The Opportunity: AMERIPEN – the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment – is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to lead its expanding membership, develop resources and programs, and shape the organization’s strategy and policy positions. This role offers the opportunity to build and lead a broad coalition, working collaboratively to advance innovative, strategic packaging and recovery solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Ideal Candidate: AMERIPEN’s next Executive Director must be a respected voice, capable of leading the national dialogue on sustainable packaging policy at both the state and federal levels. With the support of staff and consultants, the selected candidate will promote the inherent sustainable advantages of a material-inclusive packaging approach across a variety of audiences.
This role offers a unique opportunity for an individual who thrives in shaping policy behind the scenes while also excelling in a prominent leadership position. Our ideal candidate is as comfortable navigating the complexities of policy development as they are representing and guiding our team and association in high-profile forums.
About AMERIPEN: While many packaging trade associations concentrate on specific materials, substrates, or products, AMERIPEN champions a broader, more collaborative approach. We believe that strategic partnerships across the entire packaging industry are the most effective way to influence policy for the benefit of all stakeholders—consumers, government, brand owners, manufacturers, and the environment alike.
AMERIPEN continues to grow and now has over 100 member companies and trade associations. Participants are primarily sustainability and government affairs professionals. This reflects our members' passion and commitment to driving tangible, impactful results in sustainability and policy.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: Strategy: Lead organizational strategy development and implementation while staying informed on packaging industry trends and regulations to ensure realistic and material-inclusive results that benefit the broader packaging value chain.
Membership: Oversee the development and execution of a membership growth strategy focused on recruitment and retention while organizing events and programs that provide benefit to members.
Stakeholder Engagement: With input from Board and consultants, develop strategy to effectively engage with key stakeholders including policymakers, media, academics/economists, and technical experts. Lead as collaborator and negotiator to advance the organization’s agenda.
Qualifications: Senior level management experience and comfort speaking with internal and external key stakeholders. Ability to present to industry colleagues, government officials, press and trade publications, and other subject matter experts. Strong policy background with knowledge of legislative process.
Status and Location: Full time, Exempt. Remote work with flexible hours. At minimum, 30% travel to meet with key stakeholders and present on behalf of AMERIPEN.
Reports to: AMERIPEN Board of Directors.
Supervises: AMERIPEN staff, consultants, contractors. Work in partnership with AMERIPEN’s Association Management Company (AMC).
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
To Apply: Please read through the full list of responsibilities and requirements for this position here and then apply using the simple form on this page. If you have questions about our selection process, please reach out to us at jobs@AMERIPEN.org.
It starts with my personal “why,” which began to crystalize in my mid-twenties. I became interested in serving on not-for-profit boards and in helping underserved people. I also became fascinated by Robert Putnam’s work on the deterioration of community in Bowling Alone, and how our interactions as a society have been affected by changes in work, technology, gender, and more. I am interested in reconnecting people with one another and improving comity and civil discourse.
Personally, I want to make a significant contribution to making a stronger community because I have a vision of how we can do it well, because I can, and because I care.
In parallel with my “why,” TMG works with associations, which are communities of interest and kinship focused on mutuality, common interest, and collective gain. Associations also provide a sense of belonging, inclusiveness, interconnectivity, and reciprocity to their stakeholders. This is important because all human beings want to belong and feel connected with one another. It’s in our nature.
Ben Markens, Founder