The Company

Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) established to support the successful implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging.

CAA recently became the first PRO approved to administer an EPR program for paper and packaging in the U.S. after being appointed by the California Department of Public Health & Environment as the PRO in charge of implementing California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. In addition, in January of 2024, CAA was selected by CalRecycle as the as the single Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for the state’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act implementing California’s EPR program. It is CAA's vision is to become an approved PRO in all states that have enacted EPR laws for paper and packaging to deliver harmonized best-in-class compliance services, scale innovation, and build systems that help both companies and consumers waste less and recycle more.

The Approach

Support And Represent Producers

Provide all producers with harmonized compliance and reporting services and help them navigate different obligations from state to state.

Improve Recycling System Outcomes

Manage the collection and distribution of funding to improve consumer access to recycling, enhance collection systems, increase recycling rates, and generate high-quality recycled material that can be used over and over in new products and packaging.

Ensure Program Efficiency

Establish transparent and competitive procurement practices for service providers to advance strong EPR program outcomes, while managing system costs.

Educate Consumers

Equip consumers with clear information to raise participation rates, reduce litter and contamination, and increase recycling rate.

Support Innovation

Support and incentivize innovation in packaging design and delivery models to reduce waste, enhance recyclability, and keep materials in circulation.

Collaborate For Impact

Meaningfully engage with all system stakeholders to inform the development of strong, locally relevant program plans.

Purpose of the Position

The Executive Director for CAA California is a critical role that ensures the effective implementation of EPR in the state of California that leverages national services while building local operational excellence. The Executive Director will lead all aspects of the California program including developing and owning the CAA California PRO budget, supporting producers, collaborating with local governments on existing programs and unique needs, helping communities and haulers deploy recycling services, driving improvements, managing the California Board, engaging with critical stakeholders, and building capability. This role will report to the EPR Program Planning Lead until a COO is hired with accountability to CAA CA Board of Directors.

Key Deliverables for the Role

California Producer Support:

• Work with the CAA national producer services team to develop actionable ongoing plans to identify, recruit, engage and educate producers, to help secure their support for CAA and feedback on critical items that impact California EPR implementation in partnership with the national organization.
• Work with the CAA national team to manage an effective registration process for all producers and drive compliance from all producers including the invoicing and collection of producer dues and related compliance activities.
• Support the development of guidance materials and tools to help producers with initial reporting needs and ensure they understand requirements and needs.

Recycling Operations and Program Planning:

• Develop the Program Plan and mobilize resources to deliver the Program Plan for the state of California.
• Ensure proper registration and identification of the service providers (haulers and material recovery facilities) that support California operations.
• Develop actionable plans to engage communities, stakeholders, local governments, and haulers to prepare for the implementation of EPR in California.
• Build a working relationship with material recovery facilities, understand their capabilities, and develop an understanding of regional end markets for recycled material flow.
• Advance statewide improvements outlined in the Program Plan and convene key stakeholders to ensure systems solutions are implemented that are sustainable.
• Develop key strategies and reporting to deliver on the source reduction and reuse obligations of the statute.
• Meet any relevant performance metrics outlined in the Program Plan or in the Statutes.
• Oversee program data management, tracking and reporting obligations.
• Support development of strategic partner relations in coordination with the national organization.
• Oversee contract management, complaint management, and issues resolution.
• Collaborate closely with CalRecycle and the California Advisory Board to ensure community and stakeholder input is duly considered and addressed in the plans.
• Develop and deploy education and communications campaigns targeting program compliance, performance and access across California’s diverse communities and producers.

Leveraging National Services:

• Work collaboratively with CAA national organization to secure fit-for-purpose services including program planning, operations, IT, legal, finance, HR, and procurement support.
• Work collaboratively with CAA National Producer Services to build strong producer relationships and trust.
• Work collaboratively with the CAA National team to ensure auditing, technical assistance, improvements support, and other operating functions are properly leveraged and deployed in California.

Governance and Board Engagement

• Manage the CAA California Board including setting agendas, holding meetings, preparing key discussion materials, and driving effective decision making.
• Ensure the CAA California Board is following the protocols established at the national level to drive consistency in approach.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build a productive and trusting relationship with CalRecycle and work collaboratively to ensure program plans are approved, reporting occurs, and issues are resolved in a timely manner. Engage and support and other relevant state bodies and advisory committees.
• Cultivate strong communications channels with the California Advisory Board and its member stakeholder groups.
• Map and prioritize critical stakeholders in the media, NGOs, communities, and other elected officials and build strong relationships and engagement strategies to build CAA’s reputation and manage any issues.
• Represent CAA at official matters including media interviews, conferences, related events and support marketing efforts.

Financial Management:

• Work with the national organization to set, and manage to, annual operating budgets, update relevant forecasts, and manage the financial performance of the state level organization.
• Identify approaches to manage costs, improve efficiency, and leverage the national services to avoid replicating costs and resources.
• Establish and manage producer fee setting for California and be able to communicate and explain as needed.

Talent Management:

• Develop and own a state-level resourcing plan that includes key hires, sequencing, and overall cost.
• Partner with the CAA National organization to recruit and hire critical state level employees to deliver the program plan and support recycling operations.

Experience and Qualifications

Key Requirements and Skills for the Role:

• Proven experience in a waste or recycling leadership capacity or other related industries in California
• Strong budget management experience
• A strong strategic and business mindset and positive approach to work
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Successful track record in program implementation and management
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, including with governmental agencies and officials
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment for rapid pace and with flexibility
• Strong analytical skills, solid presentation skills, and ability to simplify complicated information
• Solid understanding of data analysis, reporting, budgeting and business operations
• Demonstrated skills in planning, project management, and overseeing a portfolio of projects or investments
• Experience with board management preferred
• eNGO experience a plus but not required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent business experience a plus.

Compensation and Other Information

• Location: Initially Fully Remote in California.
• A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.
• The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will be based on a variety of factors in accordance with applicable law, including the successful candidate’s relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and work location. Additional Incentive Awards will be offered in addition to the base salary conditional upon meeting certain performance factors, as set forth more fully in any offer of employment made. In addition to base salary and an incentive opportunity, this role is eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, retirement and paid time off.

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.

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