About this role.
This director-level government relations role leads state and local policy advocacy for Fanatics across retail, sports, sports betting, and e-commerce. The position builds relationships with governors, attorneys general, policymakers, trade associations, and external consultants while advising senior leadership on legislative and regulatory developments. It requires more than 10 years of relevant state government, legislative, executive, or government-affairs experience, with strong bipartisan political judgment. Core deliverables include legislative intelligence, policy positions, advocacy materials, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional strategy execution. The role is based in New York, but the posting does not state remote or broader US work eligibility.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
5/5Pace & Pressure
5/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
5/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Sample interview questions
I would first assess the bill’s operational, financial, consumer, and reputational implications and identify the decision-makers, committees, and timeline. I would align internal legal, compliance, commercial, and communications stakeholders on a clear policy position, then build a targeted plan involving direct engagement, coalition partners, credible third-party voices, and concise policy materials. I would monitor amendments and political dynamics continuously, adjusting tactics while keeping leadership informed of risks and decision points.
I focus on shared outcomes, credible facts, and the local impact of the issue rather than partisan framing. In a previous advocacy effort, I tailored messages to each stakeholder’s priorities, maintained transparent communication, and identified practical amendments that addressed concerns without undermining the core objective. That approach helped build a durable coalition and move the issue forward with support from multiple political perspectives.
I provide a short executive summary that states what changed, why it matters, the affected business areas, the likelihood and timing of action, and recommended next steps. I separate confirmed facts from assumptions and present options with associated risk levels. This gives leaders enough context to make timely decisions without requiring them to parse technical legislative language.
I establish explicit objectives, key messages, decision rights, reporting cadence, and measurable milestones at the outset. I ensure consultants have current business context and coordinate their activity with internal legal and communications teams to preserve message discipline. With trade associations, I seek alignment where collective advocacy adds value while protecting the company’s independent positions on issues that require a distinct approach.
I would define the policy purpose, audience, and desired outcome before designing the event. The agenda would combine a concise policy narrative with direct exposure to employees, operations, innovation, consumer safeguards, and community impact, supported by compliant briefing materials and follow-up. Afterward, I would document commitments, address open questions promptly, and integrate the relationships into the broader advocacy plan.
About Us
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
The Role
As the Director of Government Relations at Fanatics, you work closely with our leadership team to ensure we remain at the forefront of legislative trends and industry developments. In this role, you will provide strategic insights, advocate for our interests, and drive initiatives that reflect Fanatics’ commitment to innovation, consumer satisfaction, and the evolving retail landscape. The Director of Government Relations reports to the SVP, Head of Fanatics Global Government Relations team.
What You’ll Do:
- Forge and Maintain Strategic Relationships: Cultivate and sustain high-impact relationships with key government officials—including Governors, State Attorneys General, and key state and local level policymakers,—to advance Fanatics’ priorities.
- Provide Executive-Level Legislative Intelligence: Keep Fanatics leadership informed with timely, in-depth analyses of current and proposed legislation affecting the retail, sports, sports betting, and e-commerce sectors, ensuring proactive and informed decision-making.
- Shape Policy and Drive Advocacy: Monitor the legislative and regulatory landscape, assess potential business impacts, and develop tailored, forward-thinking strategies that position Fanatics for success.
- Craft Persuasive Policy Communications: Develop compelling policy documents, including executive summaries, position papers, and advocacy briefs, that clearly articulate Fanatics’ policy positions to key stakeholders.
- Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Manage external consultants, engage internal stakeholders, and oversee special projects that align with and advance Fanatics’ policy and business objectives.
- Advocate with Authority: Present Fanatics’ policy positions to government officials, trade associations, coalitions, and industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment between corporate priorities and broader legislative and market trends.
- Strengthen Industry Influence: Enhance partnerships with trade associations, advocacy groups, and community organizations, reinforcing Fanatics’ role as a thought leader in the retail and sports ecosystem.
- Innovate and Push Boundaries: Develop and execute creative advocacy strategies that challenge the status quo and unlock new opportunities for Fanatics in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
- Showcase Fanatics’ Impact: Organize immersive site visits, retail events, and media engagements for elected officials to deepen their understanding of Fanatics’ business model, innovation, and community contributions.
What We’re Looking For:
- Policy Expertise & Thought Leadership: Deep understanding of public policy, with the ability to distill complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights.
- Extensive Experience in and understanding of the Legislative and Regulatory Process is required. 10+ years of state legislative, state executive government, or state government affairs experience in Washington, including meaningful experience including working across the aisle.
- Political Acumen & Agility: Highly adaptable, with the ability to anticipate and respond to shifting political and regulatory landscapes.
- Political Campaign and Electoral Experience highly valued.
- Compelling Communicator: Exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively articulate Fanatics’ policy positions and influence diverse audiences.
- Master Negotiator & Influencer: Proven ability to navigate complex policy challenges, persuade stakeholders, and drive favorable outcomes.
- Strategic & Innovative Problem Solver: A visionary approach to advocacy, with the ability to develop creative solutions that advance Fanatics’ objectives.
- Proven Leadership & Execution: Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing projects from strategy development through execution.
- Self-Starter with a Collaborative Mindset: Highly motivated, able to work independently while fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive impact.
- Storytelling & Brand Amplification: Passion for shaping and elevating the corporate narrative through strategic communications.
- Unwavering Integrity & Professionalism: Commitment to the highest ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional excellence.
The salary range represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/
Salary Range
$180,000—$215,000 USD
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