Vice President, Communications with PLASTICS

Cessna & Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Hybrid work environment

Unlimited paid time off

Free onsite fitness center & wellness program

Job summary

A leading industry association in Washington, DC, is seeking a Vice President of Communications to develop and execute strategic narratives and lead external communications. The ideal candidate will manage a team and collaborate with senior leadership to enhance the organization's visibility and reputation. Applicants should have over 10 years of experience in communications, strong writing skills, and a background in media relations. This role offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Minimum of five years of experience leading and managing teams.
• Experience in a trade association, communications firm, or public relations agency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s external communications strategy.
• Ensure consistent, compelling, and effective communications.
• Manage a team of four communications professionals.

Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Organization: Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Position: Vice President, Communications

Reports To: President and CEO

Location: Washington, DC

Are you a strategic communications leader with expertise in earned media, reputation management, and policy-adjacent storytelling?

Join the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, and representing the nation’s nearly one million workers across the plastics industry supply chain. PLASTICS is seeking a Vice President of Communications to lead the organization’s external communications strategy and shape how PLASTICS, plastics, and the plastics industry are perceived by key external audiences.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape narrative and reputation in a complex, policy-adjacent environment for a mission-driven organization!

PLASTICS offers

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Hybrid work environment
• Unlimited paid time off
• Generous benefits package
• Work-life balance programs
• Free onsite fitness center & wellness program
• Chance to learn, grow, and have some fun while making a meaningful impact

As the Vice President of Communications, you will be responsible for strengthening PLASTICS’ visibility, credibility, and influence through strategic narrative development, policy-driven communications, digital engagement, earned media, and reputation management. You will serve as a senior advisor to leadership and work in close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, compelling, and effective communications. This role plays a critical part in advancing PLASTICS’ policy priorities and industry initiatives by aligning creative storytelling, media engagement, and social media strategy with PLASTICS’ mission and strategic vision. This hands‑on leadership position that reports to the President and CEO and manages a team of four communications professionals.

Qualified candidates offer

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations
• Minimum of five years of experience leading and managing teams
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft, refine, and adapt communications while translating complex issues into clear, compelling narratives
• Demonstrated success managing earned media, high-profile communications, and sensitive or complex issues
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with media, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with media, partners, and internal stakeholders; executive-level discretion working with C-suite leadership
• Experience in a trade association, communications firm, or public relations agency preferred; experience in policy-adjacent, regulated, or issue-driven environments strongly preferred

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the qualifications, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples via the application link (or copy/paste link to a new window):

Additional inquiries may be directed to Beth Cessna at [e-mail] or 202-232-1765.

PLASTICS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Salary Range: $230,000 - $250,000

About The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain. From the technological advancements plastics enable to the possibilities they create, PLASTICS is dedicated to helping members shape the future and make a positive impact every day.

Together, employees at PLASTICS help shape the direction of the plastics industry while learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions along the way.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.