Director, State Regulatory Affairs

Job description

**The Task At Hand:** *This job has two functions: Shape the rules and help proactively understand the rules.* Hemp beverage policy is being written state by state, and the brands with the best advocates in the room will define what’s possible. This is a high-impact, externally facing role reporting to the CEO, working closely with the Board, and industry partners to advance advocacy efforts and unlock scalable growth. If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy shaping emerging policy state by state, and have a track record of winning advocacy battles in hemp, cannabis, or alcohol, then this role is for you ### Who You Are: - Pragmatic and confident navigating complex, evolving state regulatory frameworks - Comfortable operating in ambiguity and energized by shaping hemp beverage policy in real time - Founder mindset - you move fast, think independently, and don't wait for a playbook to exist - Skilled at translating regulatory requirements into clear, actionable business guidance - Strong relationship builder with state regulators, legislators, and industry partners - Collaborative across compliance and business teams in a high-growth, fast-paced environment ### What You'll Do: **Lead Government Affairs & Advocacy:** - Shape policy outcomes: Proactively influence state and federal hemp beverage regulations before they're finalized - focusing on packaging standards, DTC frameworks, and market access - Drive advocacy campaigns: Represent Willie's in state-level advocacy, industry coalitions, trade associations, and regulatory working groups - Build strategic relationships: Cultivate relationships with state regulators, policymakers, legislative staff, and key stakeholders - Develop policy positions: Create regulatory comments, white papers, testimony, and advocacy materials that influence outcomes in priority markets - Monitor and analyze: Track legislative and regulatory developments across priority states and advice leadership on strategic response - anticipating shifts, not just reporting them - Maintain industry presence: actively participate in trade associations, industry events, and coalitions to stay ahead of political and commercial trends **Enable Market Growth & Strategic Guidance** - Serve as internal expert on state hemp beverage frameworks across active and expansion markets - Guide market prioritization and entry strategies based on regulatory feasibility and advocacy opportunities - Partner with product, marketing, legal, and sales teams to integrate regulatory insight into go-to-market strategy and commercial decisions - Provide strategic direction to the compliance function to ensure execution aligns with markets you're opening - Other duties and areas of coverage may be assigned at the manager's discretion, consistent with the scope and level of this role ### Must Haves: - 21 years of age or older at the time of application - 5-8 years of government affairs or regulatory advocacy experience in hemp, cannabis, alcohol or highly regulated CPG - Ability to travel 1-2 times per month - Strong understanding of state hemp beverage policy landscape and emerging regulatory trends, including market access and packaging considerations - Proven track record of influencing state-level regulations or legislation across multiple states - Experience partnering with executive leadership to inform strategic and commercial decisions - Comfortable making strategic recommendations and pushing back with hard truths when needed ### Nice to Haves: - Existing relationships with state regulators, legislators, or industry advocacy organizations (NCIA, HIA, NBWA, WSWA, DISCUS, Beer Institute) - Experience working at or with alcohol or hemp trade associations - Experience with industry coalitions on multi-state policy campaigns - JD or formal legal/policy training - Familiarity with FDA, TTB, USDA, or state beverage control agencies - Background building government affairs functions in high-growth companies ### Compensation, Perks + Benefits: **Compensation:** - $160,000.00-$170,000.00 per year, plus eligibility for a discretionary performance bonus - *The final offer will be based on several factors, including experience, skills, location and overall expertise* **Perks + Benefits:** - Unlimited Paid Time Off - Paid sick leave in accordance with state and local laws - Healthcare coverage: up to 90% company contribution for employees and 25% for dependents - Voluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans - 401(k) with up to 4% company match, free financial coaching, student loan match support, and 529 education savings accounts - 12 weeks of paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and a sustainable baby gift - Dedicated parental leave support, including a personalized dashboard, full pay transparency, and a specialist to handle every logistical detail so you can focus on your family - Product and soft goods discounts & perks - And more!