Manager of Government Relations

Stateside Brands is a rapidly growing spirits company dedicated to crafting premium-quality beverages– Surfside Iced Teas and Lemonades, Stateside Vodka, and Stateside Vodka Sodas. With a focus on innovation and quality, we take pride in our diverse portfolio of products that reflect our commitment to excellence.

Job Summary

The Manager of Government Relations leads Stateside Brands’ state and federal level legislative and regulatory strategy. This person represents the company across key state markets including NC, OR, PA, TX, and WA, builds strong relationships with lawmakers and regulatory bodies, coordinates with industry associations such as DISCUS, and works closely with distributors, retailers, and lobbyists to help drive the policy landscape that shapes Stateside Brands’ long-term success. The role requires a strong understanding of how alcohol laws evolve, the ability to anticipate policy changes, and the skill to influence outcomes in a way that supports responsible growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor state legislative sessions and regulatory actions affecting beverage alcohol, RTDs, spirits, and distribution models.
• Identify priority states where legislative changes could advance Stateside Brands’ commercial strategy and develop targeted plans for each.
• Track emerging trends, proposed bills, regulations, and ballot initiatives and summarize their potential impact on the business.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with state legislators, regulators, state agencies, and key committee staff.
• Act as Stateside Brands’ representative with DISCUS and other relevant coalitions, committees, and associations.
• Partner with distributors and retailers on shared policy goals and coordinate aligned advocacy tactics.
• Lead all interactions with external lobbyists, consultants, and contract firms across focus states.
• Provide clear guidance to internal stakeholders on pending or emerging legislation and its business implications.
• Support new market entry strategies by advising on regulatory pathways, feasibility, and legislative barriers.
• Drive multi-state advocacy campaigns when needed and organize participation from distributors, lobbyists, and trade partners.
• Recommend strategic engagement in hearings, working groups, and task forces.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
• 8 years experience in government relations or combined experience working for either a corporate government affairs department at the manager level or above or working on a federal, state, or local elected official.
• Knowledge of the alcoholic beverage industry and related policy issues is required.
• Experience working with influential groups including trade associations and the advocacy community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex and changing legislation, regulations, and the impact to Stateside Brands.
• Influencing and persuasion skills to successfully advocate our positions externally.
• Analytical skills to understand key components of legislation and the potential impact on Stateside Brands and the industry.
• Ability to work on site at our headquarters in Philadelphia.
• Ability to travel up to 75%.
• Military experience is a plus.

Compensation

• Estimated Base Salary Range: $145,000-$175,000 USD.
• Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, and qualifications.
• The salary range refers to base salary only and is not inclusive of the total compensation package.

Stateside Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, disability, uniform service, veteran status, age, or any other classification protected by Federal, state, or local law. Stateside Brands is also a military-friendly company and values military community talent, including veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses.