Program Manager - Maryland

 Role Overview 

The Program Manager is a critical role that ensures the effective implementation of EPR in the State of Maryland that leverages national services while building local operational excellence. The Program Manager will lead all aspects of the Maryland program including developing and owning the CAA Maryland PRO budget, supporting producers, collaborating with local governments on existing programs and unique needs, helping communities and haulers deploy recycling services, driving improvements, engaging with critical stakeholders, and building capability. This role will report to the VP, EPR Regulatory Compliance at CAA.  

Key Responsibilities 

Key Deliverables for the Role: 

Maryland Producer Support: 

• Work with the CAA national producer services team to develop actionable ongoing plans to identify, recruit, engage and educate producers, to help secure their support for CAA and feedback on critical items that impact Maryland EPR implementation in partnership with the national organization.
• Work with the CAA national team to manage an effective registration process for all producers and drive compliance from all producers including the invoicing and collection of producer dues and related compliance activities.
• Support the development of guidance materials and tools to help producers with initial reporting needs and ensure they understand requirements and needs.

Recycling Operations and Program Planning: 

• Develop the Program Plan and mobilize resources to deliver the Program Plan for the state of Maryland.
• Ensure proper registration and identification of the service providers (haulers and material recovery facilities) that support Maryland operations.
• Develop actionable plans to engage communities, stakeholders, local governments, and haulers to prepare for the implementation of EPR in Maryland.  
• Build a working relationship with material recovery facilities, understand their capabilities, and develop an understanding of regional end markets for recycled material flow.
• Advance statewide improvements outlined in the Program Plan and convene key stakeholders to ensure systems solutions are implemented that are sustainable.
• Develop key strategies and reporting to deliver on the source reduction and reuse obligations of the statute.
• Meet any relevant performance metrics outlined in the Program Plan or in the Statutes.
• Oversee program data management, tracking and reporting obligations.
• Support development of strategic partner relations in coordination with the national organization.
• Oversee contract management, complaint management, and issues resolution.
• Collaborate closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Maryland Advisory Board to ensure community and stakeholder input is duly considered and addressed in the plans.
• Develop and deploy education and communications campaigns targeting program compliance, performance and access across Maryland’s diverse communities and producers.

Leveraging National Services: 

• Work collaboratively with CAA national organization to secure fit-for-purpose services including program planning, operations, IT, legal, finance, HR, and procurement support.
• Work collaboratively with CAA National Producer Services to build strong producer relationships and trust.
• Work collaboratively with the CAA National team to ensure auditing, technical assistance, improvements support, and other operating functions are properly leveraged and deployed in Maryland. 

Governance and Board Engagement: 

• Manage the CAA Maryland Board including setting agendas, holding meetings, preparing key discussion materials, and driving effective decision making.
• Ensure the CAA Maryland Board is following the protocols established at the national level to drive consistency in approach.

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Build a productive and trusting relationship with MDE and work collaboratively to ensure program plans are approved, reporting occurs, and issues are resolved in a timely manner.  Engage and support and other relevant state bodies and advisory committees.
• Cultivate strong communications channels with the Maryland Advisory Board and its member stakeholder groups.
• Map and prioritize critical stakeholders in the media, NGOs, communities, and other elected officials and build strong relationships and engagement strategies to build CAA’s reputation and manage any issues.
• Represent CAA at official matters including media interviews, conferences, related events and support marketing efforts.

Financial Management: 

• Work with the national organization to set, and manage to, annual operating budgets, update relevant forecasts, and manage the financial performance of the state level organization.
• Identify approaches to manage costs, improve efficiency, and leverage the national services to avoid duplicative costs and resources.
• Establish and manage producer fee setting for Maryland and be able to communicate and explain as needed.  

Talent Management: 

• Develop and own a state-level staffing plan that includes key hires, sequencing, and overall cost.
• Partner with the CAA National organization to recruit and hire critical state level employees to deliver the program plan and support recycling operations. 
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies 

• Proven experience in a waste or recycling leadership capacity or other related industries in Maryland.
• Strong budget management experience.
• Strategic and business mindset and positive approach to work.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Successful track record in program implementation and management.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, including with governmental agencies and officials.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment for rapid pace and with flexibility.
• Strong analytical skills, solid presentation skills, and ability to simplify complicated information.
• Solid understanding of data analysis, reporting, budgeting and business operations.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, directing project management, and overseeing a portfolio of projects or investments.
• Experience with board management preferred.
• Nonprofit experience a plus but not required. 

Qualifications 

• Required Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent business experience a plus. 
• Required 10+ years of relevant experience.

Compensation & Other Information 

• Location: Initially Fully Remote with potential for in-person
• Compensation: Competitive salary based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law
• Reports To: VP of EPR Regulatory Compliance

Circular Action Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation as part of the application process, please contact careers@circularaction.org