Director – Communications, Recycling Outreach

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Design and implement integrated communication and education outreach strategies to support California’s Extended Producer Responsibility program under SB 54.

• Spearhead statewide recycling education and outreach initiatives to enhance participation, minimize contamination, and foster public understanding.

• Supervise statewide and local public education campaigns in collaboration with national teams and agencies.

• Direct outreach and technical assistance efforts across various sectors including commercial, multifamily, education, and priority populations.

• Manage California's communications strategy, encompassing planning, media relations, and stakeholder communications.

• Create and uphold messaging frameworks suited to California’s regulatory and political context.

• Anticipate emerging issues and oversee both proactive and reactive communication strategies.

• Monitor policy changes, regulatory signals, media narratives, and stakeholder sentiments.

• Oversee large-scale program implementation, vendor management, and campaign execution.

• Administer an annual budget exceeding $100 million, ensuring resources are allocated for maximum impact and efficiency.

• Utilize measurement and evaluation frameworks to assess performance and promote continuous improvement.

• Consolidate state-level insights to inform national strategy.

• Collaborate with local jurisdictions, tribes, service providers, end markets, producers, trade associations, and community organizations.

• Lead and cultivate a multidisciplinary team focused on communications and recycling outreach.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in communications, education & outreach, public engagement, or related areas, including leadership positions.

• Proven experience in directing large-scale outreach, communications, or behavior change initiatives.

• Strong knowledge of the recycling and solid waste management system, particularly how education & outreach operates within municipal service delivery; direct experience in California’s regulatory and program landscape is highly preferred.

• Experience in developing proactive communication strategies and managing issues in a complex, highly visible, or regulated setting, with a demonstrated ability to foresee risks and influence narratives.

• Familiarity with public policy, regulatory processes, and stakeholder dynamics.

• Experience in managing teams, complex projects, and significant budgets.

• Ability to translate complex policy and technical requirements into clear, actionable public guidance.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in working within a multi-stakeholder environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.