Director, State Affairs

Are you a strategic and persuasive leader who thrives in navigating complex policy landscapes? Do you have a passion for shaping state-level public policy to protect and advance industry priorities? If so, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) invites you to apply for the position of Director, State Affairs. 

About the Role:

The Director, State Affairs is responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of the RV industry before state legislative and regulatory bodies. This senior-level position leads multi-state advocacy strategies, oversees two direct reports (Manager, State Government Affairs and Legislative Associate), and manages contract lobbyists across the country.

As the Association’s lead advocate on state issues, the Director works closely with legislators, regulatory officials, member companies, and coalition partners to advance RVIA’s priorities. Key areas include franchise and lemon laws, housing, driver’s licensing, vehicle dimensions, and emerging issues such as data privacy, chemicals of concern, including PFAS, electric vehicles (EVs) and environmental policy. The Director also oversees the RV Industry Association’s bill tracking system, team budget planning, and state compliance filings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and implement multi-state government relations strategies with measurable goals.
  • Supervise and develop two direct reports.
  • Serve as the lead advocate on priority issues before state legislatures and regulatory bodies.
  • Prepare and deliver hearing testimony; draft messaging materials for state policy issues.
  • Hire, manage, and coordinate contract lobbyists across multiple states.
  • Monitor and analyze emerging state-level policy trends and threats impacting the RV industry.
  • Lead RV-specific franchise and lemon law projects.
  • Ensure compliance with state lobbying laws, ethics filings, and registration requirements.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with legislators, state officials, coalitions, and RV Industry Association members.
  • Communicate key legislative and regulatory updates to members and stakeholders

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, or related field (required). Postgraduate degree (e.g., MPA, JD, or related field) strongly preferred.
  • Experience:
    • 5–10 years of state government relations experience.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex policy matters.
    • In-depth knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes.
    • Proven negotiation skills and ability to influence public policy outcomes.
    • Ability to manage a high volume of bills across multiple states concurrently.
    • Proven team-building skills with the ability to mentor staff and foster collaboration across departments.
    • Knowledge of the RV, automobile or outdoor recreation industries is a plus.
    • Existing relationships with state lobbyists, legislators, and government affairs professionals are a plus.
    • Prior trade association or state legislature experience strongly preferred.

Additional Information

  • This position requires frequent domestic travel to state capitols, industry events, and member facilities, particularly during state legislative sessions. Extended hours and occasional weekend work are routine during peak legislative periods.

How to Apply

If you are excited about leading the future of RV industry standards and have the expertise outlined above, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to Alice Wang, Vice President, Human Resources at awang@rvia.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The RV Industry Association is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.