Vice President, Public Policy

The VP, Public Policy oversees policy analysis, research, and advocacy strategies to shape government regulations for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The vice president is expected to be a thought leader, anticipate and evaluate policy opportunities and threats, develop policy positions, and effectively lead and implement strategies to support member priorities.

The below description provides more detail on American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), this important role and how you will impact the industry.

Working at AF&PA:

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) values diverse backgrounds and capabilities and invites all talented individuals to apply to be part of our team and support our culture and mission. We encourage the exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and different perspectives to reach our goals and we support work/life balance.

Essential job functions:

To be successful, it is critical for the Vice President, Public Policy to effectively collaborate with members. They must also coordinate extensively with government affairs, industry affairs and communications to develop and execute advocacy strategies that achieve policy priorities, and with the legal department on litigation and other legal matters pertaining to public policy.

• Oversee analyses of proposed regulations and legislation, assess short‑and long‑term impacts to the industry and provide strategic counsel to AF&PA 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&PA 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&PA
• Develop and oversee budgets for the department, its programs and issues
• Provide leadership, mentorship and oversight for the public policy staff and function, including:
  • Guide, inspire, and align staff to support the success of the department and AF&PA
  • Develop and support highly trained and deeply knowledgeable policy and technical experts to advance competitiveness of the industry

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this position will work with other staff leaders to guide the human and financial resources of the Association, set strategic priorities for the organization, identify strategic issues for consideration by the SLT and ensure collaboration on issue identification, prioritization and implementation. This person has a responsibility to ensure that Association policies are followed and applied consistently, and to respond judiciously to confidential/sensitive member and Association issues.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree in public policy, environmental policy, government, or related field required; Juris Doctor strongly preferred

• Ten (10) or more years of experience with regulatory policy advocacy, technical or economic analyses, and filing public comments on agency rulemakings
• Seven (7) or more years of experience effectively managing, coaching and developing people to deliver excellent results in policy analysis and/or advocacy roles
• Experience serving as a policy spokesperson and expert in government policy proceedings
• Experience with two or more policy issues impacting the industry (e.g., air, water, climate, solid waste, energy, chemicals and product stewardship, workplace health and safety, wood fiber supply and forestry issues, and sustainability and third‑party standards)
• Experience with trade association dynamics preferred
• Solid understanding of federal regulatory process to effectively influence rulemakings required
• Understanding of the pulp, paper, packaging and tissue products industry and its policy priorities
• Ability to identify emerging issues, think strategically, develop policy positions and advocate before regulatory and legislative bodies
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills to communicate with credibility to staff, member companies, partners, members of the government, and the media
• Ability to operate in a collaborative, cross‑functional and multi‑disciplinary organization and achieve consensus‑based strategies and solutions
• Ability to build/maintain strong relationships with staff, members, key stakeholders, and partners
• Solid leadership skills; including taking ownership and accountability, and prioritizing to drive results
• Strong interpersonal skills including actively listening and communicating professionally
• Ability to lead and develop a staff with highly specialized knowledge, skills and abilities
• Ability to travel within the US approximately 5‑10% of the time

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary for this position is expected to be between $300,000-$350,000. This is a good‑faith estimate based on market data for comparable positions and the current budgeted amount for this role. In addition, the vice president is eligible for an annual bonus of up to 20%. Factors to be considered when determining the salary of the selected candidate include relevant skills, experience and knowledge, and the alignment of these qualities with those of existing staff.

We offer a generous benefits package that currently includes:

• Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick leave totaling 27‑42 days per year (based on relevant experience), plus holidays and paid Parental Leave
• 94%-80% paid CareFirst medical plans for employees and their families
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan with up to 9% employer contribution (after waiting period)
• Free fitness center and pickleball courts at the DC office location

Location:

We are located on 13 th Street, NW between F and G, (directly above Metro Station). Our office is hybrid, which includes up to two days of remote work; however, due to the nature of the work, we expect the selected person to be in DC more frequently for local meetings.

About AF&PA

AF&PA serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is?among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers?in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades‑long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 . Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on X @ForestandPaper .

AF&PA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes all talented individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, veteran status or other category protected by law.