Senior Policy and Program Manager

~ 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 our website.  

PSI Mission and Vision

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, driven, and highly organized manager to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of product stewardship policies and programs across the U.S. This is a full-time position based in our fast-paced Boston, Massachusetts office.

These programs include those stemming from extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, as well as voluntary, industry-run initiatives. PSI is conducting cutting-edge materials management policy work to reduce the negative health, environmental, and economic impacts of consumer products-including electronics, batteries, tires, paint, packaging, pharmaceuticals, thermostats, and carpet-and seeks someone who can deliver top-notch results while meeting tight deadlines, multi-tasking, and adapting to unexpected changes.  

Job Summary

In your role as Senior Policy and Program Manager, you will lead a team of junior and senior staff and interns. You will be responsible for managing multiple, multi-faceted, and often complex product stewardship projects that include facilitated dialogues, pilot projects, research, and custom-designed consulting projects.

You will work with, and oversee, program staff to conduct research, draft and edit reports, facilitate conference calls and meetings with diverse stakeholder groups, craft model policies, develop legislative strategy, and (at times) advocate for legislation.

You will also be responsible for pursuing new business/funding opportunities, developing funding proposals, assisting in strategic planning, and establishing and nurturing partnerships with government, industry, and environmental groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage/mentor a team of program and policy staff and interns;
• Manage multiple, complex, and fast-moving projects from conception through implementation and measurement/reporting; ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget while meeting PSI's high quality standards;
• Design and conduct research, analyze data, and write impactful reports;
• Analyze/recommend policies, regulations, and legislation, and advocate for passage;
• Seek out, identify, and develop new business opportunities that advance the organization's mission;
• Write grant proposals and other project funding proposals; 
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings and conference calls pertaining to technical product stewardship topics;
• Create PowerPoint presentations and speak on behalf of PSI at conferences, meetings, and on webinars;
• Build and nurture relationships with companies, environmental groups, and government agencies;
• Keep abreast of domestic and international product stewardship initiatives, and advise PSI's Chief Executive Officer, Members, and Partners; and
• Provide input into the organization's Strategic Plan, and advise in its implementation.

Qualifications & Requirements 

The ideal candidate will have a strong environmental policy background, demonstrated project management and staff management experience, and an ability to generate new business. 

Other qualifications include: 

• Masters Degree or equivalent experience in an environmental discipline strongly preferred. Fifteen or more (15+) years experience in the environmental field.
• Positive "let's make it happen" attitude with entrepreneurial drive. 
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, management, and mentoring junior staff.
• Ability to multi-task at a high level in a fast-paced organization with numerous priorities. 
• Skilled at business development and grant writing. Able to proactively conceive of, design, and develop funding proposals for new projects, with minimal managerial oversight. 
• Exceptional technical skills including research techniques, pilot design, and policy analysis; ability to advocate for policies, including during the legislative process.
• Extensive facilitation experience.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional writing, and the ability to translate ideas into clear, compelling proposals, presentations, and reports with minimal editing. 
• Adept at managing multiple, complex projects simultaneously with proven ability to produce high-quality results, on time, and within budget. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and objectively with representatives from government, industry, environmental groups, and those with other stakeholder interests. 
• Ability and initiative to identify and build relationships with potential clients and strategic partners.
• Strategic thinker who can help develop organization's strategic plan and direction. 
• Knowledge of voluntary and regulatory product stewardship programs, laws, and regulations in the U.S. and abroad. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $75,000 to $90,000+ This position includes a generous benefits package. 

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (one research report and one shorter piece) to Amanda Nicholson. 
• Be sure to type "Senior Policy and Program Manager" into the subject line.  
• Applications received without writing samples will not be considered. Additional work samples welcome. 

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