The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is the trade association that serves as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry for its public policy and business needs. ESA works to promote and protect the dynamic marketplace for video games and to enhance public trust in the industry. The video game industry has established itself as one of the most dynamic, innovative, and creative business sectors in the U.S. In 2023, the industry boasted more than $57.2 billion in revenue and had an economic impact of more than $101 billion.
Position Overview:
The Senior Vice President, Government Affairs (SVP) reports to the President & CEO of ESA and serves as a key member of the organization’s executive leadership team. The SVP is responsible for leading ESA’s government affairs function and managing a team of professionals overseeing political outreach, advocacy, and lobbying efforts at both the federal and state levels. This role ensures ESA maintains a strong voice in legislative, regulatory, and public policy discussions on matters critical to the video game industry. The SVP will also coordinate with ESA’s communications and legal departments, manage external lobbying consultants, and represent ESA in multi-stakeholder coalitions and public forums. The executive will provide strategic guidance to ESA leadership and member companies, cultivate bipartisan relationships with policymakers, and advance the industry’s positions on a wide array of legislative and regulatory issues.
Key Requirements:
Candidates will have a minimum of 15 years of experience dealing with complex and high-profile legislative and regulatory matters, preferably within the video game/computer, technology, media, entertainment, or publishing industries; and/or law firms and/or trade associations supporting those industries. The successful candidate will be an outstanding manager of teams with experience working collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders. This executive will bring a track record of building consensus around critical policy positions and implementing relevant strategies that advance organizational objectives. Candidates must have strong political acumen and deep experience navigating the political process at both the federal and state levels. They will also possess excellent interpersonal skills for engagement across all centers of influence, both internally and externally.
Education:
BA/BS degree is required. Masters or JD is a plus.
Compensation:
Base salary range of $450k-$500k with bonus eligibility.
Submit CV/resume and cover letter to: ESAGA@lochlinpartners.com.