Reports to:                 Senior Director of State Government Affairs

Purpose:

TIA's Government Affairs Department is responsible for legislative and regulatory advocacy activities affecting member company products in all 50-states.

The primary role of the Manager will be to support and implement the Association's state advocacy objectives on the West Coast, from a home-office in Sacramento, CA.  The Manager will be the face of TIA in key West Coast state capitols.

The Manager will report to and work directly with TIA's Government Affairs Department and TIA's in-state lobbyists and address issues in Western states where TIA does not have a lobbyist.  The Manager will also enhance relationships with TIA's California-based members and coordinate with the Toy Association of Southern California (TASC).

Specific Responsibilities:

Coordinate the Association's government relations efforts in West Coast states and on specific issues as assigned by the Senior Director of State Government Affairs.

Monitor state legislative and agency activities, develop materials for lobbying efforts, contact legislators and legislative staff, and represent the Association in legislative and regulatory negotiations.

Work to strengthen relationships with strategic allies (industry groups, advocacy groups, legislators, and elected officials) on the West Coast.

Enhance grassroots efforts with Association members in California, the TASC, and work to build coalitions to pass, defeat, or modify legislation and regulations impacting the toy industry.

Develop written reports for members and external audiences. 

Work with TIA's State Government Affairs Committee on key advocacy issues.

Required Level of Experience/Education:

Bachelor's degree required in Political Science, Public Affairs, Communications, or a related field.  

Three or more years of experience in a similar advocacy position; or equivalent experience working as a staffer during state legislative sessions.

Working Conditions:

Must be willing to travel frequently (at least monthly).

Must be willing to work in fast-paced deadline driven environment.

Must be able to work independently and  will to work from a remote office environment.

Must be able to work in a typical office environment and sit or stand through long legislative or regulatory meetings.         

This position requires a high degree of adaptability as the incumbent will be faced with a variety of issues on a day-to-day basis and will be expected to quickly respond to these issues appropriately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:        

Experience working on consumer product policy issues including: chemical restrictions, green chemistry, consumer safety, and environmental issues.

Knowledge of manufacturing industries and business operations is a plus.

Must have excellent writing, and communication skills.

Must have demonstrated ability and be comfortable speaking to large audiences.

Must have demonstrated the ability to organize large projects and stakeholder groups.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment and in a remote location.

Experience working with a state legislatures.

Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is required.

The above is intended to describe the general duties of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive description of every duty or function of the job.  Further, job functions and requirements may be changed from time to time as business dictates.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience.

Contact:  Andrew Hackman, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs, ahackman@toyassociation.org, 646-520-4851.