Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies | Washington, DC

Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies

📍 Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)
🏢 Department: Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
👤 Reports To: Vice President, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
✈️ Travel: Up to 20%
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: None
💰 Compensation: $211,629 – $254,000 Base Salary
💵 Annual Bonus: Performance-Based Merit Increases & Discretionary Bonus

Overview

A leading national scientific and regulatory organization is seeking a Senior Director, Long-Range Research Initiative & Applied Science Strategies to lead its flagship scientific research program while shaping research strategy, applied science, and regulatory decision support across the chemical industry.

This executive leadership role will oversee the organization's Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI), driving scientific investment, research governance, international collaboration, and science-based policy development. The successful candidate will work closely with industry leaders, academic researchers, government agencies, and international scientific organizations to ensure research priorities support sound regulatory decision-making and advance scientific understanding.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished scientific leader who enjoys combining research strategy, stakeholder engagement, science policy, and executive-level influence.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead one of the industry's most influential scientific research initiatives

• Shape future research priorities impacting global chemical safety

• Partner with leading scientists from academia, industry, and government

• Influence regulatory policy using evidence-based science

• Represent the organization within international scientific collaborations

• Present directly to executive leadership, member companies, and Board members

• Lead strategic investments in scientific research with global impact

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Research Leadership

• Lead the organization's Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI)

• Develop long-term scientific research strategies aligned with organizational objectives

• Identify emerging scientific issues and future research priorities

• Translate scientific findings into practical regulatory and policy recommendations

• Ensure research supports evidence-based decision making

Research Program Management

• Manage all aspects of the LRI program, including:

• Budget management

• Resource allocation

• Consultant management

• Contract oversight

• Research funding

• Oversee competitive proposal and grant selection processes

• Direct research project execution from concept through completion

• Ensure projects remain aligned with strategic priorities

Scientific Strategy & Applied Science

• Apply scientific research to improve regulatory methods and policy development

• Interpret complex scientific studies and emerging research

• Develop scientific strategies addressing evolving regulatory challenges

• Collaborate with subject matter experts across multiple disciplines

• Identify opportunities to strengthen scientific understanding across the industry

Stakeholder & International Collaboration

• Lead the LRI Topic Committee, including:

• Scientific agenda development

• Meeting facilitation

• Cross-company collaboration

• Build strong relationships with:

• Industry scientists

• Academic researchers

• Government agencies

• International scientific organizations

• Coordinate research priorities through the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)

• Foster collaboration on multinational scientific initiatives

Executive Communication & Policy Support

• Present research strategies and findings to:

• Executive Leadership

• Board Members

• Member Companies

• External Scientific Organizations

• Translate complex scientific concepts into actionable recommendations

• Support science policy advocacy using research findings and data analysis

• Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to internal leadership

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Science or a related technical discipline

Experience

• 10+ years of experience within:

• Chemical industry

• Government

• Scientific research organizations

• Related technical fields

• Experience managing scientific research programs

• Experience overseeing research budgets, contracts, and consultants

• Experience developing scientific research strategies

• Experience interpreting complex scientific data and studies

• Experience working with international scientific organizations

• Experience supporting multinational scientific initiatives

• Experience with chemical assessment programs and scientific regulatory venues

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in:

• Toxicology

• Environmental Science

• Public Health

• Related scientific disciplines

• Knowledge of chemical regulatory frameworks

• Risk assessment methodology expertise

• Science communication experience

• Experience translating scientific research for policymakers and executive audiences

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• Master's or PhD in a scientific discipline

• 10+ years leading scientific research programs

• Strong chemical industry or government research experience

• Deep expertise interpreting complex scientific research

• Experience influencing science-based regulatory policy

• International scientific collaboration experience

• Outstanding executive presentation and communication skills

• Strong program management, budgeting, and contract oversight experience

• Ability to build relationships across academia, government, industry, and global scientific organizations

Screening Questions

1. Describe a scientific research program you have managed. How did you oversee budgeting, contracts, consultants, and resource allocation while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives?

2. Tell us about your experience collaborating with industry, academia, government agencies, or international scientific organizations. How did you build and maintain those relationships?

3. Describe a time you used complex scientific research or data to influence regulatory policy, advocacy efforts, or executive decision-making. How did you communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders?

Interview Process

1. HR Director Interview

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation

• Base Salary: $211,629 – $254,000

• Annual Performance Bonus

• Annual Merit Increase Program

Benefits

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Additional Employee Benefits

Ideal Backgrounds

Strong candidates are likely to come from organizations such as:

• Chemical manufacturers

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Government scientific agencies

• Regulatory science organizations

• Toxicology institutes

• Environmental health organizations

• Scientific research institutes

• Trade associations

• International regulatory organizations

• Public health research organizations

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will combine deep scientific expertise with strategic leadership, translating cutting-edge research into meaningful policy, strengthening international scientific collaboration, and ensuring research investments drive measurable improvements in chemical safety, regulatory science, and evidence-based decision-making.

Maintenance Mechanic – Manufacturing | Packaging Equipment & SAP-PM | Chicago, IL

Maintenance Mechanic – Manufacturing

📍 Chicago, Illinois
💰 $38.77 per hour
🕒 Second or Third Shift
💼 Full-Time | Union Position
🏭 Onsite – Manufacturing/Bakery Facility
👥 Three Openings
🚫 No Visa Sponsorship
🚚 No Relocation Assistance

Position Overview

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking three experienced Maintenance Mechanics to support a high-speed production and packaging facility in Chicago.

This hands-on position is responsible for maintaining the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of processing, packaging, and facility equipment. Working with limited supervision in a team-based environment, the Maintenance Mechanic will perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns, complete mechanical repairs, and help minimize production downtime.

Candidates must be available to work either second or third shift.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive Maintenance and CMMS

• Complete scheduled preventive maintenance activities across production and facility equipment.

• Document maintenance work, work orders, repairs, and equipment improvements using SAP Plant Maintenance.

• Maintain accurate equipment and maintenance records within the plant’s computerized maintenance management system.

• Use condition-monitoring equipment, including thermography cameras and ultrasound tools.

• Identify potential equipment failures before they interrupt production.

Mechanical Troubleshooting and Repair

• Diagnose, repair, and replace defective components on high-speed processing and packaging equipment.

• Troubleshoot pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives, and foundational electrical systems.

• Perform basic machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical adjustment work.

• Complete root-cause analysis for recurring equipment failures.

• Respond quickly to live breakdown calls and restore equipment performance safely.

• Follow the correct testing and diagnostic sequence for complex processing equipment.

Technical Documentation

• Read and interpret:

• Mechanical and electrical schematics

• Piping and instrumentation diagrams

• Blueprints

• Block diagrams

• Equipment drawings and sketches

• Use technical documentation to support equipment diagnostics, repairs, and improvements.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Work alongside engineers, electricians, boiler room personnel, production teams, and technical specialists.

• Communicate equipment status and outstanding maintenance requirements during shift handovers.

• Help identify and resolve recurring operational problems.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives involving TPM, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Share technical knowledge and contribute to the development of other team members.

Safety and Equipment Operation

• Follow all Lockout/Tagout, Hot Work, and Confined Space procedures.

• Work in accordance with NEC and NFPA requirements.

• Safely operate forklifts, man lifts, ladders, scaffolding, and other material-handling equipment.

• Comply with GMP, HACCP, QCMS, health-code, and food-safety requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.

• At least two to four years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Mechanic within a manufacturing environment, or successful completion of an approved apprenticeship or technical training program.

• Strong mechanical knowledge covering:

• Pumps

• Hydraulics

• Pneumatics

• Mechanical drives

• Basic machining

• Welding

• Hand and power tools

• Foundational electrical systems

• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and perform root-cause analysis.

• Ability to work effectively with limited supervision.

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

• Willingness and ability to work second or third shift.

• No visa sponsorship is available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Maintenance experience involving high-speed processing or packaging lines.

• Experience within food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with SAP-PM or another computerized maintenance management system.

• Knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma principles.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD and technical file-management software.

• Experience training, mentoring, or sharing technical knowledge with colleagues.

• Knowledge of condition-based monitoring methods.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently.

• Ability to climb stairs and work from ladders, lifts, and scaffolding.

• Ability to crawl over, under, or inside manufacturing equipment when completing maintenance work.

• Ability to maintain balance while working around industrial machinery.

• Comfortable working in environments with significantly varying temperatures.

First 30, 60 and 90 Days

First 30 Days

• Complete plant safety onboarding.

• Obtain required lift-equipment certifications.

• Complete training on the facility’s autonomous and progressive maintenance standards.

First 60 Days

• Develop familiarity with the plant’s equipment and machinery layouts.

• Begin independently completing scheduled preventive maintenance activities within the CMMS.

First 90 Days

• Respond confidently to live equipment breakdowns.

• Independently diagnose and repair common mechanical failures.

• Collaborate effectively across departments and shifts to minimize production downtime.

Compensation and Benefits

• $38.77 per hour.

• Equivalent to approximately $80,642 annually based on a standard 40-hour working week.

• Healthcare coverage.

• Retirement benefits.

• Paid time off.

• Benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement and may be subject to eligibility requirements.

• No bonus or commission.

• No relocation assistance or interview travel reimbursement.

Environmental Manager | Manufacturing & Environmental Compliance | Mapleton, IL

Environmental Manager

📍 Location: Mapleton, IL
🏭 Industry: Manufacturing / Heavy Industrial Operations
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Available
✈️ Interview Travel: Reimbursed
💰 Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Bonus Eligible

Overview

A leading industrial manufacturing organization is seeking an Environmental Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversight of environmental compliance programs at a large-scale manufacturing facility.

This role will be responsible for managing environmental programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and partnering with operational leaders to maintain safe, compliant, and sustainable operations.

The successful candidate will serve as the site's environmental subject matter expert while mentoring personnel across all levels of the organization and helping drive environmental performance excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Lead environmental compliance programs across the facility.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

• Interpret and apply environmental regulations and permit requirements.

• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and agency interactions.

• Maintain environmental permits and compliance documentation.

Air, Water & Waste Programs

• Manage air compliance programs and permit requirements.

• Oversee drinking water and wastewater compliance activities.

• Ensure proper hazardous waste management and disposal practices.

• Monitor environmental performance and identify potential risks.

• Develop corrective actions and improvement initiatives.

EHS Leadership

• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to hourly, salaried, and management personnel.

• Promote a strong environmental and safety culture throughout the facility.

• Partner with operations leaders to drive compliance and risk reduction.

• Support site-wide EHS objectives and business initiatives.

Auditing & Risk Management

• Conduct environmental audits and compliance assessments.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.

• Monitor environmental performance trends and key metrics.

• Recommend and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Training & Development

• Ensure environmental training programs meet regulatory requirements.

• Support employee awareness and compliance initiatives.

• Provide environmental expertise and coaching to facility leadership teams.

Required Qualifications

Education

✔ Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, EHS, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

✔ 5+ years of environmental compliance, environmental engineering, or EHS experience.

✔ Experience managing environmental programs within industrial or manufacturing environments.

✔ Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.

✔ Previous leadership or management experience.

Highly Preferred Experience

Environmental Compliance

• Air Compliance Programs

• Air Permit Management

• Title V Permitting

• Environmental Reporting

• Regulatory Agency Interaction

Water Programs

• Drinking Water Compliance

• Wastewater Treatment

• Water Permitting

• Environmental Monitoring

Hazardous Materials

• Hazardous Waste Regulations

• Waste Management Programs

• Environmental Risk Assessments

Preferred Industry Backgrounds

Candidates from the following industries are strongly preferred:

• Foundry Operations

• Oil & Gas

• Paper Mills

• Heavy Manufacturing

• Industrial Processing

• Chemical Manufacturing

• Metals Processing

Core Competencies

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

• Environmental Compliance

• Regulatory Interpretation

• Environmental Auditing

• Environmental Program Management

Risk Management

• Risk Assessment

• Regulatory Risk Mitigation

• Compliance Monitoring

• Incident Prevention

Leadership

• Team Development

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Change Management

• Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous Improvement

• Problem Solving

• Process Improvement

• Sustainability Initiatives

• Operational Excellence

Screening Questions

1. Do you hold a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, EHS, Chemistry, or a related technical field?

2. How many years of environmental compliance or EHS experience do you have?

3. Do you have direct experience managing air compliance programs and environmental permits?

4. Have you worked with drinking water and wastewater compliance programs?

5. Do you have experience managing hazardous waste programs and regulations?

6. Have you worked within a manufacturing, foundry, oil & gas, paper mill, or similar industrial environment?

7. Do you have previous leadership or management experience?

8. Are you comfortable relocating to Mapleton, Illinois?

9. Have you interacted directly with regulatory agencies and environmental auditors?

10. What environmental permits and compliance programs have you personally managed?

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced environmental leader who combines strong technical compliance expertise with the ability to influence and develop teams.

They will possess:

• Deep knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting.

• Significant experience with air compliance and air permitting.

• Strong understanding of wastewater, drinking water, and hazardous waste programs.

• Previous leadership experience within industrial manufacturing environments.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A proactive approach to risk reduction and continuous improvement.

• The ability to work collaboratively across operations, engineering, maintenance, and leadership teams.

Candidate Snapshot

Requirement

Details

Experience

5+ Years Environmental Compliance/EHS

Education

Bachelor's Degree Required

Leadership

Management Experience Required

Compliance Expertise

Air, Water & Waste Programs

Industry

Manufacturing / Industrial Operations

Preferred Industries

Foundry, Oil & Gas, Paper Mill

Location

Mapleton, IL

Travel

Occasional

Relocation

Available

Bonus

Eligible

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

• Strong environmental compliance and permitting expertise.

• Proven success managing environmental programs in industrial settings.

• Ability to lead and influence teams across all organizational levels.

• Experience navigating complex regulatory environments.

• Strong problem-solving and risk management capabilities.

• Passion for environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

• Ability to balance compliance, sustainability, and business objectives.

Why This Opportunity?

✅ Lead environmental strategy at a large-scale industrial facility.

✅ Significant ownership and visibility within plant leadership.

✅ Opportunity to drive meaningful environmental improvements and sustainability initiatives.

✅ Relocation assistance and bonus eligibility available.

✅ Work within a highly respected manufacturing organization committed to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.