Director, State Regulatory Affairs

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 you

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Who You Are:

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

What 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 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

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

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!

\nWho We Are

Our Company

JuneShine 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+.

©2025 Juneshine Brands| www.juneshine.com | www.drinkwillies.com | www.flyingembers.com | Please enjoy responsibly. All rights reserved.