Director of State and Local Affairs

American Hotel & Lodging Association•Washington, DC

22h•$110,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is seeking a Director of State & Local Affairs to develop and execute government affairs and public policy strategies in various markets throughout the United States. This position will lead state and local advocacy initiatives on behalf of AHLA and its members. This role is responsible for developing and executing state and local legislative strategies to advance AHLA's policy priorities, including proactive and defensive advocacy campaigns, coalition engagement, and stakeholder mobilization. The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-oriented advocate who understands how to navigate complex political environments, build relationships across diverse constituencies, and translate policy priorities into effective campaigns and results. The successful candidate will bring experience in state and local government affairs, public policy advocacy, political campaigns, or a related field. They will be comfortable developing campaign strategy, engaging elected officials and community stakeholders, and coordinating grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts. The position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial approach, strong political acumen, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in state or local government affairs, public policy, advocacy, political campaigns, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing legislative advocacy initiatives, issue campaigns, political campaigns, or other strategic public affairs efforts.
Experience building coalitions and working with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
Demonstrated understanding of state and local legislative processes and political environments.
Experience working directly with city and local government officials, elected representatives, and their staff.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Political campaign experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience involving campaign strategy, coalition development, stakeholder engagement, grassroots mobilization, or issue advocacy.
Experience working with business associations, trade associations, or industry coalitions is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute state and local government affairs strategies that advance AHLA's public policy priorities and support the interests of its membership.
Identify, monitor, and analyze state and local legislation, regulations, and emerging policy issues affecting the lodging industry.
Build and maintain relationships with state and local elected officials, government staff, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders.
Track political, legislative, and regulatory developments to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for engagement.
Communicate relevant legislative developments, policy updates, and advocacy opportunities to AHLA members and stakeholders.
Build, lead, and sustain diverse local coalitions of business organizations, industry partners, community leaders, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to advance shared policy objectives.
Develop and execute targeted state and local issue campaigns, including campaign strategy, stakeholder mapping, message development, coalition outreach, and advocacy tactics.
Identify opportunities to engage local business and community leaders in support of AHLA's policy priorities.
Mobilize grassroots and grasstops advocacy networks to influence policymakers and build support for industry priorities.
Develop and coordinate campaign plans that integrate direct lobbying, coalition engagement, stakeholder communications, public affairs, and member activation.
Establish campaign goals, monitor progress, and assess outcomes to ensure advocacy initiatives are effective and responsive to changing political circumstances.
Identify and cultivate local allies and third-party validators who can communicate the economic and community impact of proposed policies.
Coordinate with AHLA's communications, membership, and government affairs teams to ensure alignment across advocacy campaigns.
Monitor political developments, local elections, and changes in political leadership that may affect AHLA's policy priorities.
Identify opportunities for strategic engagement with elected officials, political stakeholders, and allied organizations.
Support AHLA's engagement with state lodging associations, local hospitality organizations, and other industry partners.
Represent AHLA in meetings, coalition convenings, industry events, and other external engagements.
Develop and maintain relationships with national organizations representing governors, state legislators, attorneys general, municipal officials, and other relevant stakeholders.
Support the Senior Vice President in developing and implementing broader state and local government affairs strategies and organizational initiatives.
Collaborate with AHLA's federal government affairs, communications, membership, and other teams to coordinate advocacy efforts.
Support membership engagement, development, and retention initiatives as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.