| Job Description |
What You'll Do
This is the role that shapes the state rules Willie’s Remedy+ grows under. As Director, State Government & Regulatory Affairs, you’ll report to the CFO and lead our efforts to shape hemp beverage regulation state by state. You’ll build relationships with state regulators and legislators, advance industry positions, and turn regulatory uncertainty into a competitive advantage as we enter new markets. You’ll be the internal voice on state regulation, keeping leadership and cross-functional teams informed early and often so no one is caught off guard.
If you’ve won state advocacy battles in hemp, cannabis, or alcohol and want to help define a category in real time, this role is for you.
Responsibilities
Influence state hemp beverage regulations before they’re finalized, with a focus on packaging standards, DTC frameworks, and market access
Lead Willie’s Remedy+ advocacy across state campaigns, industry coalitions, trade associations, and regulatory working groups
Establish and grow relationships with state regulators, legislators, legislative staff, and key stakeholders
Own state policy positions, including regulatory comments, white papers, testimony, and advocacy materials for priority markets
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across priority states:
Notify the organization of potential changes
Advise leadership on strategic response
Own internal expertise on state hemp beverage frameworks across active and expansion markets
Analyze regulatory feasibility and advocacy opportunities to guide market prioritization and entry strategy
Partner with Product, Marketing, Legal, and Sales to integrate regulatory insight into go-to-market and commercial decisions, proactively flagging risks and opportunities before they affect launches, packaging, or market plans
Partner with Compliance on regulatory change: identify and report incoming legislation early, keep Compliance informed as bills move, then hand off to Compliance to execute once laws take effect
Partner with the Director of Federal Government Affairs and Regulation through regular communication to keep state and federal positions aligned
Perform other related duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned based on business needs and organizational priorities
Must Haves:
21 years of age or older at the time of application
5- 8 years of government affairs or regulatory advocacy experience in alcohol, hemp, cannabis, or highly regulated CPG
A track record of influencing state-level regulations or legislation across multiple states
Experience advising executive leadership on regulatory strategy and commercial decisions
Working knowledge of the state hemp beverage policy landscape, including market access and packaging
Proven ability to communicate proactively and clearly across all levels, from executive leadership to cross-functional teams to regulators and legislators
Regular travel (35–40%) is required, including to state capitols, regulatory hearings, industry events, and in-person company events
Nice to Haves:
Existing relationships with state regulators, legislators, or industry advocacy organizations (NCIA, HIA, NBWA, WSWA, DISCUS, Beer Institute)
Existing relationships with state regulators, legislators, or lobbyists in CA and/or TX strongly preferred
Strong written and verbal communicator, comfortable testifying and presenting to regulators and legislators, as well as JuneShine Brand’s leadership team
Experience working at or with alcohol or hemp trade associations
Experience with industry coalitions on multi-state policy campaigns
JD or formal legal or policy training
Familiarity with state beverage control, hemp, or cannabis regulatory agencies
Experience building a government affairs function in a high-growth company
Compensation:
$160,000.00-$170,000.00 per year, plus eligibility for a 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!
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