State and Industry Affairs Manager

Organization Summary
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), the Washington, DC-based trade association representing an industry that encompasses hundreds of thousands of U.S. businesses and over $8.4 trillion in annual revenue.

Job Summary
Reporting to NAW’s Chief Government Relations Officer and coordinating with NAW’s federal, legal and political team, the State and Industry Affairs Manager will be a key team member of a growing government relations practice managing NAW’s policy interests at the state level.

Using software and news sources, as well as developing their own relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders, the Manager will monitor state level legislation and regulation that may impact member companies. Key policy areas include taxation, labor and workforce regulations, warehousing and transportation, technology and extended producer responsibility, among others.

The Manager will develop relationships directly with NAW member companies and trade associations, coordinating across departments to engage members on policy and political issues to further the grassroots advocacy efforts of NAW.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Issue Monitoring and Analysis – Use of software, news sources, and/or consultants to stay informed about legislative and regulatory developments at the state level that may impact the distribution industry, conducting thorough analysis to assess potential implications and inform strategic advocacy efforts.
Member Communication – Produce a bi-weekly State GR Newsletter for distribution to NAW member companies on key state legislative activities.
Grassroots Strategy and Communications – Manage NAW’s grassroots communications, including identifying and drafting timely grassroots alerts as part of the state and Federal GR programs, and NAW’s Legal Policy Center.
Coalition Building – Build and maintain relationships with peers in industry associations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to amplify NAW’s advocacy efforts and advance shared policy objectives.
Compliance and Reporting – Ensure compliance with relevant state lobbying and disclosure requirements, and accurately report on advocacy activities, expenditures, and outcomes.
Policy Advocacy – Engage as needed with state legislators, regulatory agencies, and other policymakers to advocate for legislation and regulations that support the interests of the wholesale distribution industry.

Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes, especially as they relate to free enterprise business issues and the interaction of the business community with policy makers.
Strong written and verbal 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.
Ability to analyze policy issues, identify opportunities for advocacy, and develop effective advocacy strategies.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Team player with a willingness to pitch in on projects outside of job description to further NAW and NAW’s member companies’ goals.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in in political science, public policy, law, or a related field, required
3+ 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

Other Requirements:
Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills and familiarity with other common business technology tools.
Knowledge of the wholesale-distribution industry, desirable.

Work Environment: The position is based at NAW’s headquarters office in Washington, DC, near Metro Center. NAW is currently offering a hybrid work model. Employees are required to be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and upon request for mandatory meetings or events. Employees are provided the opportunity to work remotely on Monday and Friday. The hybrid work model is subject to change.

Travel: up to 5-10%*

*This position requires limited travel within the United States. Travel may include visits to NAW member companies, state capitals, 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 travelling 5-10% of working time.

Experience level and other factors will determine the final salary level, with a starting salary range of $70,000–$80,000/year.

The position also offers competitive benefits, including health and wellness coverage, a 401(k) plan, and other benefits for eligible employees.

To apply, please complete the following form: https://airtable.com/appZQSyZqkEvSjhJ3/pagGsRzPUMJx52A8f/form