Job Description

Role Overview:

The Director of Nutrition Policy & Scientific Affairs leads NCA’s efforts on food and nutrition policy and regulation, serving as a subject matter expert for staff and members. This role is responsible for monitoring and engaging on scientific and regulatory developments relevant to the confectionery sector and broader food industry, including front-of-pack labeling, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, ultra-processed foods, federal nutrition programs, and other emerging issues. The Director will provide strategic insights, develop educational resources, respond to regulatory inquiries, and help advance NCA’s Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) strategic goals. A key component of the role is relationship-building—especially with the health professional community, including dietitians and nutritionists—to advance sound, evidence-based nutrition policy.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in nutrition or a related field, is passionate about learning and gaining expertise in new areas, has a proven ability to distill complex scientific data and policy frameworks into clear, compelling messages that resonate with various stakeholders, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment .

Key objectives:

· Advise NCA leaders and members on food and nutrition policy issues.

· Lead NCA’s portfolio on food and nutrition policy and support broader food ingredient and chemical regulatory advocacy efforts at the federal and state level.

· Advocate for sound, evidence-based regulations in coordination with stakeholders.

· Strengthen NCA’s position as a trusted voice in nutrition and scientific affairs.

· Provide timely and practical support to members on compliance and regulatory challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Monitoring, Analysis & Guidance

· Track emerging research, trends, and regulatory developments in U.S. and international nutrition policy (including Codex and WHO).

· Translate complex information into insights and recommendations for NCA members.

2. Advocacy & Policy Development

· Develop science-based advocacy strategies and positions in coordination with member companies and the SVP of SRA.

· Represent industry interests in interactions with federal agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA) and partner organizations.

· Lead relevant SRA project teams and regulatory committees.

3. Stakeholder & Coalition Engagement

· Collaborate with trade associations and other stakeholders on shared nutrition policy goals.

· Work cross-functionally within NCA to support outreach to the health professional community, specifically nutritionists and dietitians.

4. Member Education & Support

· Design and deliver educational materials (e.g., webinars, workshops, FAQs, fact sheets) to help members navigate technical and regulatory challenges .

· Enhance the association’s scientific and regulatory affairs offerings as a core value to members.

5. Relationship Management

· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders—including FDA, USDA, Codex, industry partners, and nutrition experts—to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.

· Serve as a trusted advisor within the nutrition community and a credible voice for the confectionery industry

Requirements:

· Master’s degree or higher in nutrition, public health, food policy, or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in nutrition policy or food regulation. Familiarity with food safety or toxicology is a plus.

· Experience in a trade association, regulatory agency, or food industry setting preferred.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences.

· Proven experience leading and executing scientific or regulatory projects, managing competing priorities, and working independently.

· Self-motivated, results-driven team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

· Strong organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail.

· Professional, member-focused approach with a collaborative mindset.

· Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with members, industry partners, and government officials; credible representation of NCA is essential.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Teams, and Zoom.

· Willingness to travel as needed.

What’s Great About Working for NCA as the Nutrition Policy & Scientific Affairs Director?

• NCA is an exceptionally well-respected brand in Washington, D.C., and beyond. We do important and meaningful work on behalf of the nearly 58,000 candy makers in the U.S.
• You get to be part of a team advocating for industry of passionate professionals representing well-respected and purposeful companies and brands.
• Your work will be vital to our ability to deliver on the goals of our 2025-2025 Strategic Plan, Elevate: 2028 .
• The nature of your work will be challenging and fun. There is plenty of opportunity to flex your creative and strategic muscle.
• Your colleagues are talented and passionate individuals who are dedicated to the success of the confectionery industry – and to each other.
• We promote a flexible work environment that respects your life outside of work.
• NCA offers a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package.

Location:

This is a Washington, D.C.-based position. The nature of the work requires the Director to routinely be present for and participate in face-to-face meetings with regulators, policymakers, coalition partners, and other stakeholders in the D.C. metro area. That said, NCA employees are currently working in a hybrid on-site/remote environment. The Director will be authorized for routine work from home, with the expectation of being in the office when necessary to execute the functions of the job efficiently and effectively and attend in-person meetings. Candidates should expect to be in the office more frequently (i.e., ~once per week) in the first 6 months of the job as part of the onboarding process.

To Apply:

If this sounds like a great fit for you and you’re excited to make an immediate impact at NCA, please submit a resume, cover letter and salary expectations to jobs@candyusa.com and reference Director, Nutrition Policy & Scientific Affairs, in the subject line .

NCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

NCA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of NCA’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

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