Director, State Regulatory Affairs

What You'll Do

This is the role that shapes hemp beverage policy before it's written into law. As Director, State Regulatory Affairs, you'll report to the CEO and own government affairs and advocacy for Willie's across every priority state - as we open new markets and turn regulatory ambiguity into a competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

Lead Government Affairs & Advocacy: 

Shape policy outcomes: Proactively influence state and federal hemp beverage regulations before they're finalized - focusing on packaging standards, DTC frameworks, and market access

Drive advocacy campaigns: Represent Willie's in state-level advocacy, industry coalitions, trade associations, and regulatory working groups

Build strategic relationships: Cultivate relationships with state regulators, policymakers, legislative staff, and key stakeholders

Develop policy positions: Create regulatory comments, white papers, testimony, and advocacy materials that influence outcomes in priority markets

Monitor and analyze: Track legislative and regulatory developments across priority states and advice leadership on strategic response - anticipating shifts, not just reporting them

Maintain industry presence: actively participate in trade associations, industry events, and coalitions to stay ahead of political and commercial trends

Enable Market Growth & Strategic Guidance

Serve as internal expert on state hemp beverage frameworks across active and expansion markets

Guide market prioritization and entry strategies based on regulatory feasibility and advocacy opportunities

Partner with product, marketing, legal, and sales teams to integrate regulatory insight into go-to-market strategy and commercial decisions

Provide strategic direction to the compliance function to ensure execution aligns with markets you're opening

Other duties and areas of coverage may be assigned at the manager's discretion, consistent with the scope and level of this role

Must Haves:

21 years of age or older at the time of application
5-8 years of government affairs or regulatory advocacy experience in hemp, cannabis, alcohol or highly regulated CPG
Ability to travel 1-2 times per month
Strong understanding of state hemp beverage policy landscape and emerging regulatory trends, including market access and packaging considerations
Proven track record of influencing state-level regulations or legislation across multiple states
Experience partnering with executive leadership to inform strategic and commercial decisions
Comfortable making strategic recommendations and pushing back with hard truths when needed
Ability and willingness to travel up to 35% of the time , which may vary based on business demands

Nice to Haves:

Existing relationships with state regulators, legislators, or industry advocacy organizations (NCIA, HIA, NBWA, WSWA, DISCUS, Beer Institute)
Experience working at or with alcohol or hemp trade associations
Experience with industry coalitions on multi-state policy campaigns
JD or formal legal/policy training
Familiarity with FDA, TTB, USDA, or state beverage control agencies
Background building government affairs functions in high-growth companies

Compensation, Perks + Benefits:

Compensation:

• $160,000.00-$170,000.00 per year, plus eligibility for a discretionary performance bonus 
• The final offer will be based on several factors, including experience, skills, location and overall expertise

Perks + Benefits: 

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Paid sick leave in accordance with state and local laws
• Healthcare coverage: up to 90% company contribution for employees and 25% for dependents
• Voluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match, free financial coaching, student loan match support, and 529 education savings accounts
• 12 weeks of paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and a sustainable baby gift
• Dedicated parental leave support, including a personalized dashboard, full pay transparency, and a specialist to handle every logistical detail so you can focus on your family
• Product and soft goods discounts & perks
• And more!