This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, State Regulatory Affairs based in the United States.
This is a high-impact regulatory leadership role focused on shaping the evolving landscape of state-level hemp beverage policy across the U.S. You will operate at the intersection of government affairs, product strategy, and commercial growth, working closely with executive leadership to influence how regulations are defined and implemented. The role is both proactive and strategic, requiring you to anticipate legislative changes, engage directly with policymakers, and translate complex regulatory developments into actionable business direction. You will represent the organization in industry coalitions, trade associations, and regulatory forums while building trusted relationships with key stakeholders. This position plays a critical role in enabling market expansion by ensuring regulatory pathways remain viable and well-understood. It is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity and wants to directly shape a fast-emerging category.
Accountabilities
- Lead state-level government affairs and advocacy efforts, shaping hemp beverage policy outcomes across priority markets.
- Build and maintain relationships with regulators, legislators, industry coalitions, and trade associations to influence regulatory development.
- Develop and author policy materials including regulatory comments, white papers, testimony, and strategic advocacy documentation.
- Monitor and analyze evolving state and federal regulatory landscapes, providing proactive guidance to executive leadership.
- Represent the organization in industry forums, coalitions, and advocacy groups to strengthen policy influence and market positioning.
- Partner with product, legal, compliance, marketing, and sales teams to integrate regulatory insights into go-to-market and expansion strategies.
- Advise leadership on market entry prioritization based on regulatory feasibility and advocacy opportunities.
Requirements
- 5–8 years of experience in government affairs, regulatory advocacy, or policy work within hemp, cannabis, alcohol, or highly regulated CPG industries.
- Proven experience influencing or shaping state-level legislation or regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong understanding of state hemp beverage regulations, packaging requirements, and market access considerations.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing regulatory environments and provide clear strategic guidance.
- Strong relationship-building skills with regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
- Experience working directly with executive leadership on strategic and commercial decision-making.
- Willingness to travel regularly and engage in multi-state advocacy efforts.
Benefits
- Annual compensation between $160,000–$170,000, plus eligibility for discretionary performance bonus.
- Unlimited paid time off and paid sick leave in accordance with applicable laws.
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage with significant employer contribution toward employee and dependent plans.
- Dental, vision, and additional voluntary insurance options including accident coverage.
- 401(k) plan with company match, plus financial wellness and student loan support programs.
- Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks), baby bonding support, and family-focused benefits.
- Product discounts, lifestyle perks, and additional employee well-being programs.