Sr. Director, Policy Implementation

The Recycling Partnership•Washington, DC

13d•$155,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, Policy, this role advances and operationalizes extended producer responsibility (EPR) and related recycling policy at the state level, ensuring The Recycling Partnership is strategically positioned to influence policy development and support effective, equitable recycling systems. Serving as a subject matter expert on EPR legislation and regulatory frameworks, this role leads state-level policy engagement, builds and maintains strategic relationships with key stakeholders, and oversees high-impact policy analysis and implementation initiatives. In close collaboration with cross-functional teams, the Senior Director monitors legislative and regulatory activity, translates policy developments into actionable guidance, supports state and Circular Action Alliance (CAA) RFP efforts, and contributes to policy-driven deliverables that advance organizational priorities and measurable impact across states.

Requirements

5–7 years of experience in public policy, legislative or regulatory affairs, government relations, and/or government service.
Experience with California state policy and regulatory processes.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with interest holders across government, nonprofit, and industry sectors.
Strong understanding of state legislative, rulemaking, and regulatory processes.
Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
Ability to attend frequent, in-person meetings in Sacramento, CA, sometimes on a weekly basis
Resides within commuting distance of Sacramento or is willing to relocate
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Ability to manage projects, budgets, and competing priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Knowledge of recycling, packaging, environmental policy, or related fields.
Proficiency with standard business tools, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in public policy, law, environmental management, or a related field.
Experience with extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems and recycling-related policy in California.
Experience writing policy reports, briefs, or memos.
Experience leading or managing people and projects.
Exposure to budget management and/or RFP development.
Comfort representing organizations in public forums, conferences, or technical settings.

Responsibilities

Serve as the organization’s senior expert on EPR policy and implementation in assigned states.
Monitor and interpret legislative, regulatory, and rulemaking activity.
Develop policy positions, written comments, and guidance related to EPR implementation.
Provide clear, actionable policy insights to support internal planning and decision-making.
Translate complex policy developments into practical guidance for staff, partners, and funders.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, nonprofits, industry partners, and community organizations.
Represent the organization at state-level meetings, coalitions, and industry events.
Stay informed on interest holder priorities, dynamics, and influence within assigned states.
Advise internal teams on engagement strategies, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities.
Lead policy-focused projects, including assessments and implementation planning efforts.
Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality policy analyses, reports, and tools.
Support implementation initiatives by providing policy context, interest holder perspectives, and content review.
Serve as a policy advisor on select RFP implementation projects, as needed.
Lead, coach, and develop team members to support performance and growth.
Foster accountability, collaboration, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Model inclusive leadership and contribute to a positive, values-driven culture.
Collaborate with senior leaders to advance cross-functional initiatives and organizational goals.
Build team capacity through delegation, mentoring, and talent development.
Identify policy-related consulting and advisory opportunities in assigned states.
Support state-level and Circular Action Alliance (CAA) RFP development in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Provide policy insights to inform proposals, scopes of work, and budgets.