Senior Director, Plastics Chemistry

Position Summary

The position is responsible for developing and implementing the Plastics Division’s strategies and policies at the intersection of plastics and chemistry, including but not limited to the chemicals in plastics throughout their lifecycle, microplastics, and the relationship between chemicals, plastics and public health and the environment. This person will serve as an internally- and externally facing expert on issues relating to the production of plastics; the chemicals present in plastic manufacturing, plastic products, and during plastic recycling and disposal; microplastics; and the laws and regulations that govern those issues. This person will also serve as a liaison between the Plastics Division and other divisions at ACC responsible for chemicals management policy. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Plastics.   

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads ACC’s strategy and advocacy on issues related to plastics chemistry, additives and microplastics in state, federal and global arenas.
• Manages member committee(s) dedicated to advocacy on plastics chemistry and microplastics.
• Communicates ACC position on plastics chemistry and microplastics issues to Members of Congress and their staffs, Executive Branch agencies, and state legislatures and agencies.
• Builds strong relationships across the plastics industry and allied groups, fostering collaboration on plastics chemistry, additives and microplastics issues.
• Presents strategies to the Plastics Division Operating Committee (PDOC) and, when needed, the ACC Board of Directors.
• Represents ACC as a subject matter expert at public speaking engagements and stakeholder events.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications/Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, public policy or relevant field.
• Ten years related experience with business, trade, government, political or policy advocacy organization.
• Strong written and oral communications skills, as well as the ability to deliver effective internal, external and public presentations.
• Ability to strategically focus ACC’s programmatic efforts toward supporting policy and advocacy opportunities.  
• Ability to cultivate, manage and leverage high quality stakeholder relationships for successful outcomes.
• Ability to work independently on a variety of complex matters simultaneously, including ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues, policy opportunities, technical projects, tasks, allies and member requests.
• Ability to design and implement strategy, direction and action plans.  
• Ability to build consensus, work in a team environment, and coordinate across groups.

Preferred 

• Master’s degree in science, engineering, public policy or relevant field. 
• Demonstrated experience working in a difficult/controversial industry, product or sector. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical or related industry.   
• Demonstrated experience communicating on technical issues with government, third party stakeholders, and media audiences.

ACC Benefits

ACC offers medical, dental, vision as well as a 401(k) matching contribution up to 6% of eligible compensation and an automatic 6% contribution of eligible compensation to the Profit-Sharing Plan, both vested immediately at 100%. Staff enjoys a hybrid work schedule and is eligible for performance-based merit increases and discretionary bonus programs as well as access to a no cost onsite fitness center and subsidized yoga classes