Government Affairs Manager

We’re JTI, Japan Tobacco International and we believe in freedom . We think that the possibilities are limitless when you’re free to choose. In fact, we’ve spent the last 20 years innovating, creating new and better products for our consumers to choose from . It’s how we’ve grown to be present in 130 countries.

But our business isn’t just business. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe when they’re free to be themselves, grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen for our business .

That’s why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It is why 80% of employees feel happy working at JTI. And why we’ve been awarded Global Top Employer status, ten years running .

So when you’re ready to choose a career you’ll love, in a company you’ll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea.

Learn more:

Local Applicants Welcome.

Department: CA & C

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Reporting to: CA&C Director

Government Affairs Manager

About the Role

The State Government Affairs Manager shall be responsible for leading public affairs strategies geared to support the mission and advocacy goals of JTI USA. This shall include developing and executing state-level advocacy material and plans. Delivering in-person advocacy, developing public affairs material supporting the business' positions and goals, and executing strategic plans on high business priorities. This role shall be the primary spokesperson for state legislative and regulatory matters and will lead external engagement with state governments across the USA. Additionally, the person in this role will be responsible for managing JTI's relationships with associations and collaboration with other stakeholders on state developments. The role holder will also be responsible for ensuring that the JTI USA management team is kept up to date on all significant developments and for supporting the CA&C Director in shaping the regulatory landscape across JTI's priority states.

What you will do

• Management of state legislative developments and engagement with State officials on issues impacting the business. Convey company positions on a range of legislative matters including but not limited to (excise, product standards, flavoring, enforcement, etc.) Management of external consultants in multiple states;
• Responsible for ongoing management of JTI USA’s advocacy toolkit, including plain-language advocacy documents, fact sheets, and public communications to support the company’s positions and priorities on advocacy matters;
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders including state associations, trade associations, and other groups. Participate in and steer companies' engagement with these key stakeholder groups;
• Management of internal and external communication matters relating to State issues, including but not limited to legislative synopses, reports, and news digests. Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure understanding of business impact on critical issues that arise at the state level;
• Contribute, as called upon, to CA&C’s regular communications products, including monthly regional reports, monthly legislative updates, etc. Support the monitoring and alerting process day-to-day, and manage the support of CA&C Director / JTI USA management team on state regulatory and legislative matters;
• Motivate and guide the professional development of the Legislative Affairs Associate reporting indirectly to the incumbent;
• Manage various tasks and projects as they arise and upon manager’s request.

Who We Are Looking For

A dynamic, passionate, and result-oriented person, with:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience;
• 5+ years’ work experience in a public or private sector communications position, public affairs/research role, or a related field;
• Fluent English;
• Strong English communication skills, both oral and written.

What We Offer

In JTI USA, we are proud to be recognized as Top Employer and awarded the Global Equality Standards certificate as we continue our dedication to equal pay and equal opportunities.

Our culture is what makes JTI USA a fun and exciting environment to work in. We value integrity, trust, empowerment, and freedom - freedom of choice, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom to be yourself.

We ask for accountability, ownership, results, and collaboration.

And we care for our people's well-being - In addition to the salary, you might want to enjoy the following:

• Annual Performance based Bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Personal Development
• Medical/ Dental & Vision Plan for employee & family members.
• Life insurance
• Matching 401(K)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Family Leave of 20 Weeks
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Education/ Tuition Assistance
• Flexible Dress Code
• Hybrid Work Setup
• Snacks & Drinks
• Office Parties
• Volunteering Activities
• Employee Assistance Program - counseling, for employees & family members.

In addition to other perks & benefits ( fitness/ wellbeing activities, employee discounts, service awards, recognition program, etc.)