Job Description

Description

Planet Aid is seeking an Industry & Local Government Affairs Manager to serve as our voice in the national conversation around sustainability and textile waste. This is a unique opportunity to advocate for positive environmental impact while building partnerships with government agencies, business leaders, and industry stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocate & Influence: Collaborate with local and state government agencies to promote and enhance the recovery of secondhand clothing, advocating for Planet Aid’s mission and operations model.
• Zoning & Permitting Coordination: Address zoning and permitting issues by working directly with local governments to establish collection boxes and other initiatives, ensuring compliance and smooth operations in diverse jurisdictions.
• SOP Development with Local Representatives: Collaborate with local representatives to create standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for working with municipalities, facilitating efficient engagement and partnership-building.
• Strategy & Collaboration: Develop and implement government affairs strategies, building relationships with government officials, councils, economic development organizations, and local media. Train and empower local sales and operations leaders to engage in community discussions and execute elements of the strategy across the organization.
• Engagement & Representation: Represent Planet Aid at municipal council meetings, industry conventions, and relevant forums, ensuring our organization remains a key player in the sustainability sector.
• Legislative Monitoring: Monitor and analyze state and local legislation, providing proactive notice and strategic insights to leadership on key developments affecting our industry.
• Leadership & Coordination: Manage external legal counsel and legislative consultants to achieve government relations goals.

The Purpose of the Position:

The modern secondhand clothing industry in the USA is a multibillion-dollar domestic and global sector with roots in managing scarce textile resources from the late 1800s to after WWII. Today, US for-profit companies and non-profit organizations collect, sort, resell, and export 2 million tons of discarded clothing annually. The industry has largely been unregulated, but recent state initiatives and federal reviews aim to recover textiles before they end up in landfills and incinerators, addressing environmental concerns and the growing threat of textile waste from "Fast Fashion."

Planet Aid has collected and exported more than 1 million tons of used clothing over 30 years of service to communities and people in the USA and globally. With a proven track record and a strong commitment to the People and the Planet, Planet Aid must be heard and should be included in shaping the future policies and regulations of sustainable recovery, reuse, and recycling of secondhand clothing, from gently used to end-of-fiber life.

About Planet Aid:

Planet Aid’s clothes reuse and recycling program makes textile recycling accessible by locating collection boxes at convenient urban and suburban locations. Currently, the organization operates over 10,000 collection points across 14 states. These efforts support the international development work of our partner organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, empowering communities through capacity building, training, and education. Planet Aid is dedicated to protecting the environment and improving lives through sustainable practices and global cooperation.

Benefits:

Planet Aid offers a wide variety of benefits, programs, and services. Benefits include but are not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) with match, paid holidays, paid sick days, and vacations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Studies, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 6-10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative affairs at the local, regional, or state level.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in the secondhand clothing, solid waste, or recycling industry is a plus.
• Familiarity with zoning and permitting processes; experience working with municipalities to establish SOPs is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel frequently within the U.S. (20%-35%)

Location: Elkridge MD, with Hybrid Remote Flexibility

Planet Aid is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.