Director of State and Local Affairs

Director, State & Local Affairs

Reports to: Senior Vice President, State & Local Government Affairs

Location: Position based in Washington, D.C. (hybrid); Remote if in Chicago or Denver.

Position Summary

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.

Responsibilities

State and Local Government Affairs

• 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.

Coalition Building and Issue Campaigns

• 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.

Political and Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Organizational Collaboration

• 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.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic campaign mindset: Ability to develop and execute comprehensive advocacy campaigns, identify opportunities to influence policy outcomes, and adapt strategies to changing political circumstances.

• Coalition builder: Demonstrated ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, build consensus, cultivate partnerships, and maintain productive relationships around shared policy goals.

• Political acumen: Strong understanding of political dynamics, policymaking processes, and the factors that shape state and local policy decisions.

• Relationship management: Ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with elected officials, government staff, business leaders, association partners, and community stakeholders.

• Results-oriented: Ability to establish clear objectives, manage competing priorities, and execute campaigns that produce measurable results.

• Communications: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive messaging, prepare advocacy materials, and communicate complex policy issues clearly.

• Problem-solving: Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented, with sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.

• Collaboration: Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

• Professionalism: Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to represent AHLA effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Other Requirements

• Significant annual travel, approximately 50%.

• Salary:110-130K.

• Position based in Washington, D.C. (hybrid); Remote if in Chicago or Denver.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by legislative sessions, advocacy campaigns, political developments, and industry events.

AHLA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EOE

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.

• 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.

Benefits

AHLA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)