Public Affairs Manager

About Ascend Wellness Holdings

Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a leading, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator focused on building strong brands, delivering best-in-class retail experiences, and operating with discipline at scale. As we continue to grow, we are investing in the systems, processes, and leadership required to operate a complex, regulated business with consistency, speed, and accountability.

The Role

Ascend is seeking a Public Affairs Manager to drive our legislative and regulatory strategy in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. In this role, you will represent the company with policymakers and stakeholders while helping shape our long-term policy direction. This position reports to the Vice President of Public Affairs.

Location: Remote, with occasional travel. Preference for candidates based in IL, MI, or OH.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent Ascend at cannabis trade association meetings and industry forums.
• Lead analysis of proposed legislative and regulatory actions, assessing potential business impact and recommending appropriate responses.
• Monitor federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory activity to advance and protect Ascend's market position.
• Track relevant legislation and regulations, proactively notifying internal stakeholders of pending actions and required follow-up.
• Monitor, document, and report on municipal, local, and regional legislative calendars across multiple jurisdictions.
• Identify high-impact policy proposals that may affect Ascend's operations, growth, or compliance posture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state and local government officials, regulators, and key external stakeholders.
• Provide operational and administrative support to senior leadership, including preparing reports and trackers, maintaining digital filing systems, scheduling meetings, and compiling meeting notes.
• Contribute to the development of social media content in support of government affairs and corporate communications initiatives.
• Draft and distribute communications materials, including press releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, newsletters, statements, and other external-facing content.
• Manage and respond to media inquiries in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Support the development and execution of Ascend's corporate communications strategy.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in government, legislative, or regulatory affairs.
• Cannabis industry experience a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and professionalism, with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Ability to meet all legal, regulatory, and company requirements for employment in the cannabis industry.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as business needs require.
• Ability and availability to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and events, as needed to support business objectives.

Work Environment

This position primarily performs duties in a remote office setting. Travel is required periodically to support meetings, events, and other business needs.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, this position is regularly required to sit and regularly use hand(s) to handle, grasp, feel, and or touch. This position is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. This position is required to speak and listen regularly.

EEO Statement

Ascend Wellness Holdings, INC., ("AWH") and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring / hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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