Director of Policy and Programs

Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. (PSI) is a national non-profit environmental institute with membership from 47 states, over 200 local governments, and more than 75 businesses, organizations, universities, and non-U.S. governments. PSI establishes cooperative agreements to reduce the health and environmental impacts from consumer products.

PSI's mission is to pursue initiatives to ensure that all those involved in the lifecycle of a product share responsibility for reducing its health and environmental impacts, with producers bearing primary financial responsibility.

The Product Stewardship Institute envisions a society in which products are responsibly manufactured, used, and managed after use to conserve resources and protect the environment and human health.

Position Overview:

The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) seeks a highly organized and visionary product stewardship advocate to lead the development and implementation of policies and programs, including voluntary industry-run initiatives and legislated producer responsibility programs. PSI is conducting cutting-edge work on product stewardship and sustainability, and seeks someone who has the energy, expertise, independence, and creativity to thrive in a fast-paced organization.

The Director of Policy and Programs will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, other staff, and the Board of Directors to craft policy positions, develop legislative strategy, and conduct research, pilot projects, outreach, and other initiatives to advance the organization's mission. The position involves forming partnerships with industry, government, and environmental groups; research and writing; legislative advocacy; strategic planning; and related efforts. The Director of Policy and Programs will also help develop new funding opportunities.

• Ensure that all projects and programs meet quality, timeline, and budget goals, and align with PSI's mission and strategic plan.
• Make policy recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors.
• Keep abreast of product stewardship legislative activities nationwide across all product categories, review and summarize activities, and advise PSI members and partners. Provide technical support to members and partners during the legislative process.
• Seek out and develop projects that further the organization's mission, as well craft proposals for funding opportunities in collaboration with other staff.
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings and conference calls pertaining to technical product stewardship topics.
• Design and conduct research, and develop analytical reports.
• Provide communications staff with high-level project updates for communications, outreach, and marketing purposes.
• Oversight, management, and mentorship of senior and junior associates and interns.
• Represent PSI at conferences and meetings nationwide.
• Provide input into the organization's Strategic Plan.

The Director of Policy and Programs will have an extensive background in Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility, and may have specific background in environmental science, economics, environmental policy, environmental sustainability, or a related field.

• Masters Degree in an environmental discipline. At least 15 years experience in the environmental field, of which at least 5 years has been in product stewardship.
• Deep knowledge of voluntary and regulatory product stewardship programs, laws, and regulations in the U.S. and abroad.
• Ability to work collaboratively and objectively with representatives from government, industry, and environmental groups.
• Adept at managing complex projects to produce high-quality results, and keep them on time and on budget.
• Ability to identify, engage, and take the initiative to build relationships with potential clients and partners.  
• At least 5 years managing diverse teams. Demonstrated success in mentoring, training, and motivating research, program, and policy staff.
• 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.
• Big-picture, strategic thinker with a positive "let's make it happen" attitude.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience (includes a generous benefits package).

Deadline Application: Rolling. Please check the news and events bulletin on the PSI home page to make sure the position is still posted.

Start Date: August 1