Director, State Affairs (Central and Southern Region)

Position Overview: ​  The Director, State Affairs plays a critical role in coordinating state affairs initiatives and managing state lobbying activities in the assigned region, Central and Southern US States, on behalf of the organization. This involves coordinating efforts among Consumer Brands members, national, state, and local trade associations, as well as other industry groups to advance the organization’s legislative agenda. Reporting to the SVP, State Affairs and Packaging & Sustainability, 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 Consumer Brands’ state lobbying activities in assigned region by coordinating efforts among Consumer Brands members, national, state and local trade associations and other industry groups to advance Consumer Brands state legislative agenda. 

• Establish, build, and manage relationships with key policy makers at the state and local levels.  

• Engages in policy discussion, agency meetings, and legal matters that cross state and federal lines.  

• Develop and execute strategies to align with Consumer Brands pillars and 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 Consumer Brands, Consumer Brands member companies, coalitions, and national, state and local trade associations while maintaining and building relationships. 

• Develop strategies, build coalitions within a state or region; organize and produce oral and written communication with legislatures and regulatory agencies. 

• Establish and maintain ongoing relationship with legislators, regulators, trade associations and member company in-state counsels in designated states. 

• Provide timely reports to Consumer Brands’ 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 in Consumer Brands’ issues pillars. 

• Lead a policy development and implementation process through identified committees or work groups that advance member interests.  

• Work cross functionally within Consumer Brands’ other pillar areas to develop policy initiatives and drive regulatory outcomes. 

• Advise Consumer Brands member companies on policy positions they are considering and draft or edit policies on behalf of member companies, at their request.  

 Requirements & Qualifications:

Experience & Education  

• A minimum of a BA/BS degree is required.  An advanced degree such as an MS is a plus. 

• 6+ years of experience required, with preference for candidates who have worked in the legislative branch or state government and possess lobbying experience. 

• A track record of demonstrated results in government, association and/or political environments. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to analyze legislation and clearly communicate impact and advocacy strategy to members. 

• Experience in a trade association 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. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.) 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Learn more here