Manager of State Government Affairs – West

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Manager of State Government Affairs – West

Department: Global Government & Regulatory Affairs
Reports To: Director, Government Affairs
Supervises: N/A
Prepared: January 2025

Salary range for this position is $95,000-$110,000

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The primary role of the Manager of State Government Affairs is to implement the Association’s state advocacy goals in a defined region, including states in the Western U.S.

This position will report to the VP, Government Affairs, and work directly with the Association’s Global Government & Regulatory Affairs (GGRA) department and in-state lobbyists to address issues in assigned states, as well as priority states throughout the U.S.

The position can be based in one of the Western states and will work remotely with frequent travel to assigned states. This is an exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager of State Government Affairs will:

• Manage the Association’s government relations efforts in assigned states and provide advocacy support in priority states across the country on specific legislative and regulatory issues.
• Coordinate grassroots efforts with Association members and other regional groups and work to build coalitions to pass, defeat, or modify legislation and regulations impacting the toy industry.
• Manage and direct contract lobbyists and other consultants.
• Monitor state legislative and agency activities, develop materials for lobbying efforts, contact legislators and legislative staff, and represent the Association in legislative and regulatory negotiations.
• Develop strategic action and response plans to state legislation addressing the Association’s key advocacy issues.
• Participate in public policy groups, industry trade associations, and other advocacy groups, and work to strengthen relationships with strategic allies in assigned states.
• Work with the Association’s State Government Affairs Committee to develop consensus on key advocacy issues.
• Develop reports for members and external audiences, draft legislative testimony and regulatory comments, and produce other advocacy and written materials.
• Other duties as required.
• Participate in company events, shows (i.e., Toy Fair) on an as-needed basis.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• State Legislators, Regulators, and Policy Makers
• The Association’s Members
• The Association’s Federal and State Government Affairs Committees/Work Groups
• The Association’s Senior Staff
• Allied Association Staff

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of six years of experience in a similar advocacy position or equivalent experience working as a staff member in a state legislative office.
• Extensive knowledge of the state legislative process, ideally including local and regulatory processes.
• Experience as a state-level lobbyist preferred; experience working across multiple states is a plus.
• California-specific state legislative experience preferred but not required.
• Experience working on consumer product policy issues, including data privacy and environmental issues, is a plus.
• Must have excellent writing and communication skills and be comfortable speaking to large audiences.
• Highly detail-oriented while managing multiple tasks with varied deadlines and schedules.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong sense of ethics.
• Computer skills.

We offer comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance.  Short-term and Long-term disability and life insurance, fully paid by company.  401(k) with company match and profit sharing.  PTO and sick leave. Bonus potential.

To apply please send resume with cover letter to [email protected].

About the Toy Association:

The Toy Association’s mission is to be a unifying force for members’ creativity, responsibility, and global success, advocating for their needs and championing the benefits of play. The Toy Association is committed to empowering and serving the toy, play and youth entertainment community by providing advocacy, programs, events, services, and tools that help them deliver safe, fun and developmentally beneficial products to children and families around the world. Our work continually evolves and adapts to drive greater positive impact. In addition, The Association educates families and consumers worldwide on the cognitive, social, emotional, and creative benefits of play.