Lead state and federal government affairs for hemp beverage policy. Shape regulations, run advocacy campaigns, build regulator and industry relationships, advise leadership on market entry and compliance, and partner with product, legal, and commercial teams to enable growth across states.
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
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:
- 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
- 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
- Other duties and areas of coverage may be assigned at the manager's discretion, consistent with the scope and level of this role
Lead Government Affairs & Advocacy:
Enable Market Growth & Strategic Guidance
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:
- $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
- 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!
Compensation:
Perks + Benefits:
Who 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.
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