Director, Policy & Government Affairs

For more than 100 years, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has been dedicated to advancing the mattress industry through public policy, public affairs, and education initiatives. ISPA represents the bedding sector on key safety, health, commercial, recycling, and environmental issues, while promoting a positive image of the sleep products industry.Job Summary:In consultation with ISPA’s President, the Director, Policy & Government Affairs leads the association’s state and federal advocacy efforts, representing ISPA and the mattress industry on a broad range of legislative and regulatory issues at the federal and state levels. This role also manages the government affairs needs of ISPA’s affiliate, the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), which administers mattress recycling programs under four state laws. Serving as a central liaison among ISPA, MRC, policymakers, member companies, and relevant NGOs, the Director develops and implements strategies to advance organizational priorities and achieve legislative and regulatory goals.Job Functions:Monitor, analyze, and track federal and state legislative and regulatory actions impacting ISPA, MRC, their members, and the broader mattress industry. Develop policy positions and responses on legislative and regulatory proposals, including drafting testimony, legislative language, and regulatory filings. Assist in the implementation of a sustainability program to raise awareness and encourage innovative practices that enhance environmental performance. Communicate policy developments and organizational positions to ISPA members, MRC stakeholders, and staff. Hire, direct, and manage contract lobbyists and consultants to support advocacy goals. Build and maintain effective relationships with regulators, policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders, establishing ISPA and MRC as trusted and credible resources. Represent ISPA and MRC at meetings, hearings, and events involving regulators and elected officials. Serve as industry liaison to legislative coalitions addressing manufacturer-related issues. Promote ISPA’s and MRC’s advocacy agenda through trade, national, and local media as appropriate. Encourage and coordinate grassroots engagement among ISPA members. Manage ISPA Government Affairs committee and produce regular advocacy reports, publications, and digital content.Travel requiredEducation/Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field required; advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP, MPA) preferred. Minimum of 5 years of responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative/regulatory advocacy at the federal and/or state level.Demonstrated experience developing and executing successful advocacy strategies and engaging with policymakers, regulators, and NGOs. Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, with the ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into actionable strategies. Proven ability to draft legislative language, testimony, regulatory comments, and other advocacy materials.Experience managing contract lobbyists, consultants, and/or policy staff.Familiarity with sustainability, recycling, or environmental policy issues preferred.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent organizational positions effectively before diverse audiences including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the media.Strong relationship-building skills, with a reputation for credibility, diplomacy, and professionalism.Experience working with trade associations, coalitions, or member-driven organizations is highly desirable.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work both independently and collaboratively.CompensationThis is a full-time, salaried position based in Alexandria, VA; relocation expenses are not provided. The role reports directly to the President. ISPA offers an extensive benefits package and a salary range of $95,000–$120,000.Contact InformationTo apply, please email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@sleepproducts.org.