and Programs

~ Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. (PSI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the health and environmental impacts of consumer products. ~

PSI brings together key stakeholders with conflicting interests to develop product end-of-life solutions in a collaborative manner, with a focus on having manufacturers assume primary financial and managerial responsibility.

With a robust membership base of 47 state governments, along with hundreds of local governments from coast-to-coast, and more than 90 companies, organizations, universities, and non-U.S. governments, PSI advances both voluntary programs and legislation to promote industry-led product stewardship initiatives. For more information, please visit www.productstewardship.us.

At PSI, we envision a society in which consumer product manufacturers take primary responsibility for the environmental, health, and economic impacts of their products all across their lifecycle-particularly at the end of a product's intended usefulness.

When manufacturers are required, by law, to design, manufacture, and manage their products in environmentally responsible ways, the result will be products that are less toxic and less hazardous. Additionally, local taxpayers and governments will be relieved of the financial and operational burdens of materials collection and management. 

Position Overview  

The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) seeks an experienced, self-motivated, and highly organized project manager and sustainable materials management advocate to assist in the development and implementation of product stewardship policies and programs across the U.S. These include programs stemming from extended producer responsibility legislation, as well as voluntary, industry-run initiatives.

PSI is conducting cutting-edge work on reducing the negative health, environmental, and economic impacts from consumer products-including electronics, batteries, pharmaceuticals, tires, paint, and thermostats-and seeks someone who can deliver top-notch results while meeting tight deadlines, multi-tasking, and adapting to unexpected changes. This is a full-time position based in our fast-paced Boston, Massachusetts office. 

Responsibilities  

In your role as Associate for Policy and Programs, you will be responsible for managing multiple, multi-faceted, and often complex product stewardship projects. You will conduct research, draft and edit reports, facilitate conference calls and meetings with diverse stakeholder groups, craft policies, develop legislative strategy, and (where appropriate) advocate for legislation.

You will also be responsible for pursuing new business/funding opportunities, aiding in strategic planning, and establishing and nurturing partnerships with industry, government, and environmental groups. You will manage one or more staff and be able to work well alone and as part of a team. 

Specific Duties:   

• Manage multiple, complex, and fast-moving projects from conception through implementation and measurement/reporting;
• Design and conduct research, analyze data, and write meaningful public reports;
• Ensure that projects and programs meet quality, timeline, and budget goals;
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings and conference calls pertaining to technical product stewardship topics;
• Create impactful PowerPoint presentations and speak on behalf of PSI at conferences, meetings, and on webinars;
• Write grant proposals; 
• Seek out and develop projects that advance the organization's mission;
• Build and nurture relationships with companies, environmental groups, and government agencies;
• Keep abreast of domestic and international product stewardship initiatives, and be able to advise PSI's Chief Executive Officer, Members, and Partners-particularly during the legislative process;
• Provide input into the organization's Strategic Plan, and advise in its implementation; and
• Manage and mentor junior staff and interns. 

Qualifications 

Requirements:

The ideal Associate of Policy and Programs will have a strong environmental background, preferably in waste/materials management and product stewardship/EPR, and may have specific background in environmental science, economics, environmental policy, or a related field. 

• Masters Degree or equivalent in an environmental discipline strongly preferred. At least 6-10 years experience in the environmental field.
• Adept at managing multiple, complex projects simultaneously with proven ability to produce high-quality results, on time, and within budget. 
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced organization with numerous priorities. 
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, management, and mentoring junior staff. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and objectively with representatives from government, industry, and environmental groups. 
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional writing, presentation, and data analysis skills, and the ability to translate ideas into clear, compelling proposals, presentations, and reports. 
• Ability and initiative to identify and build relationships with potential clients and partners.
• Positive "let's make it happen" attitude.
• Knowledge of voluntary and regulatory product stewardship pr ograms, laws, and regulations in the U.S. and abroad. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience (includes a generous benefits package). 

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to email a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (one research report and one shorter piece, preferably via hyperlink) to Amanda Nicholson.
• Applications received without writing samples will not be considered. Additional work samples welcome.
• Type "Associate of Policy and Programs" into the subject line.  
• Deadline Application is January 2, 2015; with a start date of February 2015.  

~ The Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and provider. ~