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.

Key Responsibilities
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.

Education & Required Experience

• 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.

What You Bring

• 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.