Washington, D.C.
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia
Posted: 05-Jun-26
Location: Washington DC
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Additional Information:
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
