Vision

The leading Producer Responsibility Organization implementing the circular economy through paper and packaging

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Mission

CAA helps producers comply with EPR laws, delivers harmonized best-in-class services, and works with governments, businesses, and communities to reduce waste and increase recycling.

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CAA Values - ACTIvE

• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, always striving to do what’s right.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and actively seek opportunities to work together towards common goals.
• Trust: We foster an environment of trust where open communication and transparency are values.
• Innovation: We encourage and embrace new ideas to continuously improve and find better solutions.
• Empowerment: We provide the tools, resources, and support necessary for our employees to excel in their roles and grow professionally. ‍

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Background

Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)3, is poised to be a leader in changing how packaging is designed, responsibly managed and given a second life in a circular economy. CAA became the first U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for paper and packaging in 2022, and in less than a year was selected by California, Colorado, and Oregon to represent producers and meet the requirements of their laws. The organization is poised to deliver best-in-class compliance services, scale innovation, and build systems that help both companies and consumers waste less and recycle more in these states, and in other states that have passed or will pass EPR laws in the future.

Working with CAA presents an opportunity to be on the front edge of recycling and reuse system innovations that will have a meaningful and lasting impact. As a member of the CAA team, you will support the organization’s mission-driven work with our Founding Members who are leaders in the food, beverage, consumer goods, and retail industries; companies (“producers”) whose packaging will be managed under these new laws; and a diverse array of stakeholders whose collaboration will be critical to delivering on the requirements of U.S. EPR laws and creating a circular economy for paper and packaging. We are looking for passionate, mission-driven, big thinkers to help us realize the full potential of the nation’s first EPR laws.

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Role Overview

The Reuse/Refill Director will lead CAA’s approach to reuse/refill across the United States, including defining and establishing the appropriate role for CAA as an instigator in enabling reuse/refill. The director will be aware of and work across the leading edge of reuse/refill system innovations, collaborate with local and global reuse/refill communities, engage the producer community in developing strategic plans to achieve regulated outcomes, and be a trusted and effective instigator in this space. The director will work with CAA’s wider source reduction team in leading the development of plans and projects that will enable CAA and its member producers to achieve regulated outcomes and other requirements. Beginning in California, the director will lead the implementation of a strategic plan to enable CAA to make investments in reuse/refill and meet its obligations under SB-54. In Colorado, the director will work with CAA’s CO team to establish Colorado’s reuse/refill baseline and a plan to increase reuse/refill over time in that state. The director will also be at the forefront reviewing and providing input on proposed regulations in other states.

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Key Responsibilities

• As part of a larger team, develop strategies to respond to compliance requirements in each state, including investment opportunities, grants, impact measurements, etc., for both B2C and B2B, as required.
• Engage with producers and service providers in each state to assess the current state of reuse and refill, the opportunities for producers to transition, and the costs associated with assisting in that transition.
• Work directly with producers to develop guidance and communities of practice to enable a shift to reuse and refill packaging.
• Work with service providers to:
  • Ensure they are tracking and reporting impact
  • Ensure investments are generating the appropriate return on investment.
• Establish guidance for producers on how to incorporate reuse and refill in their individual source reduction agreements (California).
• Review CAA producers’ individual source reduction agreements to determine level of reuse/refill and elimination impact in relation to targets (California).
• Collaborate with the CAA’s data and analytics and fee-setting teams to ensure reuse and refill incentives instigate the required change to meet overall source reduction and specific reuse/refill targets.

• Track reuse/refill innovators (NGOs, startup companies, global projects, etc.) and standards development for reuse (e.g., PR3) to inform opportunities
• Other job-related duties as assigned‍

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Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and team building skills  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to thrive in ambiguity.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn about the project or program being developed.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.‍

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, which may include Business, Sustainability or related field required or equivalent experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of related experience in recycling, sustainability or related field.‍

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Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Fully Remote
• Compensation: Salary range is based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law, including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement, and paid time off.
• Reports To: VP Material Services

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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.