Manager, State Affairs

Job Title: Manager, State Affairs Department : Government Affairs Reports To : Chief of Staff Works Closely With : Senior Manager of State Affairs Location : Washington, DC (in-office/hybrid) About HFA The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading industry organization dedicated to expanding access to physical activity and promoting the vital role fitness plays in supporting physical and mental health. Our membership includes fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and aquatic facilities, and industry partners. As HFA continues to strengthen its state-level engagement, we are hiring a Manager, State Affairs to support and coordinate targeted legislative and regulatory strategies across the country. Position Overview The Manager, State Affairs supports HFA’s state-level advocacy efforts by tracking legislative and regulatory activity across all 50 states and coordinating closely with the Government Affairs team. This role reports to the Chief of Staff and works in partnership with the Senior Manager of Government Affairs to identify policy trends, assess risks and opportunities, and support strategic engagement on issues impacting the health and fitness industry. While this role plays a central coordinating, tracking, and communications function, it is part of a broader state advocacy operation that includes HFA leadership, affiliated state alliances, member companies, and external lobbyists. The Manager, State Affairs helps ensure alignment, information flow, and effective communication across that ecosystem, including translating policy developments and compliance considerations into clear, actionable guidance for HFA members. Key Responsibilities Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring and Strategy Monitor and track state legislation and regulatory activity impacting the health and fitness industry across all 50 states. Support the Government Affairs team in identifying policy risks, opportunities, and emerging trends. Coordinate with the Senior Manager of Government Affairs to support development of state-level policy priorities, positions, and messaging. Maintain internal tracking tools and reporting to support strategic decision-making. Advocacy & Engagement Support Coordinate and support engagement with state legislators, regulatory agencies, governors’ offices, and local officials. Support and coordinate day‑to‑day interaction with external state lobbyists, coalitions, and advocacy partners, in alignment with HFA leadership. Assist in preparation of testimony, briefings, and materials for hearings and stakeholder meetings. Represent HFA in meetings and forums as appropriate. Stakeholder & Grassroots Engagement Serve as a primary point of coordination with HFA’s affiliated state alliances and member operators. Support grassroots advocacy activation and state‑level campaigns on priority issues. Build and maintain relationships with member advocates and legislative champions. Policy Development, Compliance & Documentation Draft and support development of legislation, regulatory comments, issue briefs, talking points, and advocacy materials. Track and support compliance with state lobbying, ethics, and reporting requirements. Member Communications & Campaigns Develop clear, timely content for member alerts, newsletters, and digital advocacy platforms. Translate legislative, regulatory, and compliance developments into actionable member guidance. Support execution of state‑level advocacy campaigns and calls to action. Produce concise, compelling materials to educate members, policymakers, and stakeholders. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree (public policy, political science, communications, or related field preferred) 4+ years of experience in government affairs, state legislative work, or public policy Experience working with state legislatures, committees, regulatory agencies, or trade associations strongly preferred Proven ability to build relationships and coordinate across diverse stakeholders Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in fast‑moving legislative environments Proficiency with Microsoft Office, communications platforms, and digital advocacy tools Preferred Experience Direct experience lobbying, drafting testimony, or supporting state advocacy campaigns Familiarity with fitness, health, recreation, or public health policy Personal Attributes Self‑starter with strong initiative and accountability Highly organized with strong attention to detail Collaborative and effective at building consensus Comfortable working in a fast‑paced advocacy environment Mission‑driven with a passion for promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles Why Join HFA Opportunity to support policy efforts affecting the national health and fitness industry High‑visibility role within a growing advocacy operation Collaborative, mission‑driven team with strong industry momentum Meaningful work improving health outcomes for millions of Americans #J-18808-Ljbffr Tennessee Society of Association Executives