External Affairs Director

Summary:  

Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB), is a manufacturer and distributor of Other Tobacco Products (OTP) and vapor products in the USA. TPB has an established leadership reputation in public policy issues related to tobacco and vapor products among industry members at both the federal and state level and has taken an active role in developing and participating in national trade associations with a view to preserving the Company's ability to meet competitive regulatory challenges. 

This role requires the incumbent to provide support to the Senior Vice-President External Affairs by participating in industry forums and conferences as needed, conducting research and preparing summaries for various tobacco and vapor issues affecting the business, communicating with internal clients, as well as staying abreast of state and local issues as they pertain to tobacco and vapor. 

Travel is required. The position reports to the Senior Vice-President of External Affairs. 

Essential Functions: 

1. Participate in industry forums and conferences to increase awareness of TPB issues and manufacturer regulatory and legislative concerns. 

2. Maintain a participatory role in industry trade groups as needed to help leverage trade association assets to support the Company's legislative and regulatory goals. 

3. Assist in collecting, synthesizing and disseminating publicly available, scientific and general industry news that will be of value to management in developing strategic, marketing, sales and regulatory planning efforts. 

4. Assist the Senior Vice-President External Affair in coordinating with other manufacturers and distributors to ensure TPB regulatory and product priorities are articulated and understood. 

5. Manage state and local political lobbying efforts as needed for TPB ensuring appropriate tie-in to broader public policy objectives. 

6. Research and provide data and/or summaries pertaining to policy and regulatory implications of product launches, acquisitions, and other business initiatives; and prepare related materials for use by internal clients. 

7. Develop and keep current a system to track regulations that affect the business and regularly communicate changes to internal clients. 

8. Under the direction of the Senior Vice-President External Affairs, handle trade and general media inquiries about the company. 

9. Respond to sales and trade marketing inquiries on state and local laws. 

Requirements: 

• Undergraduate and/or advanced degree, in relevant field preferred; 

• 4 + years of experience in external affairs or public policy, preferably in the areas of tobacco, vapor, or other related industry; 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, and a sound working knowledge of the tobacco, vapor, or a related industry, and an appreciation of the issues involved in the manufacturing, marketing, science and use of these products by adult consumers. 

• Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes is required. A developable political network and an established list of contacts with key regulators at the state or federal level is preferred. 

• Ability to review and analyze legislation and recommend action. 

• Experience and comfort with public speaking and a proven ability to interact with legislators and/or regulatory officials. 

• Detail-oriented with a high degree of organization and efficiency 

• Computer skills and thorough familiarity with MS Office or other computer software. 

• Experience dealing in a multi-site organization with various stakeholders. 

• General awareness knowledge of the ISO9001 Quality Management System requirements, company Quality Policy and your contributions to the effectiveness of the QMS. 

• Responsible for being knowledgeable of and acting in strict accordance with the requirements of all relevant laws, regulations, and Company policies, including, among other areas, Food and Drug Administration regulations. 

Supplementary Information 

This description is based on management’s assessment of the requirements and functions of the job as of the date this description was prepared. It is a general guideline for managers and colleagues. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.