Division:                       Government Affairs

Reports to:                   SVP, Government Affairs (Huey)

Experience:                   Senior level

Position type:               Full-Time/Exempt

Position Summary: 

The Vice President of State Government Affairs will be responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing state legislative issues of interest to the entertainment software industry, including but not limited to content, ratings, privacy, piracy, tax, IP, and environmental.  The position will develop and communicate policy and positions with relevant state government stakeholders (state legislatures, state and local government agencies, trade associations, coalitions, Attorneys General, and Governors).  The incumbent will also be responsible for managing the internal and external ESA state government affairs employees and consultants.   

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Determine strategic state government affairs priorities for the entertainment software industry by working with various members of ESA staff and member companies.
• Maintain familiarity of ESA initiatives and services, with sensitivity to those areas of activity most affected by state government legislative action, e.g. the ESRB.
• Represent the association in relevant state government affairs coalitions.
• Testify before state and local legislative representatives across the country.
• Develop consensus amongst ESA members regarding issues as they arise.
• Prepare reports advising ESA staff and member companies of state legislative issues.
• Collaborate with federal government affairs team to so that issues management and messaging is consistent at the state and federal level on issues of interest to the industry.
• Identify and anticipate threats and opportunities at the state and local level that could affect the ESA and its member companies' ability to conduct business.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory issues among states and major localities. Analyze the impact of these issues.
• Plan and implement comprehensive advocacy efforts to achieve organizational goals.
• Establish strategic alliances with government stakeholders, trade associations, etc. Maintain strong relationships with relevant local and state government offices.
• Continuously work to improve the image of ESA with stakeholders
• Manage two Washington DC based state government affairs lobbyists and various consultants in multiple states.
• Work with ESA staff to manage political giving strategies where applicable. Responsible for legal compliance of all political contributions and required lobbying registrations.
• Respond to informational requests from various ESA staff and member companies regarding state legislative matters.
• Work on special projects as needed.
• Travel and attend events as needed.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelors degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in state legislative or state regulatory decision making process and experience shaping state government policies.

Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of state and local government decision-making processes.
• Ability to articulate complex issues both orally and in writing
• Ability to communicate state government affairs strategy/vision to ESA staff members and member companies.
• Ability to manage complex issues and developing cohesive public policy positions.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and identify emerging political trends affecting ESA and its member companies.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, strategic analytical skills, creative thinking, and a commitment to ethical business practices.
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time.