Policy Director, Technology and Innovation

The National Restaurant Association, one of the most influential business associations, has tremendous opportunity for a Technology and Innovation Policy Director. As an integral member of our Public Affairs team, this high-profile position is responsible for helping develop, manage, and implement comprehensive regulatory and legislative strategies and tactics that advance the Association’s mission and public policy agenda across technology, innovation, and commerce.

Reporting to the Vice President of Public Policy, the Technology and Innovation Policy Director will work closely with the Association’s member companies and state partners; federal, state, and local officials; and other third-party stakeholders and coalitions as an industry advocate. Additionally, the Director will assume responsibility for assisting the Association with various regulatory compliance matters related to electronic payments systems, data privacy, third-party delivery, gift and prepaid cards, and intellectual property and trademark issues that impact restaurant profitability and growth.

We are looking for a highly collaborative, seasoned government affairs professional with a keen understanding of the legislative, regulatory, and political processes. The ideal candidate will bring minimum of six to eight years of experience, successfully working in aligned positions, with a particular emphasis on payments and data privacy issues, on Capitol Hill, federal agencies, private companies, and/or Trade Association. Will be expected to meet federal lobbying thresholds to necessitate public registration and the obligations associated, and the Association provides legal compliance support.

Position must operate out of our DC office, with a required three days onsite, Monday – Wednesday, with flexibility to work remote on Thursday and Friday.

The work you will do as part of our Public Affairs team will play a pivotal role in our efforts to support and advocate for the industry. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are proud to offer our team members comprehensive benefits, designed to support their financial, professional, and personal well-being. In addition to outstanding healthcare coverage (medical, dental and vision), competitive salaries, generous vacation and leave time, we offer a matching 401(k) plan, a unique collection of corporate discounts and memberships, as well as programs to support career and skills development, including coaching, learning and tuition assistance, and so much more.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction on all issues impacting restaurant and foodservice profitability, including, but not limited to, legislative and regulatory strategy, press and other external communications, internal member communications, and marketplace opportunities.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory initiatives, as well as the political landscape surrounding those initiatives. Strategize and implement efforts to achieve restaurant and foodservice industry policy goals.
• Identify and explain emerging policy issues in the technology, innovation, and commerce areas impacting the restaurant industry.
• Represent and advocate on behalf of the Association and its members before opinion leaders, lawmakers, regulators, and at key briefings, panels, conferences and meetings on commerce and innovation, and other issues impacting restaurant and foodservice profitability. This will include lobbying activity.
• Draft Congressional and regulatory communications, including industry comments and Congressional testimony.
• Provide strategic input on political giving and represent the Association at political events on issues related to technology and innovation as needed.
• Develop and execute thought leadership, issue monitoring, issue advocacy/forecasting and internal strategy development on key issues, including electronic payments, music licensing, data privacy, digital identity, and other policy trends.
• Build strategic relationships with and represent the Association at meetings with Members of Congress, congressional staff, Administration officials, and agency staff.
• Provide strategic direction and assist with the Association’s participation in key coalition and advocacy groups related to the Director’s areas of responsibility.
• Work closely with the Association’s Advocacy Communications staff to respond to media inquiries and press outlets on topics related to the Directors areas of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and proactively participate with other food industry trade associations with common interests.
• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Public Policy to advance public affairs department’s goals and success.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree(s) preferred, in political science, government relations, public policy or equivalent.
• Publicly registered lobbyist with minimum 6-8 years of experience with a trade association/Hill or Administration position having engaged in the legislative and regulatory process related to payments and data privacy issues.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills. Values team building and consensus.
• Personable and approachable, with a good sense of humor that contributes to highly collaborative and positive team environment.
• Strong strategic vision in areas of business, government affairs, and the restaurant industry
• Deep functional experience in government and public affairs.
• Established and proven relationships in the government arena with demonstrated coalition building skills.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Significant business and stakeholder relationship building experience.
• Broad fundamental understanding of the restaurant industry/business environment.
• Significant communication skills in written and verbal formats, showcases clear and concise manner.
• Ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts at the highest levels of government and business.
• Computer proficiency across MS Office including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint applications; ability to learn additional software as required.
• Highly effective organizational, time-management, priority-setting and problem-solving skills, with ability to multi-task on various projects.
• Strong work ethic; demonstrates sense of urgency.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently.
• Highly adaptable; ability to work well under pressure, within fast-paced and fluid environment.
• Ability to travel; estimate 10-15%.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC, and The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (together, “Company”) is committed to equal employment opportunity, and it is Company's policy to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and disability, or other legally protected status, and we will ensure that all employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.