Director of Regulatory Affairs

Director of Regulatory Affairs
Full-Time, Remote

 The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a leading membership-based business association representing more than 630 organic businesses across the United States. Dedicated to growing and protecting organic trade, OTA advances organic agriculture and commerce through advocacy, education, technical guidance, communications, and industry collaboration. Its work spans local, national, and international markets, bringing together farmers, processors, distributors, brands, retailers, and certifiers to strengthen the organic industry and protect its integrity.

OTA is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Director of Regulatory Affairs to lead regulatory advocacy, organic standards engagement, and member-focused initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, this individual will develop and execute regulatory strategies, represent member interests before key government and industry stakeholders, and translate complex regulatory matters into practical guidance and effective advocacy. Through cross-functional collaboration and industry engagement, this leader will help protect organic integrity and create stronger opportunities for organic businesses.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Culture:

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation of $84K - $129K, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedule, and remote work choices provided

Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

To thrive/succeed as the Director of Regulatory Affairs, you should have:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, food science, public policy, environmental science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least five years of professional experience in organic regulation, certification, standards development, technical assistance, or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of organic standards, certification systems, and input materials, including crop, livestock, and handling operations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop regulatory comments, technical analyses, and policy positions while translating complex requirements into practical guidance.
• Proven ability to build relationships with organic businesses, government agencies, certifiers, and industry stakeholders, facilitating discussions and building consensus.
• Strong written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, resources, and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, willingness to learn member engagement and project management applications, and ability to travel up to 5% of the time.

Your responsibilities as the Director of Regulatory Affairs will include: 

Regulatory Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develop and execute regulatory strategies, annual workplans, and project objectives in collaboration with executive leadership, establishing priorities, timelines, and measures of success.
• Anticipate emerging regulatory issues, assess their impact on organic businesses and integrity, and recommend timely organizational responses.
• Develop OTA regulatory positions through technical analysis, member consultation, and established review and approval processes.
• Manage assigned programs, projects, administrative decisions, and resources while escalating significant policy or operational matters to leadership.

Member Engagement & Technical Assistance

• Build strong relationships with members across organic crop production, livestock, and handling to understand their operations, regulatory challenges, and priorities.
• Provide technical guidance on organic standards, certification systems, and input materials, helping members navigate requirements and identify solutions.
• Lead member councils, task forces, and working groups, facilitating discussions and translating feedback into actionable priorities and deliverables.
• Engage members in regulatory advocacy and NOSB proceedings while identifying opportunities for collaboration, education, and partnerships.

Regulatory Advocacy, Standards & Communications

• Lead OTA's year-round National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) engagement, including proposal analysis, member outreach, position development, testimony, and follow-up.
• Monitor regulatory developments, rulemaking, and guidance; prepare comments, petitions, technical analyses, reports, and briefing materials.
• Represent approved OTA positions before USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), NOSB, government agencies, certifiers, and industry forums.
• Develop member education and communications, including regulatory webinars, NOSB updates, compliance resources, publications, and presentations.

Organizational Leadership & Partnerships

• Develop budgets and resource forecasts for regulatory programs, manage approved spending, and recommend funding priorities.
• Partner with Membership and Development teams to identify member services, training, sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities.
• Oversee assigned consultants and staff, establish performance expectations, and build partnerships with certifiers, researchers, and allied organizations.
• Represent OTA at conferences, trade shows, member meetings, and industry forums while collaborating across departments and supporting organizational priorities.

If you’re passionate about advancing the organic industry and bringing people together to create meaningful regulatory solutions, we encourage you to apply! Join a leading voice in organic trade and put your expertise, leadership, and collaborative approach to work protecting organic integrity and shaping the future of the industry. Apply today and make an impact! 
 

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We anticipate that the application window will close in 30 days.