VP, Public Policy & Advocacy Strategy

American Forest & Paper Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility up to 20%

Hybrid DC office

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid vacation and leave

Job summary

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) seeks a VP of Public Policy to lead policy analysis, research, and advocacy strategies shaping government regulations for the paper and packaging sector. You will anticipate opportunities and threats, develop policy positions, and guide strategies to support member priorities.

This senior leader will collaborate across government affairs, industry affairs, and communications, oversee staff, and serve as the organization’s spokesperson before

Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years of experience with regulatory policy advocacy, analyses, and filing public comments.
• Seven (7) or more years of experience managing staff and delivering policy results.
• Experience serving as a policy spokesperson in government policy proceedings.
• Experience with two or more policy issues impacting the industry (air, water, climate, etc.).
• Solid understanding of federal regulatory process.
• Understanding of the pulp, paper, packaging and tissue products industry.
• Ability to identify emerging issues, think strategically, and advocate before regulatory and legislative bodies.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and develop staff.
• Willingness to travel within the US ~5-10%.

Responsibilities

• Oversee analyses of proposed regulations and legislation, assess short‑ and long‑term impacts to the industry and provide strategic counsel to AF&A members.
• Lead development of regulatory and policy positions and development and implementation of advocacy strategy.
• Direct research and development of legal, scientific, or technical analysis to support AF&A policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Draft persuasive comments on regulatory proposals, support government affairs colleagues on legislative initiatives, and collaborate with colleagues from strategic communications department.
• Serve as the Association's senior policy expert and spokesperson, and advocate on key regulatory issues before federal, state, and other regulatory bodies.
• Persuasively represent and advance member interests with federal agencies, regulatory authorities, and selected international organizations.
• Partner with the Legal Department and outside counsel in anticipation of potential litigation of regulatory policy through comments, legal analysis, and litigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with members, allied associations, government agencies, think tanks, NGOs and other outside groups.
• Engage in membership outreach and recruitment efforts on a regular basis.
• Serve as a member of key policy and cross‑functional teams across AF&A.
• Develop and oversee budgets for the department, its programs and issues.
• Provide leadership, mentorship and oversight for the public policy staff and function, including:

Skills

Policy advocacy

Thought leadership

Public speaking

Written communication

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Public policy

Regulatory affairs

Education

Advanced degree in public policy, environmental policy, government, or related field; JD strongly preferred

Job description

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) seeks a VP of Public Policy to lead policy analysis, research, and advocacy strategies shaping government regulations for the paper and packaging sector. You will anticipate opportunities and threats, develop policy positions, and guide strategies to support member priorities.

This senior leader will collaborate across government affairs, industry affairs, and communications, oversee staff, and serve as the organization’s spokesperson before