Overview
Director of Policy, Government Affairs and Regulatory Strategy Jobs in Morganton, NC at The Industrial Commons
Title: Director of Policy, Government Affairs and Regulatory Strategy
Company: The Industrial Commons
Location: Morganton, NC
Job Title: Director of Policy, Government Affairs and Regulatory Strategy
Reports To: Textile Engine CEO
Location: Hybrid
Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time
The NSF Textile Innovation Engine of NC is an NSF-funded program of The Industrial Commons (TIC). The NSF Engines program supports the creation of region-scale, technology-driven innovation ecosystems in the US. With a focus on building regional coalitions of partner organizations, NSF Engines accelerate the development of emerging technologies, drive economic growth, address key societal challenges, maintain national competitiveness, and strengthen national security. The NSF funds Engines to carry out an integrated and comprehensive set of activities spanning use-inspired research, translation to practice, entrepreneurship, and workforce development to nurture and accelerate regional industries. The NSF Engines program has four strategic pillars to uphold: building American wealth, transforming nascent regional innovation ecosystems into market leaders, ensuring national leadership in key industries, and advancing technologies relevant to national competitiveness, with particular interest in regions of service that have not fully participated in the technology boom of the past several decades.
About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an economy for all.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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.
Job Overview: The Director of Policy, Government Affairs & Regulatory Strategy serves as the Textile Innovation Engine’s lead advocate, strategist, and subject matter expert on public policy issues that impact the future of the U.S. textile industry. This role is responsible for building relationships with elected officials, state agencies, federal policymakers, industry associations, and key stakeholders to advance policies that support textile innovation, workforce development, circular manufacturing, regenerative agriculture, and domestic industrial competitiveness.The Director will develop and execute policy strategies that secure long-term public investment in the Textile Innovation Engine, strengthen North Carolina’s position as the national leader in textile innovation, and create favorable regulatory and economic conditions for emerging textile industries.
Essential Functions
- Develop and execute government affairs, public policy, and regulatory strategies that advance the goals of the Textile Innovation Engine and support the growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of the U.S. textile industry.
- Serve as the primary liaison to policymakers, government agencies, industry associations, economic development organizations, and other key stakeholders at the local, state, regional, and federal levels.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, academic, nonprofit, and industry partners to advance policy priorities, address regulatory challenges, and support shared objectives.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting the textile industry and provide strategic recommendations regarding risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
- Lead policy initiatives related to textile innovation, workforce development, manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain resilience, sustainability, circular economy strategies, regenerative agriculture, and emerging industry priorities.
- Develop strategies to secure public investment, appropriations, grant funding, and other government resources that support Engine initiatives and industry growth.
- Prepare policy briefs, position papers, presentations, testimony, advocacy materials, and stakeholder communications to support policy engagement and decision-making.
- Convene and engage industry leaders, manufacturers, researchers, agricultural partners, brands, policymakers, and community stakeholders to build coalitions and advance strategic policy initiatives.
- Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and policy issues into actionable recommendations for organizational leadership, industry partners, and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal teams to align policy initiatives with research, commercialization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic development activities.
- Collect, analyze, and communicate policy, economic, and industry data to inform strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and organizational decision-making.
- Represent the Textile Innovation Engine and The Industrial Commons at legislative meetings, conferences, industry events, public forums, and stakeholder engagements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required in Public Policy, Government, Law, Economics, Agriculture, Sustainability, Business, or a related field preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, economic development, industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
- Experience working with state legislatures, federal agencies, congressional offices, trade associations, or public-sector stakeholders.
- Experience in manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, sustainability, economic development, industrial policy, or related industries preferred.
- Knowledge of public funding, appropriations processes, government investment programs, and economic development incentives.
- Experience developing and implementing policy, legislative, regulatory, or advocacy strategies.
- Knowledge of agricultural policy, Farm Bill programs, rural economic development, or domestic supply chain initiatives preferred.
- Familiarity with circular economy, sustainability, recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or industrial competitiveness initiatives preferred.
- Strong policy analysis, research, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, influence stakeholders, and develop productive partnerships across diverse sectors.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences and decision-makers.
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
- Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and communicate with others.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
- Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic formats.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $85,000-$130,000 commensurate with experience and based on 40 hours per week.
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Policy, Government Affairs, and Regulatory Strategy”
