Senior Associate for Policy and Programs

The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) seeks a passionate, self-motivated environmental policy enthusiast with strong project management and leadership skills to join our team of dedicated, collaborative environmental stewards. The person we seek will have experience with extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship programs and policy and will have implemented recycling, reuse, composting, and reduction programs in the government, nonprofit, or private sectors. In addition, top candidates will have experience in multi-stakeholder facilitation. This position is an excellent opportunity to be part of a fast-paced organization that has been at the forefront of the U.S. EPR movement for the past 25 years.

• Compensation: $75,000 - $85,000 plus generous benefits package
• Application Deadline: Until filled.
• Start Date: Immediate opening.
• Location: Remote/Hybrid; Boston, Mass. base preferred.

About PSI

The Product Stewardship Institute is a policy advocate and consulting nonprofit working to ensure products are responsibly managed from design to end of life. In 2000, PSI pioneered product stewardship in the United States by convening diverse stakeholders in facilitated dialogue to develop EPR policies and programs. Drawing on global best practices and expansive multinational relationships, our policy models, facilitation services, and expert testimony have helped enact 141 EPR laws in 33 states across 20 product categories including packaging. Our members include state, local, and tribal governments in 48 states, and we partner with more than 100 businesses, academic institutions, environmental nonprofits, and international governments. Together, we advance scalable solutions that protect people and the planet. Join us at www.productstewardship.us.

Senior Associate for Policy and Program Role

The senior associate for policy and programs will report to and work closely with the director of policy and programs, as well as the chief executive officer, the policy team, and PSI’s members and partners to conduct research, facilitate policy dialogues, and develop product stewardship and EPR policy models, programs, and legislation. The senior associate will coordinate, manage, and collaborate on initiatives related to packaging, batteries, textiles, mattresses, electronics, solar panels, gas cylinders and other products and materials as they rise in priority for our members. They will be the lead on assigned projects and products to advance PSI’s mission.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage multiple, complex, and fast-moving EPR policy and product stewardship-related projects from conception through implementation and evaluation; ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to PSI’s high-quality standards.
• In collaboration with the director of policy and programs and CEO, help to design, coordinate, and facilitate multi-stakeholder workgroups and dialogue meetings focused on technical EPR topics and policy development.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and write high-impact reports that support the development and implementation of EPR programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate national government workgroups on EPR policy and manage PSI’s product-specific online information hubs to provide technical support and build capacity among PSI members to implement EPR policies and programs.
• Participate in policy intelligence calls with PSI partners (businesses, nonprofits, and foreign governments) to provide information and build capacity for companies and environmental groups to participate in EPR program development and implementation.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislative activities nationwide across assigned products; analyze policies, regulations, and legislation; advocate for the passage of bills.
• Help build and nurture relationships with governments, companies, and environmental groups.
• Help identify and develop new funding opportunities with the CEO, COO, and other staff.
• Represent PSI at conferences and on webinars, including delivering compelling presentations.
• Keep abreast of domestic and international EPR developments and initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental and/or materials management policy and programs, formal training and/or experience in facilitation and/or mediation, and proven experience managing projects, both individually and on a team, as well as the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in a relevant field such as environmental science or policy, materials management, product stewardship.
• 5+ years of experience in the environmental field, including product stewardship and EPR policy, working in the government, nonprofit, and/or private sectors.
• Adept at managing multiple projects at once, producing high-quality, timely results on budget.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process and interest and ability to advocate for policies during and outside the legislative process.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder groups in person, over video calls, and on the phone; formal facilitation and/or mediation training is preferred.
• Strong technical skills, including research and survey techniques, data analysis, pilot design, policy analysis, program evaluation; ability to advocate for bills during the legislative process.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including exceptional writing and the ability to translate ideas into clear, compelling proposals, presentations, and reports.
• 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 members, partners, strategic allies, and funders.
• Positive “can do” attitude and ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

To Apply: Email (with subject line “Senior Associate for Policy and Programs”) a cover letter, resume, two writing samples (one research report and one shorter piece), and other work samples that demonstrate your strengths to amanda@productstewardship.us.

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