Program Manager - Northeast

Role Overview

The Northeast States Program Manager is a critical role that will support the effective implementation of EPR in northeastern states where CAA operates and drive CAA readiness for potential EPR implementation in other northeastern states. The Northeastern Program Manager will manage Maine program implementation activities including contract and budget management, producer support, local partner collaboration, regulator and interest holder engagement. In addition, this role will grow CAA’s understanding of packaging waste management systems and interest holders in the northeastern region of the US and collaborate with the CAA national policy team to track, analyze and prepare for new EPR program developments. This role will report to the Director of Emerging States at CAA. 

Key Responsibilities

Maine Program Implementation

• Oversee Maine program contracts and strategic partner relations to ensure best-in-class program implementation.
• Serve as primary CAA liaison to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure smooth, efficient and effective program operations and compliance.
• Ensure CAA meets performance metrics outlined in statute, regulations, contracts, and program plans.
• Coordinate with the CAA national team 
  • To manage effective and timely registration, reporting and fee collection processes for all producers and to drive compliance from all producers.
  • To support the development of guidance materials and tools to help ensure producers understand program requirements and deliverables.
  • To ensure auditing, technical assistance, procurement, IT, legal and finance support, and other operating functions are suitably leveraged and deployed in Maine.
  • To manage performance and reporting obligations
• Coordinate with strategic partners to develop and deploy plans 
  • To engage local communities, governments, haulers and stakeholders to participate in the implementation of EPR in Maine, 
  • To conduct required studies and manage data and reporting obligations
  • To ensure program compliance and to drive system improvements. 

Northeast EPR Program Planning

• Coordinate with CAA national policy team to map and engage with critical interest holder groups to grow CAA’s relationships in the northeast region.
• Track and analyze needs assessments and other studies being conducted in northeastern states to inform possible EPR programs.
• Provide regular updates to CAA leadership on northeast region EPR program development.
• Represent CAA in relevant state and regional meetings on EPR program development and implementation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven experience in solid waste management or other related industries in the northeast US including Maine-specific experience preferred.
• Strong demonstrated contract management experience including task scoping and management, reporting, budgeting, problem-solving and performance tracking.
• Excellent organizational, strategic and leadership skills.
• Successful track record in program planning and operations management. 
• Ability to quickly learn about a policy, project or program being developed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex programs and identify actionable insights and solutions.
• Excellent presentation skills, ability to distill and communicate complicated information for executives and regulators and other interest holders.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate with interest holders inside and outside the organization, including with governmental agencies and officials.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness, and compliance.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills, including working with remote colleagues across varied geographies and time zones.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment at a rapid pace with flexibility.
• Other job related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent business experience a plus. 
• Required 5+ years of relevant experience.

 Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Must be based in the northeast US. Fully remote with travel to and within Maine and other northeastern states, and for CAA national team meetings and events.
• Pay Rate: Based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and experience. 
• Reports To: Director of Emerging States

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