The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is one of the most exciting, dynamic organizations in the non-profit and technology worlds, representing the leading U.S. publishers of video games across the nation and on the global stage. ESA owns and operates E3, the premier trade show for video games. They are seeking a Director of State Government Affairs to lead advocacy in the assigned region. This full-time opportunity is located at ESA’s headquarters in Washington, DC, and offers telecommute options. ESA offers competitive salaries and bonuses, generous benefits, and a commitment to work/life balance.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Vice President of State Government Affairs, the Director of State Government Affairs develops and implements strategies to advance ESA’s priority issues and projects as identified by the ESA Board and leadership. The Director will coordinate all work through the Vice President to ensure that it aligns with broader Government Affairs goals.

Responsibilities

Track, review, and analyze state legislation that could impact the entertainment software industry including privacy, intellectual property, in-game micro-transactions, marketplace issues, e-commerce, trust and safety, digital health, tax, and esports.
Prioritize issues and events across states and seek additional support as needed.
Work with the Policy Department to develop consensus among ESA members regarding new and evolving legislative and regulatory issues.
Coordinate consistent positions and messaging with Federal Government Affairs and across all ESA departments.
Draft statements, talking points, and other advocacy materials as needed.
Manage state lobbying strategy and ESA in-state lobbyists.
Testify before state legislative committee and chamber hearings.
Plan, coordinate, and implement industry events with state lobbyists, legislative representatives, staff, and other stakeholders across the country.
Prepare weekly/monthly reports, advising executive leadership and ESA members of pending and emerging state legislative issues.
Work with state lobbyists and the ESA Communications team to develop allies and coordinate with likeminded trade organizations to develop industry coalitions and strategies on priority issues.
Devise strategic state-based corporate campaign giving strategies, as permitted by law.
Respond to internal and external requests for information on state legislative matters.
Represent ESA at third party political and policy events by presenting on panels and participating in conferences and meetings with individuals including Governors, Attorneys General, NCSL, CSG, NHCSL, etc.
Coordinate special projects such as ESRB ratings awareness partnerships, internet safety projects, and legislative meetings, events, and conferences.

Skills & Abilities

Superior written and oral communication skills
Strong aptitude for developing productive working relationships with stakeholders important to sector
Well organized and detail oriented
Ability to nimbly shift focus, location, and priorities for the benefit of member organizations
Ability to travel up to 40%

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of five years of state government affairs experience
In-depth knowledge of states legislative processes, procedures, rules, and calendars

Preferred Education and Experience

College education in political science/government
Juris Doctor

How To Apply
If you’re passionate about the video game industry and believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume to the Apply button below.

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com or contact 202-232-1765.

About The Entertainment Software Association (ESA)

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) serves as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry. Its members are the innovators, creators, publishers, and business leaders that are reimagining entertainment and transforming how we interact, learn, connect, and play. The ESA works to expand and protect the dynamic marketplace for video games through innovative and engaging initiatives that showcase the positive impact of video games on people, culture, and the economy. For more information, visit the ESA’s website or follow
the ESA on Twitter @theESA.

ESA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission driven, non-profit organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.
www.cessnasearch.com

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Director, State Government Affairs