The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is seeking a Director to lead our Environmental and Regulatory Relations efforts.  This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to help develop and implement environmental relations strategies that assist the paper, pulp and forestry industry in navigating Wisconsin’s environmental regulatory processes. 

The WPC is the member-driven statewide trade association representing Wisconsin’s paper, pulp, packaging and forestry industries. The WPC strategically advocates on behalf of these industries to state and federal policymakers, achieving positive policy outcomes.

Our team of professionals provides our diverse membership with accurate and

timely information essential to their success. The WPC provides world-class

educational forums and networking opportunities for our membership. The WPC

also promotes the positive economic, environmental, and social contributions of our industries throughout our state and nation.

As Director of Environmental and Regulatory Relations, you will be responsible for monitoring regulatory matters pertinent to the paper industry and to provide accurate, up-to-date information and strategic advice to WPC members. 

Director responsibilities include engagement with key agency staff, legislative personnel and environmental experts, act as the WPC’s environmental lead on building successful industry team coalitions, work with the WPC leadership team to enhance the WPC and member brand and steward sound public policy in alignment with member goals and operational considerations. 

Specific accountabilities for the WPC Director of Environmental and Regulatory Relations includes but are not limited to the following: 

• Leadership in environmental and regulatory knowledge relevant to the paper, pulp and forestry industry. Responsible for monitoring, assessing and updating stakeholders on ongoing public policy issues that impact WPC members and coalition partners. Consistent engagement with WPC members, staff and key stakeholders of relevant subject-matter, regulations and policy for timely and strategic responsiveness. 

• Position deliverables include: 
• Continue monitoring and evaluating emerging environmental rules and advocacy landscapes to understand facts, issues and challenges 
• Work across multiple stakeholder disciplines (agencies, companies and legal) to advise appropriate strategy and tactical options and responses in a timely manner
• Coordinate resources of consultants, WPC members and legal counsel to achieve strategic objectives
• Responsible for advancing sound public policy: actively identifies, analyzes and tracks issues that could positively or negatively impact WPC members -- develops position papers and strategies (in coordination with WPC leaders, committee chairs and consultants) and implements advocacy plans as required
• Represent the WPC before state and federal regulatory bodies, various legislative bodies including sovereign nations, clearly articulating the trade association’s positions, and influencing decision-making 
  • Responsible for managing relationships with state and federal regulatory officials 
• Effectively communicate the trade association’s position on relevant policy issues before policy makers
• Effectively educate policymakers, their staffs on policy issues relevant to WPC Members 
• Work collaboratively with subject matter experts and WPC community to provide reliable and relevant information to policymakers in a timely manner

1. Represent WPC with appropriate organizations and coalitions that WPC may work with to foster internal and external stakeholder relationships and advance trade association priorities 
2. Research, monitor, analyze and evaluate regulatory issues and legislation in order to ascertain potential impacts on stakeholders
3. Write effective communications on key subject matter for internal and external teams
4. Implement cross-functional communications to steward the trade association’s value-add and representation of WPC member concerns

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience working on environmental policy issues 
• Familiarity and aptitude with relevant environmental technical issues pertaining to state and federal air, water and solid waste matters that may impact WPC member operations
• Experience working with key regulatory agency personnel (WDNR, EPA, DOJ, Legislature)
• Demonstrated knowledge of WPC members/operations and interest in policy processes
• Excellent strategic planning ability
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Experience/familiarity with the paper, pulp and forestry industry 
• Familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of a lobbyist
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated facilitation and coordination skills
• Demonstrated analysis and policy development skills
• Experience in project management