The Role
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.
Summary Generated by Built In
Who We Are
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.
What You'll Do
This is the role that shapes hemp beverage policy before it's written into law. As Director, State Regulatory Affairs, you'll report to the CEO and own government affairs and advocacy for Willie's across every priority state - as we open new markets and turn regulatory ambiguity into a competitive advantage.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 35% of the time , which may vary based on business demands
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:
*****
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.
Skills Required
- 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
- Must reside in the United States
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The Company
What We Do
JuneShine is brewed with real, organic ingredients: green tea, honey, fruit juice, spices, and our jun kombucha base (also known as the SCOBY). The flavor’s are so smooth, it’s literally called “the champagne of kombuchas.”
