Head of Government Affairs - GoTickets

Head of Government Affairs

Reports to: VP of Operations
Location: Chicago, IL

About GoTickets

GoTickets is a leading online ticket marketplace connecting fans with live entertainment experiences across sports, concerts, theater, and special events. Operating in a highly regulated industry across all 50 states, we navigate a complex landscape of ticketing laws, consumer protection regulations, and licensing requirements that directly impact how we serve our customers and grow our business.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a Head of Government Affairs to serve as the bridge between our business operations and the regulatory environment we operate in. This is a strategic role where you'll become an expert on our business model, translate complex operations into clear briefings for external advocates, and help us stay ahead of legislative changes that could impact our industry.

You'll work closely with our VP of Operations and cross-functional teams to monitor regulatory developments, coordinate with our network of lobbyists across multiple states, and represent GoTickets in conversations with policymakers when needed. This role is ideal for someone who understands government relations and wants to apply that knowledge to a fast-moving technology and e-commerce company.

What You'll Do

Business & Policy Integration

• Develop deep knowledge of GoTickets' business model, operations, and competitive landscape
• Understand the technical and operational details of our ticketing platform and marketplace
• Translate complex business operations into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences
• Identify how proposed legislation or regulations would impact different aspects of our business

Legislative Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor federal and state legislative activity related to ticketing, consumer protection, e-commerce, and related areas
• Track regulatory developments across all 50 states where we operate
• Analyze proposed laws and regulations to assess potential business impact
• Provide regular briefings to leadership on emerging threats and opportunities
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and competitor regulatory challenges

Lobbyist Coordination & Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for our network of state and federal lobbyists
• Provide lobbyists with data, talking points, and business context they need to effectively advocate on our behalf
• Prepare briefing materials, fact sheets, and position papers for legislative engagement
• Coordinate messaging and strategy across multiple jurisdictions
• Ensure lobbyists have timely information and support to respond to fast-moving legislative developments

Government Relations & Representation

• Represent GoTickets in meetings with legislators, regulators, and their staff as needed
• Build understanding of our business with key policymakers and their teams
• Participate in industry associations and coalitions related to ticketing and e-commerce
• Support testimony preparation and regulatory comment submissions
• Coordinate responses to government inquiries and information requests

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Operations teams to align regulatory strategy with business objectives
• Work with Product and Engineering teams to understand technical implications of proposed regulations
• Collaborate with Communications on public messaging around legislative issues
• Provide regulatory context to inform business planning and strategy

Who You Are

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, or related roles
• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative processes
• Proven ability to analyze legislation and assess business impact
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills — able to translate complex concepts into clear, persuasive narratives
• Experience preparing briefing materials, talking points, and policy documents
• Self-starter comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ideal:

• Experience in e-commerce, technology, consumer-facing businesses, or regulated industries
• Familiarity with state-level government relations and multi-state regulatory compliance
• Background working with external lobbyists or government relations firms
• Experience in the live entertainment, ticketing, or hospitality industries
• Understanding of consumer protection law and licensing requirements
• Existing knowledge of ticketing industry regulations

Personal Attributes:

• Analytical thinker who can quickly understand complex business operations
• Strategic communicator who tailors messages to different audiences
• Proactive problem-solver who anticipates challenges before they become crises
• Collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions
• Adaptable professional comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment
• Professional presence suitable for representing the company with government officials

Why Join GoTickets

Make an Impact: Shape how we navigate the regulatory landscape in a critical growth phase for the company.

Learn the Business: Gain deep exposure to the operations of a technology-driven marketplace in the live entertainment industry.

Strategic Role: Work directly with senior leadership on issues that directly affect company strategy.

Dynamic Environment: Navigate an evolving regulatory landscape that requires creativity and strategic thinking.

Growth Opportunity: Build and define this function as the company continues to expand.