Manager, Communications & Media

Reports to: Director, Communications & Media

FLSA Exemption: Exempt

Location: Washington, DC | Hybrid

Salary: $67,000 - $83,500

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), a Washington DC based trade association represents the nation’s nearly one million workers in the plastics industry. PLASTICS seeks a Manager, Communications and Media to develop public-facing editorial content suitable for public affairs, government affairs and association use and distribution through the PLASTICS’ team to an audience of media, policymakers, elected officials and the public. The Manager will focus on promoting the value of plastic as an essential material as well as illustrating the personal role of the people who work within the industry, those who innovate, create and provide a circular culture through materials and products that help people live healthier, safer and more economically sound lives, perpetuating a sustainable industry. The Manager role will be that of content creation as legislative/regulatory, economics, sustainability, etc., and will serve in a support capacity for writing, editing and proofreading such materials as needed for release to media and press. 

Responsibilities:  

• Maintain an engaging, relatable public-facing voice that professes industry priorities for the association. 
• Collect and manage all editorial content, including media mentions, for association and member use. 
• Produce quick-turnaround collateral as needed for Public and Government affairs teams. 
• Establish relationships with member companies, encouraging them to share the stories of their people with the association and for utilization in public-facing media production. 
• Serve as a liaison and department representative to member companies for press and media questions.  
• Create content that showcases professionals working in the plastics industry. 
• Identify and produce PLASTICS articles through collaboration with other publications, including state and federal level news. 
• Provide content for PLASTICS’ managed websites for industry, media, and policymaking audiences. 
• Create press releases and advisories for PLASTICS and work with member companies to develop press plans as needed. 
• Work with the Director, Communications & Media to respond directly to media and press inquiries. 
• Review content for PLASTICS executive level leadership and provide necessary editing, feedback and support. 
• Write and consult on advertising and any collateral materials produced for public consumption, which includes content intended for policy and government affairs meetings and events. 
• Serve as the point person for the communications and public affairs department to organize meetings and collaborative projects with other PLASTICS staff. 
• Work to develop additional promotion and amplification of programs on behalf of PLASTICS including Recycling is Real (RIR), Flexible Flim Recycling Alliance (FFRA), the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance (ARPBA), and Operation Clean Sweep (OCS). 
• Manage weekly appointments with PLASTICS leadership and other associations to promote plastics within external sustainability circles. 
• Attend external events to garner necessary information relevant to PLASTICS promotion of sustainability and circularity within the Washington area. 
• Work with Future Leaders of Plastics to promote the workforce in the plastic industry. 

Education & Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.  
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a related position or in journalism, public relations, or communications with a trade association, public relations agency, or similar industry.   
• Experience with creating public affairs and political content. 
• Experience with or willingness to cultivate relationships with media and press communities and the Washington, DC communications community.  
• Experience with or willingness to learn Adobe Creative Suite, HubSpot, Canva, Bgov, PowerPoint, or Vimeo. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:  

• Knowledge of digital promotion, social media digital collection processes. 
• Knowledge of the state and federal government and legislative processes. 
• Written and verbal communications skills with diverse stakeholder audiences. 
• Self-motivated with attention to detail, problem-solving, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to prioritize and work on a variety of projects, adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results. 
• Ability to work autonomously and collectively to build consensus. 
• Ability to provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders. 
• An earnest work ethic and dedication to collective success of the organization in service of our membership. 
• A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to embody and uphold PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation in all interactions and responsibilities. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Excel preferred. 

About Us: 

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization here to support the entire plastics supply chain. We are proud to represent the nearly one million people who are employed by companies in the plastics supply chain in the United States. PLASTICS is a dynamic organization with an ambitious team, striving for growth and success. Together we shape the direction of the entire plastics industry and as a job requirement, have some fun while doing so. Employees have the opportunity to learn, develop, and impact both the industry and our association. We also encourage volunteerism. As a team we seek opportunities to improve the communities in which we work and visit, including organizing riverbank clean-ups.

We offer generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, well-being, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, competitive salaries, and work from home flexibility. We work hard, we play hard and we value a work-life balance! In fact, we offer unlimited paid time off and employees take personal time off at their own discretion.

PLASTICS is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, or any factor prohibited by applicable law.