Director of The Solutions to Plastic Pollution Resource Center, Beyond Plastics

POSITION SUMMARY

Beyond Plastics is seeking a highly organized, self-motivated, innovative, and strategically-minded public policy and organizing professional with proven results in advancing effective policy solutions at the State or local level. This new addition to the Beyond Plastics team will be the Director of a new resource center dedicated to providing policymakers with solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. The Director will work closely with the Beyond Plastics team to provide technical assistance, give expert testimony, and support advocates and policymakers around the country in developing and building public support of effective plastic reduction policies. The Director will also educate reporters to help them fully understand the range of policy considerations and spot false solutions. This position will be a key member of the Beyond Plastics staff and will interface extensively with citizen activists on behalf of Beyond Plastics.Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to synthesize information quickly, think strategically, and adapt to ever-changing political landscapes. This position is full-time and remote, but will involve some travel to state capitals. 

ABOUT BEYOND PLASTICS

Beyond Plastics’ mission is to end the global crisis of plastic pollution. We are a catalyst for action on policies that reduce plastic production and use, promote alternatives, and require companies to take responsibility for their waste. 

Beyond Plastics was founded by Judith Enck, a high-profile environmental policy expert and dynamic community leader. She began her career as an environmental advocate and has held top influential positions in state and federal government, including as Regional Administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, appointed by President Obama, and as the Deputy Secretary for the Environment for two New York State Governors. After working on waste issues for more than 30 years, she saw the need to help strengthen  this new plastic pollution movement and support advocacy efforts. 

We are a growing program with a passionate, collaborative, and dedicated staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop strategies and project goals: create and implement a state-by-state strategy to get strong plastic pollution policies adopted at the State level, in selected states.

Media outreach: work closely with the media to educate them on the policy implications and amplify the campaigns.

Analyze policy proposals and provide technical support, expert testimony, and presentations.

Research, develop, and hone state-level policy solutions to our plastic pollution crisis.

Create educational materials that clearly communicate complex programs and messages in ways that effectively engage different audiences and shift the narrative towards effective solutions to plastic pollution.

Work with state partners to build and maintain coalitions in support of strong, effective policies; provide strategic direction and technical support.

Outreach to new constituencies to help grow public support.

Strategically engage and support the President of Beyond Plastics on state-level campaigns.

Think big and have fun.

As a valued member of the team, provide input and new ideas to the overall direction of the work.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values.  The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

Commitment:

A strong interest in ending plastic pollution and a commitment to the goals of Beyond Plastics.

A demonstrated commitment to social equity and racial justice and an eagerness to understand how these issues are related in communities impacted by plastic pollution.

Grounded in the connections between climate, economic, and racial justice and the ability to speak fluently about these issues.

Comfort in dealing with a wide range of constituencies.

Ability to work well within a team of motivated individuals.

Education/Experience:

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years of experience in public policy, political advocacy, organizing, digital activism, or related field.

Experience working in progressive movements.

Proficiency with Google Suite, as well as a solid grasp of how to use current technology such as zoom, social media, and basic design programs.

Skills:

Sense of humor.

Excellent writing and public speaking skills.

Excellent research skills.

Strong time management skills – knowing how to prioritize and analyze our value added opportunities.

Demonstrated success in navigating State-level government to get strong policies enacted.

Self-organized and self-directed – able to work independently and coordinate multiple projects on tight deadlines without letting tasks slip.

Persistent – willing to follow up with team members and partners to make sure you have all of the information and resources you need, and that everyone knows their part in your projects.

Ability to set goals and priorities, plan, organize, and problem-solve.

Hard-working and detail-oriented.

Ability to build and maintain relationships. Able to work effectively as a team player and to give constructive feedback.

Comfort in dealing with a wide range of constituencies.

Ability to project a professional presence and conduct relationships in an ethical manner with a high degree of tact, sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.

Note: The position requires the successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Basic Graphic design

Media/communications skills – experience running news conferences

Experience with Action Network or other eCRMs

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND REQUIREMENTS

This is a fully remote position, but will require travel for in-person meetings. The majority of work performed in a home-office environment with substantial activities completed using a computer. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends, due to the nature of working with volunteers.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$80,000 – $90,000 commensurate with experience. Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, life and long term disability insurance, healthcare and dependent care flex spending accounts, defined contribution retirement, generous time off benefits and educational benefits including a Tuition Exchange Program.

NOTE: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled