Director of Government Affairs

Job Title:

Director of Government Relations

Department:
Government Relations

Reports To:

Executive Director of Government Relations

Location:

Must live in Washington DC area/ Remote + Travel

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Government Relations, the Director of Government Relations is responsible for developing and executing the company’s government affairs strategy at the federal level. This role is critical in shaping federal cannabis policy and advocating for the company’s interests. The Director will serve as a liaison between the company and elected officials, governmental entities, and industry coalitions.

The successful candidate will be a "jack-of-all-trades" communicator with a high bar for excellence who can think strategically, take ownership of their projects, and juggle multiple initiatives under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive federal government relations strategy aligned with the company’s business goals.

• Advise executive leadership on federal legislative and administrative developments affecting the cannabis industry.

Policy Advocacy & Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, federal agencies, and key stakeholders, including federal trade associations.

• Represent the company in legislative hearings, public forums, and industry events. Draft policy position papers, testimony, and advocacy materials.

• Monitoring & Analysis:
Track, analyze, and summarize legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting the company and the cannabis industry.

• Provide timely updates and strategic recommendations to leadership.

Coalition Building:

• Collaborate with trade associations, advocacy groups, and other cannabis businesses to advance shared policy goals.

• Coordinate joint lobbying efforts and public campaigns.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure adherence to all lobbying laws and disclosure requirements.

• Prepare reports on government relations activities and their impact.

• Manage a team of federal lobbyists.

• Supervise internal and external team working on federal initiatives.

• Foster a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and accountability,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, Communications, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or regulatory affairs.

• Proven success in legislative advocacy and policy development.

• Strong network of federal political and administrative contacts.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, presentation, and strategic planning skills.

• Strong understanding of federal government processes, and legislative and regulatory frameworks.

• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in or with a regulated industry.

• Experience with trade groups and political action committees.

• Knowledge of cannabis laws, regulations, and industry dynamics.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

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