Full time

TalentRemedy; Virginia; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentRemedy is seeking a Director of Federal Affairs to lead the policy strategy on recycling infrastructure, labeling standards, and waste management. You will interact with Congress, the EPA, FTC, and other agencies to advance positions and provide strategic guidance to member companies.

The role demands deep knowledge of federal environmental policy, strong Capitol Hill relationships, and the ability to translate complex regulatory developments into clear advocacy plans for industry

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required.
• 7–9 years with Congress, EPA, FTC or similar federal/state agencies on packaging/recycling policy.
• Experience with Senate Commerce Committee or House Energy and Commerce Committee preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years in environmental policy, packaging sustainability, recycling infrastructure, or waste management.
• Track record of results in government, association and/or political environments.
• Advocacy or public affairs campaign experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of policy strategies related to recycling technology and infrastructure, labeling and waste management, including interactions with EPA and FTC.
• Advocate for policy positions impacting consumer packaged goods with the U.S. government, including Capitol Hill advocacy.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Congress, regulators, and allied trade associations to build strategic support.
• Develop proactive policy positions and industry response plans for regulatory shifts and trends.
• Monitor and assess federal implications of state packaging policies to ensure cohesive federal strategy.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and Communications to shape policy positions and draft materials.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Public speaking

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

Arlington, United States | Posted on 10/16/2026

TalentRemedy is revolutionizing the way recruiting is being done!

Job Description

Company Overview:A leading trade association representing some of the most recognized and trusted consumer brands, this organization plays a vital role in shaping the policies and conversations that impact products people rely on every day. With a focus on advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, it brings together industry leaders to drive progress on issues like consumer safety, sustainability, and marketplace growth. Joining the team means contributing to work that directly influences the future of the brands and products that touch millions of lives.

Position Overview: The Director of Federal Affairs will drive our clients' federal policy strategy on issues including recycling infrastructure and technology, packaging labeling and design standards, and solid waste management. The director will work closely with Congress, EPA, FTC, and other federal agencies to advance the association’s positions, while serving as a trusted resource to member companies navigating a rapidly evolving policy landscape. This role requires someone who can operate at the intersection of policy, politics, and industry. The ideal candidate brings familiarity with federal environmental and packaging policy, established relationships on Capitol Hill and with relevant agencies, and the ability to translate complex regulatory developments into clear strategic guidance for members.

Requirements

Key areas of responsibility (Advocacy, Stakeholder and Member Engagement, and Issue Expertise):

• Lead the development and execution of policy strategies related to recycling technology and infrastructure, labeling and waste management, including interactions with federal and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission.
• Advocate for policy positions impacting consumer packaged goods manufacturers with the U.S. government, including Capitol Hill advocacy aligned with our clients’ objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Congress, federal regulators, and allied trade associations to build strategic support for policy initiatives.
• Develop proactive policy positions and industry response plans in anticipation of regulatory shifts, ensuring the organization is monitoring, identifying, and communicating trends or policy developments impacting the industry.
• Track and assess the federal implications of state-level packaging policies to ensure our clients’ federal strategy accounts for the full policy landscape.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks and other policies impacting recycling in consumer products and packaging.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and Communications, to shape and promote policy positions, draft legislative materials, and develop compelling internal and external narratives.
• Act as the liaison to member companies for recycling issues, providing updates on emerging legislation, administrative or Congressional actions and advocacy initiatives.
• Engage with member businesses to build cross-industry support and coordinate cohesive policy approaches.
• Represent the organization in industry coalitions and public forums, effectively articulating the clients’ policy positions.
• Monitor and assess federal legislation, regulations, and emerging policies, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, recycled content mandates, and packaging sustainability requirements, to ensure proactive strategy development.
• Provide research, data, and issue-related information to staff, members, and stakeholders through reports, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Collaborate with Federal Affairs team to ensure thorough advocacy for all other federal policy priorities.

Advocate for practical, science-based packaging and recycling policies that balance regulatory goals with the operational realities of consumer packaged goods manufacturers.

Experience & Education:

• A minimum of a BA/BS degree is required.
• 7-9 years of direct experience working with Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, and/or other federal and state agencies on packaging, recycling, environmental, or sustainability policy issues, is required.
• Experience working with Senate Commerce Committee or House Energy and Commerce Committee preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of related employment required in a relevant field such as environmental policy, packaging sustainability, recycling infrastructure, or waste management.
• A track record of demonstrated results in government, association and/or political environments.
• Advocacy or public affairs campaign experience preferred. Congressional office or federal/state agency experience a plus.

Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state packaging, recycling, and environmental regulations pertinent to consumer packaged goods is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on collaboration, customer service, and relationship building.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to translate complex concepts for various audiences.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Passion for learning issues, building strategy and tactics, and executing against a plan and driving results.
• Advanced public speaking skills and the presence/confidence to represent the association and its position(s) to external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Office 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for report generation, data analysis and presentations.
• Flexibility in learning new software and/or computer/technical applications.
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.