Director of Public Policy

The US Composting Council is seeking a Director of Public Policy in Raleigh, NC. This role involves managing grassroots advocacy, legislative tracking, and policy direction. The ideal candidate should have a background in public policy, experience in advocacy, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include developing advocacy strategies, organizing legislative affairs, and collaborating across departments. A bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field and at least four years of relevant experience are required.
The US Composting Council (USCC) is a national organization that has served the commercial compost industry since 1990. We are a family-friendly, flexible, innovative, and impassioned group with options for hours, location, and growth within the organization.

About You:

You are an energetic, team-oriented individual passionate about our customers & members, the environment, and mission-driven data programs that facilitate informed decision-making. Your impact on the rest of our team’s success will be substantial.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced advocacy and public policy professional to join our team. The Public Policy Director will be responsible for managing all grassroots advocacy, legislative tracking, policy direction, and advocacy activities.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the development and execution of grassroots advocacy strategies to advance USCC’s policy priorities with key legislators at the Federal and State levels.
• Organize Legislative and Environmental Affairs and monthly State Legislative Committee calls, develop agendas, and guest speakers, identify issue priorities, and action strategies, and take minutes following USCC committee and board policy. Develops Public Policy program budget and work plan.
• Develop an understanding of substantive policy rationale for policy issues. Public speaking experience preferred for representation of USCC in appropriate venues.
• Mobilize and guide members and chapters through grassroots initiatives, including the Compost Action Center; in coordination with Public Affairs, create and distribute targeted advocacy materials such as action alerts and talking points.
• Expand grassroots engagement and program by helping to build congressional relationships, especially with congressional leaders or Members of Congress on key committees. Expand the Compost Caucus; oversee state legislative tour development programs and any group lobbying on Capitol Hill.
• Support the planning and execution of NADA’s annual Washington Conference fly-in and other important meetings with policymakers.
• Work cross-functionally with USCC departments to advance public policy goals, and communications and drive advocacy outreach initiatives.
• Develop persuasive reports and responses for regulations and legislation and produce the annual USCC Policy Report.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field, or equivalent relevant experience required.
• Direct experience in testifying, developing testimony, regulatory responses, and grassroots advocacy at the state and local levels.
• Minimum of four years of public policy experience, ideally within a trade association, with a proven track record of increased responsibility and successful advocacy efforts.
• Strong written communication and dynamic presentation abilities.
• Experience in grassroots organizing, lobbying, and building bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within tight timelines.
• Analytical mindset with excellent project management skills. Requires a curious and strategic mindset to navigate complex policy landscapes and partnerships.
• Professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy are essential for success in this role.
• Balance Public Policy duties with other assignments as required; public policy duties will be 75% of the position.

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement matching; vacation, sick, and personal days; and hybrid/remote work capability.

“The USCC is committed to growing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) within the organization and throughout the compost industry by institutionalizing DEIA in our operations and initiatives.”