The Alliance to End Plastic Waste ("Alliance") is an international non-profit organisation partnering with government, environmental and economic development NGOs, major development banks and other financial institutions and communities around the world to address the challenge to end plastic waste in the environment. Through programmes and partnerships, the Alliance focuses on solutions in four strategic areas: infrastructure, innovation, education and engagement, and clean up. As of June 2024, the Alliance has more than 85 member companies and supporters representing global companies and organisations across the plastic value chain.
Tackling plastic waste is a complex challenge that requires collective action. Since 2019, the Alliance has convened a global network of industry leaders across the plastics value chain, together with government, civil society, entrepreneurs, and communities to work towards advancing a circular economy for plastic waste.
POSITION SUMMARY
AEPW is looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic individual in North America to strengthen its Membership Initiatives team. Reporting to the Vice President for Engagement and Collaboration, this individual will play a leading role in developing the mission's brand, values, and interest.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The role will take responsibility in North America, South America, and the Caribbean for both membership recruitment and member engagement.
Membership Recruitment:
The position will contribute to developing strategies for recruitment and delivering on those strategies with the goals of growing the community of member companies at the Alliance, and raising the revenue from membership dues and commitments.
The goal is to expand the membership of the Alliance across all sectors connected to the plastics value chain: chemical/plastic resin producers, brand/consumer companies, retailers, packaging and plastic converter companies, waste managers, recyclers, as well as businesses that provide goods and services to support the operation of the plastic value chain.
Of these sectors, the role is expected to place a special emphasis on recruiting more brand and retail companies.
Member engagement:
The position will take on responsibility for being the Primary Engagement Manager (or Key Relationship Manager) for the Alliance's existing member companies based in the Americas.
This involves maintaining excellent relationships with member companies, ensuring that they are fully aware of all Alliance activities, and helping members to contribute to and take part in shaping Alliance work through relevant expert groups and other engagement opportunities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the VP of Engagement and Collaboration to design and execute a business development strategy and activities to generate strong interest in the Alliance in the Americas, and drive recruitment of new members.
As part of the business development strategy, build a deep understanding of the sustainability needs of brand and retail companies in the Americas, and build a strong network of relationships, leads and opportunities at the highest levels of seniority in these sectors.
The business development work will also involve building collaborative relationships with key trade and industry associations and facilitating opportunities for collaboration with these bodies that expose the members of such groups to - and potentially involve them in - the projects, programs, knowledge, expertise and insights of the Alliance.
Support the VP of Engagement and Collaboration in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with existing members of the Alliance. This work will involve understanding closely the interests and needs of the members and helping them to connect to the Alliance around their key priorities.
Understand and build on the member value proposition of the Alliance, based on insights gained both from existing members and potential members.
Significantly increase the budget of the Alliance through recruitment and deep engagement of member companies.
Facilitate an environment for senior stakeholders to establish and maintain a network of relationships with current and future members.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated excellent abilities in business development and relationship management.
Be able to manage complex issues and understand the priorities and goals of other organizations in order to identify collaboration areas matching AEPW strategy and goals.
Have at least 10 years of post-graduate experience, that may include roles in research, consulting, policymaking, and stakeholder engagement, but must also include business development, and relationship management.
Experience in related sectors to the mission of the Alliance is important, with experience in the brand and retail sectors of particular importance.
Experience working in the field of sustainability is desirable, and candidates should have a strong interest in these areas.
Strong international experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Have strong communication skills; be someone who can clearly and with substantive credibility articulate the message and command the respect of their audience.
Be an activist - who respectfully challenges ideas for the betterment of the organization.
Possess highly proficient English language skills, with fluency in Spanish being desirable.
A self-starter who is comfortable working in a remote/virtual setting.