Environmental Science Policy Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Salary range:$211K - $254K

We are seeking an experienced scientific leader to serve as ourSenior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies. This strategic leadership role is responsible for directing long-range scientific research initiatives, advancing applied science strategies, and integrating research findings into organizational policy and decision-making.

The Senior Director will oversee multidisciplinary research programs, establish scientific priorities, manage external collaborations, and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, industry stakeholders, and the global scientific community. This individual will play a key role in translating complex scientific research into actionable strategies that support sound regulatory and policy decisions while strengthening scientific credibility across domestic and international initiatives.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute long-range scientific research strategies that align with organizational objectives and address emerging scientific and regulatory issues.
• Identify research priorities and guide the development of innovative scientific initiatives that advance chemical safety and scientific understanding.
• Translate scientific findings into practical recommendations that inform organizational strategy and policy development.
• Provide scientific leadership on emerging issues affecting the chemical industry and regulatory landscape.

Program Management

• Direct all aspects of the Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI), including strategic planning, budgeting, contract management, consultant oversight, resource allocation, and program evaluation.
• Oversee the competitive solicitation, review, selection, and management of research proposals and scientific studies.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful program execution.

Scientific Collaboration

• Lead and facilitate scientific committees comprised of researchers, industry scientists, academic experts, and government representatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with leading domestic and international scientific organizations and research institutions.
• Collaborate with multinational scientific initiatives to align global research priorities and promote scientific cooperation.

Applied Science & Policy

• Evaluate and interpret complex scientific studies related to chemical safety, toxicology, environmental health, and regulatory science.
• Apply scientific evidence to improve methodologies, risk assessment approaches, and regulatory decision-making.
• Support internal teams by integrating research findings into science-based policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Provide scientific consultation to cross-functional teams and executive leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Present research strategies, scientific findings, and policy implications to executive leadership, board members, member organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, industry forums, and international meetings.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, Environmental Science, Public Health, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience within the chemical industry, government, research institutions, or related scientific organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing and interpreting complex scientific data and research relevant to chemical safety and regulatory policy.
• Experience collaborating with international research organizations or participating in multinational scientific initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of major scientific assessment programs, research collaborations, and chemical safety initiatives.
• Proven experience managing complex scientific programs, research portfolios, and multidisciplinary projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic and international chemical regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Experience applying risk assessment methodologies to scientific research and policy development.
• Advanced training or specialized coursework in toxicology, environmental science, public health, exposure science, or a related discipline.
• Experience communicating scientific information to policymakers, executives, regulatory agencies, and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships across academia, industry, government, and international scientific organizations.

Core Competencies

• Scientific Leadership
• Strategic Research Planning
• Applied Science & Data Analysis
• Regulatory Science
• Chemical Safety
• Risk Assessment
• Program & Budget Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Policy Development
• International Scientific Collaboration
• Executive Communication
• Cross-Functional Leadership