Director, State Government Affairs

Director, State Government Affairs

The National Confectioners Association is the pre-eminent organization in Washington, D.C., representing about 400 chocolate and candy manufacturers, brokers, and suppliers across the U.S. NCA is a mission-driven advocacy organization that fosters an environment that enables candy makers to thrive, and works to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy, and everyday moments of joy.

Role Overview:

Reporting to NCA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, the State Government Affairs Director will play a vital role in representing NCA’s interests at the state level. The Director will work closely with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to advocate for policies that support consumer access to chocolate and candy, combat discriminatory taxation, promote uniformity of state sustainability laws, distinguish cannabis edibles from confectionery, and uphold the FDA’s authority in food safety regulation, among others.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Policy Advocacy – Engage with state legislators, regulatory agencies, and other policymakers to advocate for legislation and regulations that support the interests of the confectionery industry.
• Coalition Building – Build and maintain relationships with industry associations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts and advance shared policy objectives.
• Issue Monitoring and Analysis – Stay informed about legislative and regulatory developments at the state level that may impact the confectionery industry, conducting thorough analysis to assess potential implications and inform strategic advocacy efforts.
• Strategic Communication – Develop and execute strategic communications plans in concert with NCA’s public affairs team to effectively convey NCA’s positions on key issues to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public, utilizing various channels such as written materials, presentations, and public speaking engagements.
• Compliance and Reporting – Ensure compliance with relevant lobbying and disclosure requirements, and accurately report on advocacy activities, expenditures, and outcomes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in government, government affairs, public policy, advocacy, or related roles, with a proven track record of successful advocacy at the state level.
• Deep understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes, particularly as they relate to food policy.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex issues to diverse audiences and tailor messaging to achieve advocacy objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, stakeholders, and industry peers.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze policy issues, identify opportunities for advocacy, and develop and execute effective advocacy strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Location and Travel Requirements:

• This position is authorized for fully remote work. NCA’s offices are in the Georgetown neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
• This position requires moderate travel within the United States, to engage with state legislators, regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other stakeholders. Travel may include visits to NCA’s D.C. headquarters, state capitols, industry conferences, stakeholder meetings, and other relevant events. The travel frequency may vary depending on legislative and regulatory developments, advocacy priorities, and other business needs, but candidates should be prepared for travel up to around 25% of working time.

What’s Great About Working for NCA as the Director of State Government Affairs?

• NCA is an exceptionally well-respected brand in Washington, D.C., and beyond. We do important and meaningful work on behalf of the nearly 58,000 candy makers in the U.S.
• You get to be part of a team advocating for industry of passionate professionals representing well-respected and purposeful companies and brands.
• Your work will be vital to our ability to deliver on the goals of our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Thrive in 2025.
• The nature of your work will be challenging and fun. There is plenty of opportunity to flex your creative and strategic muscle.
• Your colleagues are talented and passionate individuals who are dedicated to the success of the confectionery industry – and to each other.
• We promote a flexible work environment that respects your life outside of work.
• NCA offers a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package.

NCA’s Core Values:

In our workplace and throughout the confectionery industry, NCA promotes:

• Happiness – reflecting the fun and enjoyment of confections
• Trust – serving as a model of transparency, integrity, and authenticity
• Community – fostering diversity and collaborative relationships
• Responsibility – encouraging and promoting a sustainable industry that creates value for all of our stakeholders
• Leadership – demonstrating purposeful, proactive, and nimble leadership

To Apply:

If this sounds like a great fit for you and you’re excited to make an immediate impact at NCA, please submit a resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to [email protected] and reference Director, State Government Affairs in the subject line.

NCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NCA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of NCA’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.