Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI)
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Representing 1300 international member companies in 41 countries and 21 US chapters, ISRI is the unified voice for the scrap recycling industry – the first link in the global manufacturing supply chain. Scrap is not waste. It is valuable commodity that meets 40% of manufacturers raw material needs. Playing a pivotal role in the economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development, the US scrap industry produces more than 130 million metric tons of recyclable materials each year, decreasing the amount of materials sent to landfills and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling goes far beyond the bin at the edge of the curb. The majority of recyclable material generated in the U.S. ends its life and begins a new life at a for-profit professional scrap recycling facility. Recyclers process scrap into specification-grade products that manufacturers purchase and use in new products. The industry supports 534,000 US workers and generates approximately $117B annually in economic activity.
ISRI members range from small, family-owned firms to multinational corporations. Members benefit from a wide array of services including: safety and compliance training; networking and education; market research and reporting; regulatory and legal information; industry-specific publications; and industry representation.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Reporting to the president and serving as an integral member of ISRI’s senior management team, the Vice President (VP) of Communications, Marketing and Business Development is responsible for the development of ISRI’s communications and marketing strategy to reach audiences both internal and external to ISRI, as well as overseeing ISRI’s business development efforts along with ISRI’s VP of Finance. The VP directly manages ISRI’s efforts to promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation; develops and executes communications strategies to support ISRI’s advocacy efforts on the state, local, national and international levels; and is responsible for ensuring media relations. The goal is to advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and support for the organization. The VP will be responsible for ISRI’s varied and integrated communications products and services including: newsletters and other print publications; Web, E-news, social media and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
It is the responsibility of this position to establish the vision, and develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance ISRI’s brand identity and raise/broaden awareness of its programs, services and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences. As part of this effort, the VP is responsible for
- Overseeing development of all ISRI’s print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including ISRI’s website and social media;
- Exercising judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
- Overseeing the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development
- Maintaining an ISRI messaging platform to include issue-related and top association messaging for use by association staff and leadership and publication through ISRI communications vehicles.
- Ensuring the smooth operation of Scrap Magazine, with the goal of integrating its work into ISRI’s overall communications strategy.
- Providing a liaison and leadership role for ISRI’s Communications Committee, as well as all of its subcommittees.
- Overseeing the Business Development function within ISRI.
- Oversee the operations of the Recycling Research Foundation (RRF) and provide needed support.
- Developing and managing a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications/marketing strategy. As part of this effort, the VP should
- promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
- mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
- establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and establish priorities
- encourage the team to be approachable and work cooperatively and proactively with all ISRI departments.
Job Specifications, Qualifications and Education Requirements, Preferred Education/Skills
VP must be able to exercise strategic thinking, be proactive, and able to work with other staff under deadline. Experience with integrating social media into an overall communications strategy helpful. Other preferred skills:
- Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
- Experience in building, mentoring and coaching a team of communications specialists
- Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
- Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of high-performing Board of Directors
- Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
- Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years’ experience in an industrial trade association is required. Congressional or public affairs experience is highly desired.
TO APPLY:
This is a retained search. Please submit a detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the role and in the mission of ISRI, along with a resume customized to reflect your relevant competencies. Applications should be sent to Shira Harrington, Chief Engagement Officer, Purposeful Hire, Inc. at shira@purposefulhire.com.