Director, Regulatory Science

Overview

Director, Regulatory Science

Industry-Leading Trade Association

Hybrid (combination of in-office and remote work)

A well-established, industry-leading trade association seeks an experienced, enterprise-minded regulatory affairs leader to direct its regulatory strategy and scientific policy work. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director, Regulatory Science will shape and execute the association’s regulatory roadmap, oversee technical submissions, manage research priorities, and serve as a key scientific spokesperson on industry-relevant scientific and regulatory issues. Candidates should bring a strong regulatory background, comfort operating at an executive level, and the ability to navigate complex scientific, policy, and business environments with confidence and credibility.

• Regulatory Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and drive the association’s U.S. regulatory strategy (federal and state) and monitor adjacent frameworks with global implications, particularly Canada and Europe.
• Draft, review, and submit technical comments and responses to government consultations and regulatory proposals.
• Serve as the association’s subject-matter expert on chemical management, microplastics, endocrine disruption, biodegradability, and consumer-product chemical policies.
• Identify and assess emerging regulatory, NGO, and scientific issues to support the association’s policy insights and strategic-planning efforts.

• Scientific Policy, Safety & Stewardship

• Formulate and expand the association’s safety, sustainability, and stewardship strategy, ensuring alignment with member priorities and broader industry trends.
• Maintain strong information flow between the association and partners including allied trade associations, research institutions, and global scientific bodies.
• Represent the association in leadership roles on internal committees and external boards.

• External Engagement & Communications

• Serve as a spokesperson, translating complex scientific and regulatory topics into clear, credible messages for policymakers, media, NGOs, retailers, and the public.
• Identify and pursue strategic speaking and publishing opportunities that support broader education and communication goals.
• Build and sustain relationships with regulatory agencies, industry groups, nonprofits, and scientific organizations central to consumer-product safety and chemical management.

• Management & Operations

• Manage one direct report, external consultants, and technical vendors; develop and oversee the departmental budget.
• Partner closely with the Regulatory Science Executive Committee, Communications Committee, and Government & Legislative Affairs Executive Committee.
• Contribute as part of the senior leadership team, supporting organizational decision-making and enterprise priorities.

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, or related field).
• 7+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, chemical management, consumer products, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success navigating U.S. federal and state regulatory systems; global exposure (especially Europe) strongly preferred.
• Experience drafting and submitting regulatory comments, leading cross-functional initiatives, and advising senior executives.
• Strong understanding of the role of ingredients and materials in consumer products.
• Relevant experience may come from regulatory agencies, trade associations, consumer products companies, technical consulting firms, law firms, or scientific organizations focused on ingredient safety and other fast-paced corporate environments.

• Executive presence and the ability to engage diverse audiences with credibility.
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership style; able to manage stakeholders with different personalities and viewpoints.
• Analytical, solutions-oriented mindset with strong judgment and the ability to anticipate issues.
• Comfort serving as a public speaker and external representative of the association.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, business-driven environment where deadlines move quickly.
• Strong project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Team-oriented mindset and comfort working in a small, entrepreneurial organization.

• Must reside in, or relocate to, the Washington, DC area.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Salary range: $175,000–$225,000, depending on experience.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.