[Hiring] Director of Policy, Regulatory Strategy and Government Affairs @The Industrial Commons

Role Description

The Director of Policy, Regulatory Strategy and Government Affairs serves as the Textile Innovation Engine's lead advocate, strategist, and subject matter expert on public policy issues that impact the future of the U.S. textile industry. This role is responsible for building relationships with elected officials, state agencies, federal policymakers, industry associations, and key stakeholders. This Director will develop and execute strategies and communication that secures long-term public investment in the Textile Innovation Engine, strengthens the regional position as the national leader in textile innovation, and works collaboratively to create favorable regulatory and economic conditions for emerging textile industries.

Essential Functions

• Research policy and regulatory issues directly related to the targeted opportunities identified in the Strategic and Implementation Plan of the Textile Innovation Engine.
• Develop strategies that advance the mission of the Textile Innovation Engine and the work on textile circularity, textile hemp, finished good automation, biomedical textiles and workforce development to drive national competitiveness, national security and the long-term sustainability of the U.S. textile industry.
• Build the relationship network with state and federal elected officials to educate and regularly update specifically appropriations representatives about the work and accomplishments of the Engine Ecosystem in our Region of Service (NC, parts of TN, SC, VA).
• Coordinate and lead an annual ecosystem tour for elected officials to keep them aware and engaged of the work in their region.
• Work with other Engines to coordinate efforts on behalf of the NSF Engines program to educate key influencers in the appropriations process.
• Serve as the primary Engine liaison with policymakers, government agencies, industry associations, and other key stakeholders at the local, state, regional, and federal levels.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, academic, nonprofit, and industry partners to advance policy priorities, address regulatory challenges, and support shared objectives.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting the textile industry and provide strategic recommendations regarding risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, presentations, testimony, advocacy materials, and stakeholder communications to support policy engagement and decision-making.
• Convene and engage industry leaders, manufacturers, researchers, agricultural partners, brands, policymakers, and community stakeholders to build coalitions and advance strategic policy initiatives.
• Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and policy issues into actionable recommendations for leadership, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align policy initiatives with research, commercialization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic development activities.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate policy, economic, and industry data to inform strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and organizational decision-making.
• Represent the Textile Innovation Engine at legislative meetings, DC Hill visits, conferences, industry events, public forums, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Public Policy, Government, Law, Economics, Agriculture, Sustainability, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, economic development, industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
• Experience working with state legislatures, federal agencies, congressional offices, trade associations, or public-sector stakeholders.
• Experience in manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, sustainability, economic development, industrial policy, or related industries preferred.
• Knowledge of public funding, appropriations processes, government investment programs, and economic development incentives.
• Experience developing and implementing policy, legislative, regulatory, or advocacy strategies.
• Knowledge of agricultural policy, Farm Bill programs, rural economic development, or domestic supply chain initiatives preferred.
• Familiarity with circular economy, sustainability, recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or industrial competitiveness initiatives preferred.
• Strong policy analysis, research, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, influence stakeholders, and develop productive partnerships across diverse sectors.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences and decision-makers.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and communicate with others.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
• Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000-$130,000 commensurate with experience and based on 40 hours per week.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.