Director of Legislative Affairs & Business Development

CLYNK is the pioneering technology company that revolutionized bottle and can redemption with its innovative "Bag Drop" system. Founded in 2005, CLYNK's patented platform enables grocers to effortlessly offer superior redemption services that drive foot traffic, unlock high-impact marketing opportunities, and foster community engagement. CLYNK's tech-enabled solution provides a seamless redemption experience for consumers, allowing them to quickly drop off bottles and cans at conveniently located solar and wind-powered stations. With over 500,000 consumer accounts and having processed over 2.5 billion containers, CLYNK is changing the way consumers, retailers, and the beverage industry approach sustainability and circularity for beverage containers. For more information, visit www.clynk.com.

Job Summary:

The Director of Legislative Affairs & Business Development will be pivotal in driving our market expansion as CLYNK strives to become the #1 innovator providing circularity solutions in North America through our bag-drop technology solutions for bottle redemption. This role is responsible for researching and analyzing opportunities for new business and protecting our interests where we have existing business. Additionally, this role will represent CLYNK in legislative settings and is charged with developing relationships and implementing strategies to influence public policy at the local, state, and federal level.

Essential Functions:

Market Development:

• Identify and develop new market opportunities to expand CLYNK's footprint
• Conduct market analysis and feasibility studies to inform strategic decisions
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and industry leaders
• Coordinate implementation of new market initiatives

Policy and Government Affairs:

• Develop and implement strategies to influence public policy in support of CLYNK's business objectives
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the company's interests
• Testify before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies as needed
• Manage relationships with government officials, agencies, and lobbyists
• Monitor all state and federal legislation and regulations relevant to CLYNK; prepare reports on legislative activities and advise on the impact of such proposals
• Coordinate with advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, and other stakeholders to build support for legislation
• Write and edit letters, op-eds, and other communications materials

Relationship Management:

• Oversee and nurture relationships with key business partners, ensuring alignment with CLYNK's goals and values
• Support cross-functional collaboration to ensure all areas of the business are considered in new business development and policy initiatives

Leadership and Strategy:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the business development and government affairs functions
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align strategies with overall company objectives
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Affairs, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in market development, public affairs, and/or business operations including working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative for-profit environment
• Strong research, analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful market entry strategies
• Skilled project management experience including the ability to lead and coordinate with multiple stakeholders to execute a plan for a deliverable or outcome
• Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and proven track record of success in developing and executing strategies
• Experience developing and managing relationships with government officials, agencies, and lobbyists
• Excellent clear, concise communication and presentation skills, with experience testifying before legislative bodies
• A commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship

Additional Requirements:

• Pre-employment screening: must be able to successfully pass a background check including MVR
• Physical requirements: must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Schedule: this is an exempt salaried position expected to work 40 hours per week; additional hours may be necessary outside of normal business hours according to business demands and the employee’s time zone
• Travel: this could be a travel heavy position depending on the business development needs as CLYNK expands into new markets, in addition to minimum quarterly trips to our Corporate Office in South Portland, ME; anticipated travel up to 25%

Compensation

$125,000 - $165,000 annually depending on experience, plus bonus potential.

Why Join CLYNK?

• Strong mission-driven company culture with a passion for excellence
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the environment and community
• Competitive salary and benefits package 
• Flexible remote working arrangement with travel opportunities

CLYNK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don't discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, age, or genetic information.