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

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

About Health & Fitness Association HFA

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading trade association dedicated to enhancing mental and physical health by ensuring access to physical activity. Representing health and fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and aquatic facilities, and industry partners, HFA promotes and protects the Health & Fitness Industry so that people have diverse, inclusive options to stay active and healthy.

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