Position Summary

Responsible for strategic leadership, regulatory advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and operational execution for the Color Pigments Manufacturers Association, Inc. (CPMA). Serves as the industry’s primary spokesperson and relationship-builder with policymakers, allied associations, and global value chain partners. Manages all aspects of the association’s operations, regulatory agenda, member services, and financial sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead CPMA’s advocacy and regulatory strategy with a proactive, science-based approach to policy development to achieve strategic plan goals and objectives. Serve as an effective communicator and trusted partner with agencies such as EPA, while building strong relationships with international industry associations and allied organizations (e.g., Eurocolour, ETAD, ACA, NAPIM, NAM, Plastics).
• Track, interpret, and synthesize emerging trends across policy, science, sustainability, and global markets. Provide members with early-warning insights and contextualized guidance that helps them anticipate and respond to evolving risks and opportunities.
• Proactively identify and communicate CPMA’s value to members. Listen for and act on feedback to ensure members derive tangible benefit from membership, including through regulatory insight, customer education, and market intelligence.
• Develop and manage recruitment and retention strategies that facilitate long-term membership growth.
• Work collaboratively with SOCMA’s marketing and communications teams to produce high-quality publications and digital content that articulate CPMA’s impact and value.
• Plan and direct CPMA’s executive, technical, operational, and financial programs. Support and implement strategic priorities including advocacy, value chain collaboration, membership value, global positioning, and sustainability leadership.
• Facilitate meetings and communications with regulatory agencies and elected officials to advance member interests. Draft and deliver comments, position papers, and testimony, as needed.
• Direct legal reviews, committee logistics, member meetings, and other association activities, ensuring effective engagement and participation.
• Manage association financials including budgets, dues collection, and reporting. Maintain strong controls and transparent communication as Treasurer of CPMA.
• Provide administrative leadership, staff support, and consultant coordination. Oversee all operational elements and fulfill Secretary duties per CPMA bylaws.
• Represent CPMA externally as the primary spokesperson. Cultivate media and industry relationships that elevate CPMA’s profile and advance its agenda.
• Serve as a connector across the value chain—engaging members, customer associations, suppliers, and downstream users to strengthen the association’s position.
• Other responsibilities as needed to address emerging issues or board-directed initiatives.

  Qualifications

• Experience in association leadership, preferably as a President, CEO, or Executive Director.
• Background in regulatory affairs, public policy, or science-driven industry (e.g., specialty chemicals, pigments, coatings, inks, plastics) preferred.
• BA/BS degree in science, business, public policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in association management are a plus.
• Familiarity with global chemical regulations (e.g., TSCA, REACH) and the colorant value chain is strongly preferred.

Skills, Abilities & Key Assets

• Executive presence and ability to serve as the face of the pigments industry.
• High emotional intelligence, political savvy, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong public speaking, strategic messaging, and media engagement capabilities.
• Agility and responsiveness in high-pressure, fast-moving regulatory environments.
• Intellectual curiosity and systems thinking to anticipate cross-sector challenges.
• Effective time and project management in a lean-staff, high-complexity environment.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing association budgets and dues.
• Technical or scientific knowledge relevant to specialty chemicals value chain
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with association management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead boards, drive consensus, and manage consultants effectively.

How to Apply:

• To be considered for this position, please submit the following materials:
• Required Application Materials:

1. Cover Letter - Detailed letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with CPMA's mission and requirements
2. Resume - Comprehensive resume highlighting relevant association leadership, regulatory affairs, and industry experience
3. Three Professional References - Include name, title, organization, relationship to you, phone number, and email address for each reference

• Application Instructions: Please email all materials as PDF attachments to tcollins@socma.org with the subject line "Executive Director Application - [Your Last Name]"
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please submit materials by

About Society for Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates is an international trade association that represents the interests of the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. Our overarching mission is to accelerate the potential for members' growth, increase public confidence in batch, custom, and specialty chemical industry, and to influence the passage of rational laws and regulations.

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