The Task At Hand: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.If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy shaping emerging policy state by state, and have a track record of winning advocacy battles in hemp, cannabis, or alcohol, then this role is for youWho You Are:Pragmatic and confident navigating complex, evolving state regulatory frameworksComfortable operating in ambiguity and energized by shaping hemp beverage policy in real timeFounder mindset - you move fast, think independently, and don't wait for a playbook to existSkilled at translating regulatory requirements into clear, actionable business guidanceStrong relationship builder with state regulators, legislators, and industry partnersCollaborative across compliance and business teams in a high-growth, fast-paced environmentWhat You'll Do: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 accessDrive advocacy campaigns: Represent Willie's in state-level advocacy, industry coalitions, trade associations, and regulatory working groupsBuild strategic relationships: Cultivate relationships with state regulators, policymakers, legislative staff, and key stakeholdersDevelop policy positions: Create regulatory comments, white papers, testimony, and advocacy materials that influence outcomes in priority marketsMonitor and analyze: Track legislative and regulatory developments across priority states and advice leadership on strategic response - anticipating shifts, not just reporting themMaintain industry presence: actively participate in trade associations, industry events, and coalitions to stay ahead of political and commercial trendsEnable Market Growth & Strategic GuidanceServe as internal expert on state hemp beverage frameworks across active and expansion marketsGuide market prioritization and entry strategies based on regulatory feasibility and advocacy opportunitiesPartner with product, marketing, legal, and sales teams to integrate regulatory insight into go-to-market strategy and commercial decisionsProvide strategic direction to the compliance function to ensure execution aligns with markets you're openingMust Haves:21 years of age or older at the time of application5-8 years of government affairs or regulatory advocacy experience in hemp, cannabis, alcohol or highly regulated CPGAbility to travel 1-2 times per monthStrong understanding of state hemp beverage policy landscape and emerging regulatory trends, including market access and packaging considerationsProven track record of influencing state-level regulations or legislation across multiple statesExperience partnering with executive leadership to inform strategic and commercial decisionsComfortable making strategic recommendations and pushing back with hard truths when neededNice 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 associationsExperience with industry coalitions on multi-state policy campaignsJD or formal legal/policy trainingFamiliarity with FDA, TTB, USDA, or state beverage control agenciesBackground building government affairs functions in high-growth companiesCompensation, 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 expertisePerks + Benefits: Unlimited Paid Time OffPaid sick leave in accordance with state and local lawsHealthcare coverage: up to 90% company contribution for employees and 25% for dependentsVoluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans401(k) with up to 4% company match, free financial coaching, student loan match support, and 529 education savings accounts12 weeks of paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and a sustainable baby giftDedicated parental leave support, including a personalized dashboard, full pay transparency, and a specialist to handle every logistical detail so you can focus on your familyProduct and soft goods discounts & perksAnd more!Who We AreOur CompanyJuneShine Brands was built by people who believe you shouldn't have to choose between living well and working hard. Our founders met through a shared love of surfing, the outdoors, and chasing experiences worth having. That spirit still runs through everything we do.We are a company with a purpose beyond profit. Every brand we build exists for a reason. We believe the next generation of consumers will choose brands that reflect their values, and we intend to build exactly those brands.We hire exceptional people and get out of their way. 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. What we ask in return is simple: own your work, deliver with excellence, and never let flexibility come at someone else's expense.We value people who are hungry and humble, who take ownership without being asked, who move fast without cutting corners, and who make everyone around them better. If that sounds like you, we'd love to meet you.JuneShine Brands is 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. As a proud 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.This role supports multiple beverage brands within the JuneShine Brands portfolio, including alcohol and hemp-derived THC beverages.All Juneshine Brands products are intended for adults 21+.
