Director, State and Local Government Affairs

Basic Function

The primary objective of this position is to represent AAFA and advance the association’s policy priorities at the state and local level in the United States. This person will work with the AAFA Policy Team to execute effective advocacy strategies, develop political relationships, and manage contract lobbyists in key jurisdictions.

Specific Responsibilities

• Monitor, research, analyze, and respond to legislation, rules, and regulations affecting the apparel and footwear industry at the state and local level.
• Devise and execute state-level lobbying strategies, including managing state-level contract lobbyists and consultants, coordinating with other key industry groups, and organizing state-level lobby days for AAFA members.
• Represent AAFA positions and priorities before state officials, outside organizations, and NGOs, including by testifying, participating in briefings, and conducting in-person and virtual meetings.
• Inform AAFA Policy Team colleagues about relevant state and local legislation and regulatory requirements and coordinate on developing and implementing holistic strategic approaches to policy concerns.
• Work with AAFA Policy Team subject matter experts to track and analyze relevant legislation, rules, and regulations.
• Respond to member inquiries on state and local policy issues and participate in member policy briefings.
• Create member tools and resources and draft articles, updates, and social media posts relating to state and local policy issues.
• Support AAFA Communications and Marketing department in developing and refining media-facing and consumer-facing talking points and collateral on state and local policy issues.
• Collaborate with the AAFA Education and Programming department and Communications and Marketing department to assist with planning, execution, and success of AAFA webinars and AAFA events.
• Maintain a relentless focus on the needs of our membership

Qualifications:

• BA/BS (Masters preferred).
• 5-7 years relevant experience working at state and local government level (previous experience in a state legislature preferred).
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly understand, digest, and communicate complex policy concepts to AAFA colleagues, member company representatives, and policymaker audiences.
• Excellent time management and logistics skills, including managing and prioritizing simultaneous activities, tasks, and deadlines.
• Work well under time pressures while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in utilizing relevant software programs, including but not limited to Zoom, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity and ability to comply with all applicable government ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance regulations.
• Willingness to travel within the United States as needed.
• Experience in the industry a plus.

BENEFITS:

• Salary: $100,000 – $125,000, depending on experience and expertise
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(K) Plan with profit sharing
• Generous PTO and holiday time
• Remote-eligible position (position requires regular travel within the United States).

About the American Apparel & Footwear Association

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology. www.aafaglobal.org  

Applicants must submit cover letter, resume, and an acknowledgement of the stated salary range to jobapps@aafaglobal.org.

We encourage all candidates to apply to AAFA. AAFA is committed to diversity and inclusivity across all of our operations.