Director of Regulatory Affairs

At the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), we work every day to ensure a strong, sustainable future for America’s oilseed processing industry. With members who represent the backbone of the U.S. food, feed, and biofuel supply chain, NOPA has a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to advocate for science-based regulations, fair trading standards, and sound public policies that support industry growth while protecting consumers.

Joining NOPA means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that values collaboration, thought leadership, and results. Our team engages at the forefront of regulatory, environmental, food safety, and sustainability issues, giving you the chance to make an impact that resonates across the agricultural and food sectors.

About NOPA: Organized in 1930, NOPA is a national trade association that represents the United States’ soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed crushing industries. Our 20 members operate 71 U.S. soybean and softseed solvent extraction plants across 20 states.

NOPA represents its members’ interests in the areas of federal legislative and regulatory policies, as well as international trade policies impacting the global flow of oilseeds and oilseed products. NOPA publishes model Trading Rules for the purchase and sale of soybean meal and soybean oil. Additionally, the association reports NOPA members’ aggregated crush data to the marketplace monthly through Refinitiv, a global financial market services provider.

In cooperation with its value chain partners, NOPA advocates for market-based solutions that promote the U.S. oilseed industry including biofuels policy, international trade agreements and federal programs that benefit oilseed processors and their up- and downstream value chain partners. In doing so, NOPA leads in providing industry information about U.S. oilseed processing to federal legislators, regulators, policymakers and trade negotiators.

Position Summary:

The National Oilseed Processors Association is looking to hire an experienced Director of Regulatory Affairs to manage and oversee all issues related to NOPA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) and its subcommittees (Environmental, Food/Feed Safety & Quality, and Health & Safety). This role will oversee regulatory affairs of the organization, representing the organization to federal agencies and in coalitions, oversee projects addressing industry priorities, and providing technical and regulatory guidance to member companies.

Primary Responsibilities:

Regulatory Affairs & Advocacy

· Oversee and manage the Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) and its subcommittees (Environmental, Food/Feed Safety & Quality, and Health & Safety), ensuring alignment with member priorities.

· Plan, organize, and manage two annual in-person Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) meetings in Washington, D.C., as well as regular RAC subcommittee meetings.

· Lead NOPA’s advocacy activities in response to federal regulatory actions in environmental, food/feed safety & quality, and health & safety.

· Coordinate compliance webinars, guidance documents, and reports to support member company operations.

· Monitor and analyze regulatory activities of federal agencies (EPA, FDA, OSHA, USDA, USCG, PHMSA, DHS, etc.) and develop compliance guidance for members.

· Serve as NOPA’s primary point of contact in interactions with federal regulatory agencies, delivering timely regulatory and technical guidance to member companies.

· Develop resources to communicate NOPA’s regulatory activities, compliance support, and the value of the oilseed processing industry.

· Represent NOPA in multi-association coalitions and industry organizations addressing cross-sector regulatory issues.

Industry Standards & Programs

· Provide regulatory and technical support to NOPA’s Soybean Meal (SBM) and Soybean Oil (SBO) Trading Rules Committees.

· Oversee the AOCS/NOPA Soybean Meal Sampling Program and NOPA’s Safety Performance Program (data collection, analysis, and reporting).

· Facilitate review and updates of NOPA’s SBM & SBO Trading Rules; respond to member inquiries on trading rules and sampling procedures.

· Manage and process all communication and yearly form updates for NOPA Equipment Certifications.

Requirements and Minimum Education Level:

· Requires BS/BA, preferably in public policy, food science, environmental science, or agricultural science; MS/MA preferred. BS/BA in another field with 10 years of relevant experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, or industry policy will be considered.

· 5–10+ years’ experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, or industry policy, with demonstrated expertise in compliance, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills:

· Strong understanding of federal regulatory processes (EPA, FDA, USDA, DHS, etc.) and industry standards.

· Excellent communication, negotiation, and coalition-building skills.

· Proven ability to translate complex regulatory issues into practical compliance guidance.

· Experience managing committees, workgroups, and multi-association coalitions.

· Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

· Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.