Director, State Regulatory Affairs

About the role

This job has two functions: Shape the rules and help proactively understand the rules. Hemp beverage policy is being written state by state, and the brands with the best advocates in the room will define what’s possible. This is a high-impact, externally facing role reporting to the CEO, working closely with the Board, and industry partners to advance advocacy efforts and unlock scalable growth.

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

Requirements

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
• 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

Qualifications

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
• Experience with government affairs functions in high-growth companies

Skills

Pragmatic and confident navigating complex, evolving state regulatory frameworks
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and energized by shaping hemp beverage policy in real time
Founder mindset - you move fast, think independently, and don't wait for a playbook to exist
Skilled at translating regulatory requirements into clear, actionable business guidance
Strong relationship builder with state regulators, legislators, and industry partners
Collaborative across compliance and business teams in a high-growth, fast-paced environment

Benefits

The final offer will be based on several factors, including experience, skills, location and overall expertise

Pay

$160,000.00-$170,000.00 per year, plus eligibility for a discretionary performance bonus

Schedule

Flexible hours, no micromanagement, and trust as the default — we take cues from Yvon Chouinard's Let My People Go Surfing, a book we give every new hire on day one

About JuneShine Brands

We are a purpose-driven organization composed of a diverse and dynamic group of individuals with varied backgrounds, passions, and beliefs. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued. We seek to hire self-motivated, independent thinkers, who embrace challenging the status quo. Join us at JuneShine Brands where you’re encouraged to bring your authentic self to your craft every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are dedicated to ensuring fairness and equity in our hiring practices. You must reside in the United States to be considered for this position.

Contact Information

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