Global Public Affairs Director – Sustainability

Job Title:
Global Public Affairs Director – Sustainability

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time Contract (12 Months, potential for extension)

Work Schedule: 5 days/week

Pay Rate: $115.00 / hour

We are seeking an experienced Global Public Affairs Director specializing in Sustainability to cover a 12-month parental leave assignment. In this pivotal position, you will help shape a proactive external policy agenda, ensuring the global policy environment aligns with overarching business priorities, supports growth, and protects our freedom to operate.

As part of a dynamic corporate affairs function, you will serve as a central subject matter expert on the external sustainability policy landscape. You will work closely with public affairs teams across the globe to establish a new operating model and empower local and regional businesses for long-term success.

• Strategic Policy Alignment: Drive a proactive external public affairs agenda on global sustainability policy issues.
• Matrix
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with global, regional, and local public affairs teams to build alignment, deliver central expertise, and support regional execution.
• Operating Model Evolution: Assist in establishing and embedding a refined operating model for global public affairs across the enterprise.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Navigate a complex, matrixed organizational structure to manage and influence key senior internal stakeholders and external policy partners.
• First 90 Days: Quickly onboard, build trusted relationships across the global network, and master key policy focus areas to hit the ground running.

• Multinational Corporate
  
  Experience:
  
  Proven public affairs, government relations, or policy experience within a global multinational corporation (CPG or relevant sector experience strongly preferred).
• Sustainability Expertise: Demonstrated background in sustainability policy and government affairs.
• Senior Stakeholder Management: Proven track record of interfacing with and influencing senior leadership.
• Execution Through Others: Skilled at driving cross-functional initiatives and achieving business outcomes through influence in a matrixed network.
• Adaptability: Exceptional capability to navigate ambiguity and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Self-Starter Mindset: Highly motivated individual who takes initiative and thrives independently without direct reports.

• Global Impact: Influence policy agendas across a truly global network of public affairs professionals.
• High Visibility: Lead key sustainability initiatives that directly impact corporate strategy and operational success.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside driven, highly expert peers in an empowering corporate culture.