Senior Manager, Federal Affairs

Department: Government Affairs

Reports To: Chief of Staff

Works Closely With: HFA Leadership, Advocacy Committees, Coalition Partners

Location: Washington, DC (in-office/hybrid)

About HFA

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading industry organization dedicated to

expanding access to physical activity and promoting the vital role fitness plays in supporting

physical and mental health. Our membership includes fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and

aquatic facilities, and industry partners.

As HFA continues to expand its federal advocacy efforts, we are hiring a Senior Manager,

Federal Affairs to help advance the industry's priorities before Congress, federal agencies, and

key policymakers.

Position Overview

The Senior Manager, Federal Affairs serves as a key member of HFA's Government Affairs

team and is responsible for supporting and executing the association's federal advocacy

strategy. This role leads day-to-day engagement with Congress, federal agencies, coalition

partners, and industry stakeholders to advance legislative and regulatory priorities that protect,

promote, and grow the health and fitness industry.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Senior Manager, Federal Affairs will serve as a registered

federal lobbyist and play a central role in monitoring federal policy developments, cultivating

relationships with policymakers, coordinating advocacy campaigns, and translating complex

policy issues into actionable guidance for HFA members.

This position works closely with HFA leadership, member companies, coalition partners,

consultants, and policymakers to ensure the industry has a strong and credible voice in

Washington.Key Responsibilities

Federal Legislative & Regulatory Strategy

Monitor and track federal legislation, regulations, and policy developments impacting the

health and fitness industry.

Identify legislative and regulatory opportunities, risks, and emerging trends affecting HFA

members.

Support development and execution of HFA's federal advocacy agenda and strategic

priorities.

Maintain internal tracking systems, policy databases, and reporting tools to support

advocacy efforts.

Prepare policy analyses, legislative summaries, issue briefs, and strategic

recommendations.

Congressional & Agency Advocacy

Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal

agencies, and administration officials.

Conduct meetings with policymakers and stakeholders to advance HFA policy priorities.

Represent HFA at congressional briefings, hearings, coalition meetings, and industry

events.

Coordinate congressional outreach, advocacy meetings, and stakeholder engagement

activities.

Support preparation of testimony, comment letters, briefing materials, and policy

submissions.

Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement

Coordinate with coalition partners, allied organizations, and advocacy groups on shared

policy initiatives.

Support engagement with HFA member companies to identify policy concerns and

advocacy opportunities.

Build relationships with external stakeholders, thought leaders, and legislative

champions.

Represent industry perspectives in coalition and stakeholder discussions.

Advocacy Campaigns & Member Engagement

Support grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts designed to engage HFA members

in federal policy discussions.

Assist with planning and execution of HFA's Congressional Fly-In, Advocacy Summit,

and other federal affairs programs.

Coordinate member participation in meetings, advocacy campaigns, and policy

initiatives.

Develop tools and resources that help members effectively engage policymakers.

Policy Development & Communications

Draft legislation, comment letters, policy papers, issue briefs, talking points, and

advocacy materials.

Develop timely content for advocacy alerts, newsletters, member communications, and

digital advocacy platforms.

Translate legislative and regulatory developments into clear, actionable guidance for

members.

Produce concise, compelling materials to educate policymakers, members, and industry

stakeholders.

Political & Government Affairs Support

Support strategic management of FitPAC, including fundraising, donor stewardship,

compliance coordination, political engagement activities, candidate relationship

development, and member participation initiatives.

Assist with preparation of board reports, advocacy updates, strategic planning materials,

and member presentations.

Support compliance with federal lobbying disclosure and ethics requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree (public policy, political science, government, communications, or

related field preferred)

5–8 years of experience in federal government affairs, public policy, Capitol Hill, trade

association, or related advocacy roles

Experience working directly with Congress, congressional committees, federal agencies,

or national advocacy organizations

Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process

Proven ability to build relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and industry

stakeholders

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker

Strong policy analysis and strategic thinking capabilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced advocacy environment

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, legislative tracking systems, and advocacy platformsPreferred Experience

Experience serving in a congressional office, federal agency, trade association, or

lobbying firm

Registered federal lobbyist experience preferred

Familiarity with healthcare, preventive health, physical activity, consumer policy, labor

policy, tax policy, or related issues

Experience managing grassroots or grasstops advocacy campaigns

Experience coordinating coalition-based advocacy efforts

Experience supporting a federal PAC, political fundraising program, campaign

committee, or political compliance function.

Personal Attributes

Self-starter with strong initiative and accountability

Strategic thinker with strong political judgment

Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail

Collaborative and effective at building relationships across diverse stakeholders

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced political and advocacy environment

Mission-driven with a passion for advancing physical activity and improving health

outcomes

Why Join HFA

Opportunity to shape federal policies impacting the health and fitness industry

nationwide

High-visibility role with direct engagement in Congress and federal agencies

Opportunity to help position physical activity as a core component of preventive

healthcare policy

Collaborative, mission-driven team focused on growing industry influence in Washington

Meaningful work improving health outcomes for millions of Americans

About Health & Fitness Association -HFA

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is the leading trade association dedicated to enhancing mental and physical health by ensuring access to physical activity. Representing health and fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and aquatic facilities, and industry partners, HFA promotes and protects the Health & Fitness Industry so that people have diverse, inclusive options to stay active and healthy.

Connections working at Health & Fitness Association -HFA