Director of Policy North America

 NYC or DC base

The nature of global challenges demands transformation of the economy rather than incremental change to business-as-usual approaches; transformation which is necessary at unprecedented scale and pace to deliver national and collective commitments notably with regards to material security, supply chain health, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

As the Director of Policy, North America, you will be responsible for accelerating the Foundation’s mission and overall North America strategy by influencing and informing policy decisions that help accelerate the transition to a circular economy in the U.S. and Canada. You will help design the Foundation’s North America policy strategy and lead key relationships with U.S. and Canadian policy makers at the federal, state / province and local governments levels, as well as with policy-influencing institutions related to our key focus areas.

The Foundation’s North America team has had early success in engaging in high-level dialogue and relationships that have informed circular economy-related policy (on plastics, industrial decarbonization, textiles, among others). We are now looking to build on that foundation to fully embed circular economy principles in policy dialogue and initiatives across the U.S. and Canada. In 2025, the North America team is particularly focused on engaging Midwest and Rust Belt states, fuelling first-mover circular economy activity, bolstering the bi-partisan appeal of the circular economy, and activating solutions related to e-waste and the recovery of critical raw materials.

You will not be expected to be an expert in all domains or in all levels of government; rather, you will be able to understand the general landscape of CE policy and prioritize the key intervention points. You will also work with the global Policy and Institutions team which manages the Foundation’s overall policy strategy, multilateral engagement and relationships with key institutions.

Reporting to our US Lead, your main responsibilities will be as follows:

●     Provide thought-leadership internally and externally on the role of policy in enabling a transition to a circular economy in the context of contemporary US and Canadian policy issues. 

●     Shape the Foundation’s perspective on key NA policy issues as they relate to a circular economy, especially in the areas of plastics, consumer products (esp. electronics), critical raw materials and industrial decarbonization.

●     Serve as an advisor to the Executive Lead of North America on key policy issues, priority relationships and events

●     Leverage our business network and insights gained from our research and publications to inform the drafting of national and state legislation in support of our vision for a circular economy. 

●     Identify catalytic policy intervention points as they emerge and discern effective pursuit strategies that fit the Foundation’s strategy and operations

●     Grow and maintain the Foundation’s relationships with key US and Canadian Institutions and government agencies that are working on the topic of circular economy. 

●     Uncover opportunities for public/private partnerships to advance a circular economy in the US and collaborate with the Network team to convene parties. 

●     Work with the international EMF team to coordinate communication between NA policy stakeholders and multilateral processes e.g., G7/20, UNEA and international working groups (OECD Committees, WTO). 

●     Represent the Foundation at mid/high-level relevant public and private meetings, workshops and conferences as required to support other responsibilities.

Your profile:

●     10+ years of relevant professional experience demonstrating a strong network in Washington D.C and/or State government ecosystems, specifically in topic areas related to the Foundation’s initiatives and platforms. 

●     A depth of expertise in public policy development coming from areas such as corporate/government/public affairs, work in State or Federal government executive agencies, work in leading institutions, think-tanks, and NGOs or similar. 

●     Strong working knowledge of the US State and Federal Government and a track record of leveraging the knowledge to deliver high impact programs. 

●     Experience acting as a public representative in high-profile meetings, forums, and conferences. 

●     Some experience of project management practices and familiarity with associated key concepts. 

●     You must have the right to work in the USA without employer sponsorship.

Preferred:

●     A track record of thought leadership and influence on a policy making audience, preferably with a focus on issues related to the environment, sustainability or circular economy. 

●     Expertise in one or more areas of the Foundation’s North America focus areas including, plastics, consumer products (esp. electronics), critical raw materials and climate.

●     Experience in managing teams of policy specialists or domain experts, with an ability to align staff under a broad vision

●     Relevant experience in Canada and/or Mexico.

Apply by clicking the green icon where you will be asked to upload a CV and covering letter.

Desired starting date: May 2025

Application deadline: 17th March 2025.

Salary package: The salary range for this role is expected to be between $124,000-$134,000. Actual pay will be determined by considering factors such as relevant skills and experience.

Benefits:

Medical and Dental Insurance

Life Insurance           

Travel Medical Insurance, outside US

401(k) Retirement Plan

Time Off

11 US national holidays plus 3 days between Christmas and New year.

20 days of vacation and 10 days paid Sick Time

Generous Paid Family Leave (where applicable)

Location: This position can be located in either New York (Manhattan Office) or Washington, DC (via remote home office or hot desk). Our NYC based employees come into the office a minimum of 2 days per week. We are unable to consider additional locales or other remote options for this role.

What we do

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilize systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reuse, replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste, and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energy and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.

Our commitment to you​

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, weight, height, status as a victim or domestic violence, arrest record or conviction record, immigration or citizenship status, employment status, credit history, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by law.

It is important to us that our recruitment approach makes the opportunity as accessible as possible and ensures a diverse range of people are able to demonstrate their potential. We would be happy to provide any further support that you may require - please get in touch so that we can work together.

Employment at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is contingent upon-successful completion of all lawful pre-employment checks, which may include background check.

If you would like further information on our diversity and inclusion policy or any further assistance, please contact us at recruitment@ellenmacarthurfoundation.org.

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• Seniority level Director

• Employment type Full-time

• Job function Other

• Industries Non-profit Organizations