Recycling Programs Manager - California

Role Overview

The Recycling Programs Manager will serve as a critical bridge between CAA’s statewide program goals and the diverse local jurisdictions across California. Reporting to the California Director of Recycling Operations, this role will lead efforts to engage, support, and manage the deployment of recycling program funding and workflows under the Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) framework. This individual will foster strong relationships and establish ongoing communication with California jurisdictions—including cities, counties, and special districts — to apply for recycling program reimbursements. The Recycling Programs Manager will also build and lead a regional team of specialists, ensuring effective and timely assistance to jurisdictions in Northern, Central and Southern California, and will align their efforts with cross-departmental operations. The role involves both strategic and operational responsibilities: strategically planning municipal engagement, developing program communication and performance dashboards; and operationally managing the intake, review, documentation and ongoing monitoring of statewide recycling projects. Given the nature of this work, strong experience is required in government and vendor relations (e.g., municipal staff, elected officials, city service providers, etc.), program development, funding logistics, compliance tracking and cross-functional coordination. The successful candidate will help CAA deliver SB 54 compliance by strengthening California’s recycling system through a transparent, equitable and high-performing municipal outreach program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with California jurisdictions to communicate eligibility criteria, reporting requirements and timelines for recycling program reimbursement under SB54 and CAA’s Program Plan.
• Hire and manage a team of regional Recycling Programs Specialists to ensure equitable and consistent support across Northern, Central, and Southern regions.
• Develop standardized workflows, forms, and documentation for municipal communication and engagement.
• Coordinate cross-departmentally to ensure jurisdictional applications align with facility capabilities and reimbursement guidelines.
• Work closely with communications team to inform interest holders and public agencies when new recyclable packaging or compostable packaging are added or removed to geographic areas. 
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with California’s solid waste and recycling haulers including local governments, non-profits, and private operators.
• Maintain accurate program records and dashboards for state reporting and performance tracking.
• Provide regular updates and performance summaries.
• Identify barriers to participation and propose policy or operational adjustments to enhance program delivery.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings to align state-level program goals with CAA’s compliance framework.
• Other role related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of California’s municipal solid waste and recycling system.
• Proven ability to develop and manage jurisdictional programs.
• Strategic thinking and ability to balance statewide policy goals with local realities and CAA strategy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute operationally while balancing priorities and outcomes.
• Effective collaboration with key interest holders, serving as a resource to ensure successful delivery of services.
• Ability to successfully execute areas of responsibility while ensuring work aligns with team goals. 
• Aptitude for influencing and leading change by envisioning, articulating, and successfully executing operational strategies aligned to strategic objectives while focusing on long-term objectives and short-term priorities.
• Use of professional and effective judgment and decision-making skills rooted in logic and sound reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternate approaches, solutions, or conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment where change, growth and innovation are a constant
• Experience working in a complex, multi-faceted environment with several competing priorities.
• Strong project management and analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, and data visualization tools.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental Policy, Sustainability, or related field (Master’s preferred).
2. Minimum 7 years of experience in municipal recycling, solid waste, or sustainability program management.
3. Experience working directly with local governments, haulers, or state regulatory bodies.
4. Understanding of California SB 54, CalRecycle reporting, and EPR frameworks preferred.
5. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Driver's License with clean driving history.

Physical Requirements

• Must reside in California
• Includes regional travel within California to meet with participating municipalities and interest holders.

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 listed below.