Director, Regulatory Affairs

Job Position: Director, Regulatory Affairs

Organization: International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Full-Time | Medical | Paid Time Off | Hybrid Work Environment

Overview

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and science-driven regulatory affairs professional to serve as Director of Regulatory Affairs. This position will play a key role in advancing IDFA’s regulatory priorities with federal agencies and supporting science-based policy development on behalf of the U.S. dairy processing and manufacturing industry.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, this role will support the Regulatory Affairs team as well as the Legislative and Communications teams and engage directly with federal regulatory agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other relevant agencies, as well as IDFA members and coalition partners.

The Director will help shape regulatory outcomes on critical issues impacting dairy processors while supporting member compliance with evolving federal and state food regulations. Issue areas of focus include food safety, product standards, labeling and claims, processing technologies, food ingredients and additives, nutrition and feeding programs, and other policies impacting dairy foods.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted regulatory and scientific resource for IDFA members, translating complex regulatory and technical issues into practical terms  and providing policy insights and direction on how to prepare and react to regulatory oversight including inspections and achieve regulatory compliance.

This individual will work closely with IDFA’s government relations and communications teams to ensure coordinated engagement with regulators while building strong relationships with federal agencies, coalition partners, and industry stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a regulatory/food science/nutrition/dairy professional with experience working with or within federal food regulatory agencies and a strong background in food science, nutrition, or related disciplines. The role requires an individual who is analytically strong, collaborative, and committed to advancing science-based regulatory policies that protect public health while supporting a competitive and innovative U.S. dairy industry.

Key Responsibilities

·      Monitor, analyze, and assess federal regulations, guidance documents, and policy proposals affecting dairy processors and clearly communicate implications to IDFA colleagues and members.

·      Develop and implement regulatory engagement strategies in collaboration with Regulatory, Government Relations, and Communications colleagues to advance IDFA’s policy priorities and support member compliance.

·      Identify and address emerging regulatory and scientific issues impacting dairy food products , including food safety, processing, labeling and claims, product standards, food additives, environmental contaminants, nutrition, , and feeding programs, .

·      Engage with federal regulatory agencies including FDA and USDA to represent dairy industry perspectives and promote science-based regulatory approaches and policies.

·      Educate and assist IDFA members on regulatory issues and emerging scientific developments affecting dairy manufacturing and processing.

·      Develop and submit formal comments on proposed federal regulations and regulatory guidance documents.

·      Organize and lead regulatory working groups, workshops, webinars, and member meetings focused on regulatory compliance and scientific developments.

·      Advise members on regulatory issues including food safety concerns, recalls, product contamination, labeling, and other compliance challenges.

·      Collaborate with other food and agriculture trade associations to develop aligned industry positions on regulatory matters.

·      Develop briefing materials, regulatory analyses, issue papers, and member resource  documents.

·      Present regulatory updates to IDFA boards, committees, and conferences.

Qualifications

·      Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills,

·      Outstanding  written, and verbal communication and project management skills.

·      Strong understanding of federal food regulatory frameworks and rulemaking and guidance processes.

·      Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with regulators, member company representatives, coalition partners, and internal teams.

·      Familiarity with federal laws and regulations pertaining to food safety , product standards, labeling requirements, and ingredient oversight affecting dairy products.

·      Experience in food, agriculture, manufacturing, public health, and/or consumer packaged goods regulatory policy preferred.

·      Proven organizational and leadership skills, including the ability to manage and influence multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Key Attributes

·      7+ years of experience in regulatory affairs pertaining to foods, food safety policy, food science, nutrition, and/or labeling .

·      Experience working in or interacting with federal agencies such as FDA, USDA, or other food regulatory bodies strongly preferred.

·      Background in food science, dairy science, nutrition or a related life science discipline strongly preferred.

·      Experience in dairy foods R&D, operations, or food safety, is beneficial.

·      Demonstrated ability to analyze complex regulatory and scientific issues and translate them into practical terms.

·      Collaborative professional who works effectively across policy, regulatory, legislative and communications teams.

·      Bachelor’s degree required; degree in food science, dairy science, microbiology, biology, public health, nutrition, or related field strongly preferred.

Additional Details

• Location: Based in Washington, D.C.

• Work Schedule: Flexible office/remote work policy.

• Travel: Approximately 20–25% domestic travel, including member meetings, regulatory engagement, and industry events.

Compensation & Benefits

·      Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

·      Benefits include:

o  Comprehensive healthcare coverage

o  401(k) with profit sharing

o  Unlimited paid time off

o  Paid parental leave

o  Professional development and education reimbursement

o  Wellness initiatives and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

o  Cell phone stipends

o  Frequent team engagement and networking opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

IDFA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. IDFA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to Jobs@IDFA.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join IDFA in shaping the future of dairy policy and regulatory leadership. Apply today!