The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), a national trade association based in Annapolis, Maryland representing over 98,000 direct manufacturing jobs in the U.S., seeks a Director of Government Affairs. This position will direct various aspects of the FPA’s Government Affairs portfolio including, but not limited, to state and federal legislation monitoring, reporting and lobbying; on FPA’s advocacy efforts relating to, at minimum, extended producer responsibility, chemicals in packaging, labeling, recycled content mandates, advanced recycling and international tariffs and trade; supporting relevant FPA committees and councils; speaking on behalf of FPA at industry, coalition, conference and legislative events and meetings; and directing the FPA Political Action Committee (FlexPAC).

Responsibilities

Identify, analyze, and respond to relevant state and federal legislative proposals and policy trends related to FPA's policy priorities. Direct systems to track and report each of these priorities.

• Develop, write, and/or review articles, briefs, newsletters, testimony and other materials to support advocacy efforts, member communications and FPA thought leadership in coordination with FPA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability, FPA’s Vice President of Communications and FPA’s President & CEO.
• Serve as registered lobbyist for FPA as needed and direct FPA state and federal contract lobbyists.
• Deliver oral and written testimony on state and federal legislation as needed.
• Direct and provide logistics support for FPA state and federal fly-ins and site visit programs in coordination with FPA state and federal contract lobbyists.
• Communicate with state and federal elected officials and their staff on behalf of FPA members to build relationships between elected officials and their constituents.
• Maintain database to track engagement with state and federal officials and staff.
• Coordinate with FPA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability on identifying and directing research needs in support of FPA advocacy efforts.
• Serve as support staff for relevant FPA coalitions, committees and councils in coordination with FPA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability and FPA’s President & CEO.
• Direct the FPA Political Action Committee (FlexPAC) contributions and disbursements in coordination with the FlexPAC Board and consultant.
• Attend, engage and speak at FPA events, industry tradeshows, elected official stakeholder groups and other coalition events as assigned and needed.

Benefits 

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance with no premium cost to the employee.
• Generous PTO, sick and other leave.
• Employee 401K plan with employer matching contribution up to three percent.
• Professional development opportunities and membership in continuing education organizations may be provided.
• Hybrid schedule with up to two days working from home or location other than the FPA office. Thursdays are mandatory in-office days.

This position will report to FPA’s President & CEO and work very closely with FPA’S Director of Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability. This is a hybrid position. Cover letter, resume and salary requirements should be sent to resume@flexpack.org. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, public policy, or environmental science – advanced degrees welcome.
• 5-10 years’ experience directing/managing state and federal government affairs functions.
• Experience managing consultants and junior level employees.
• Trade association experience desired but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Clear engagement/experience within state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience with developing and implementing industry public policy priorities.
• Familiarity with directing committee and coalition work within a trade association.
• Familiarity with the role of political action committees within a trade association.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholder audiences, including legislators and legislatures.
• Self-motivated with attention to detail and excellent analytical, strategic, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work on various projects simultaneously, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results. 
• A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with colleagues from multiple backgrounds.
• Ability to travel – eventually as much as 50%.

About Flexible Packaging Association

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) represents over 200 manufacturer and supplier companies within the U.S. flexible packaging industry. This is the fastest growing and second largest segment of the U.S. packaging industry, representing $151 billion in total economic impact and nearly 399,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the U.S. These workers collectively earn more than $33.4 billion in wages and benefits, reinforcing that flexible packaging is not only essential to product protection but also a key driver of American employment and economic vitality. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, or any combination of these materials, and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, roll stock, and other flexible products

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