Job Description
Position Overview: The Director, State Affairs (Western Region) plays a critical role in coordinating state affairs initiatives and managing state lobbying activities in assigned region(s) on behalf of the organization. This involves coordinating efforts among association members, national, state, and local trade associations, as well as other industry groups to advance the organization's legislative agenda. Reporting to the VP, Packaging Sustainability/State Affairs, this role will drive alignment and coordinate policy positions and lobbying activity as well as actively seek out and identify policy opportunities for the CPG industry. The Director also engages in broader policy issues, activities, and legal matters that cross state and federal lines.
Key areas of responsibility:
Advocacy

• Manage the association's state lobbying activities in assigned region by coordinating efforts among association members, national, state and local trade associations and other industry groups to advance the association's state legislative and regulatory agenda.
• Establish, build, and manage relationships with key policy-makers at the state, local, and federal levels.
• Engages in policy discussion, agency meetings, and legal matters that cross state and federal lines.
• Develop and execute strategies to align with the association's functional areas on behalf of the CPG industry.
• Establish and manage coalitions and consultants consistent with our position in key areas.

Coordination and Education

• Drive alignment and coordinate policy positions and lobbying activity of the association, the association's member companies, coalitions, and national, state and local trade associations while maintaining and building relationships.
• Develop strategies and build coalitions within the designated states, organizing oral and written communications with legislators and regulatory agencies.
• Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with legislators, regulators, trade associations and member company in-state counsels in designated states.
• Provide timely reports to the association's State Affairs Committee on activities in designated states and work closely with member company representatives on key policy issues.
• Identify and implement education and outreach opportunities with elected and appointed leaders.

Policy Development

• Actively seek out and identify policy opportunities for the CPG industry and advise members as to strategic opportunities while internally aligning and developing policy that drives outcomes.
• Lead a policy development and implementation process through identified committees or work groups that advance member interests.
• Work cross functionally within the association's other functional work groups to develop policy initiatives and drive regulatory outcomes.
• Advise association member companies on policy positions they are considering and draft or edit policies on behalf of member companies, at their request.

Requirements
Experience & Education:

• A minimum of a BA/BS degree is required. An advanced degree such as an MS is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience required, preferably in the legislative branch and/or state government.
• Demonstrated results in government, association, and/or political environments.
• Experience in a trade association is desirable.

Skills:

• Expert understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Ability to be productive and drive results in the face of ambiguity.
• Superior interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Public speaking skills, including the executive presence to represent the association at industry forums and events desirable.
• Strong data and analytical skills including the ability to present complex data and explain business impact in terms non-specialized audiences can understand.
• Team player who thrives in a high-energy, multitasking and collaborative work environment.
• Effortlessly adjust to changes in priorities, and balance short-term deliverables with long-term strategic goals while producing a high-caliber work product.
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.)