Chief Executive Officer, California

About the Organization

Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a non-profit organization recognized under 501(c)(3) that specializes in Producer Responsibility. Our mission is to facilitate the effective execution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation concerning paper and packaging.

CAA has recently achieved a significant milestone as the first Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) authorized to manage an EPR initiative for paper and packaging in the United States, following our appointment by the California Department of Public Health & Environment. Additionally, we have been designated by CalRecycle as the sole PRO responsible for implementing California's EPR program for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Our goal is to expand our services to all states with enacted EPR laws, providing top-tier compliance solutions, fostering innovation, and creating systems that promote waste reduction and enhance recycling efforts.

Strategic Approach

Producer Support and Representation

Deliver comprehensive compliance and reporting services to producers, assisting them in navigating the diverse obligations across various states.

Enhancing Recycling Outcomes

Oversee the allocation of resources to improve recycling accessibility, optimize collection systems, elevate recycling rates, and produce high-quality recycled materials for reuse in new products and packaging.

Ensuring Program Effectiveness

Implement transparent and competitive procurement strategies for service providers to enhance EPR program results while managing overall system expenses.

Consumer Education

Provide consumers with clear and concise information to boost participation, minimize litter and contamination, and improve recycling rates.

Encouraging Innovation

Promote and incentivize advancements in packaging design and delivery methods to minimize waste, improve recyclability, and maintain material circulation.

Collaborative Impact

Engage with all stakeholders to develop robust, locally relevant program strategies.

Role Overview

The Executive Director for CAA California plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation of EPR within the state, leveraging national resources while fostering local operational excellence. This position encompasses the management of the California program, including budget development, producer support, collaboration with local governments, enhancing recycling services, driving improvements, managing the California Board, engaging stakeholders, and building organizational capacity. The Executive Director will report to the EPR Program Planning Lead until a Chief Operating Officer is appointed, with accountability to the CAA California Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Producer Engagement:

• Collaborate with the national producer services team to create actionable plans for identifying, recruiting, and educating producers, ensuring their support for CAA and addressing critical issues affecting California's EPR implementation.
• Manage an efficient registration process for all producers, ensuring compliance and overseeing invoicing and collection of dues.
• Develop guidance materials to assist producers with initial reporting requirements and clarify their obligations.

Recycling Operations and Planning:

• Formulate the Program Plan and mobilize resources for its execution in California.
• Ensure proper identification and registration of service providers supporting California operations.
• Engage communities, stakeholders, and local governments to prepare for EPR implementation.
• Establish relationships with material recovery facilities to understand their capabilities and regional markets for recycled materials.
• Advance improvements outlined in the Program Plan and convene stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions.
• Develop strategies to meet source reduction and reuse obligations.
• Oversee program data management and reporting obligations.
• Support strategic partnerships in coordination with the national organization.
• Manage contracts, complaints, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with CalRecycle and the California Advisory Board to incorporate community and stakeholder feedback into plans.
• Design and implement educational campaigns targeting compliance and access across diverse communities.

Leveraging National Resources:

• Work with the national organization to secure necessary services, including program planning, operations, IT, legal, finance, HR, and procurement.
• Build strong relationships with producers through collaboration with the national producer services team.
• Ensure effective auditing and technical assistance from the national team in California operations.

Governance and Board Management:

• Oversee the CAA California Board, including agenda setting, meeting facilitation, and decision-making processes.
• Ensure adherence to national protocols for consistent governance.

Stakeholder Relations:

• Foster a productive relationship with CalRecycle, ensuring timely program plan approvals and issue resolution.
• Maintain strong communication with the California Advisory Board and its member groups.
• Identify and prioritize key stakeholders in media, NGOs, and communities to enhance CAA's reputation.
• Represent CAA at public events, media engagements, and conferences.

Financial Oversight:

• Collaborate with the national organization to establish and manage annual operating budgets and financial performance.
• Identify cost management strategies and improve operational efficiency.
• Set and communicate producer fee structures for California.

Talent Development:

• Create a state-level resourcing plan, outlining key hires and overall costs.
• Partner with the national organization to recruit essential state-level personnel.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in waste management or recycling sectors in California.
• Proficient in budget management.
• Strategic mindset with a positive work approach.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership capabilities.
• Proven track record in program management and implementation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with government entities.
• Able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of data analysis, reporting, and business operations.
• Experience in planning and managing multiple projects.
• Board management experience is preferred.
• Experience with environmental NGOs is a plus but not mandatory.

Education Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Location: Initially remote within California.
• A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract top candidates.
• The base salary will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, and location, with additional performance-based incentive awards available. This role includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Circular Action Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or any other category protected by law.