Director Local Government Affairs LAOC

California Restaurant Assoc.•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Director of Local Government Affairs (DLGA) oversees all local government and regional regulatory activity for issues affecting the restaurant industry in his/her designated region. DLGA serves as an advocate for the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and its members before these entities with the overall purpose of promoting a favorable legislative and regulatory environment for the CRA membership and accomplishing the CRA’s goals. DLGA assists in organizing restaurateurs in grassroots advocacy. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy. DLGA will be based in the Los Angeles area and primarily, the region includes the following counties: Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. CRA Chapters in region include, but not limited to: Los Angeles and Orange County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications or related field required
Two to five years minimum of local government affairs advocacy work and/or related experience (five years minimum preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience required
Good understanding of relevant local governments, local lawmaking process, regulatory and administrative process’ and good understanding of the potential effects of regulatory and legislative proposals
Proven written and oral communication skills and advocacy skills
Must be willing to regularly speak in public settings, including City Council and Board of Supervisor’s hearings
Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced and political environment
Must register to lobby in cities and/or counties where such requirements exist
Must have a clean driving record and proof of insurance
Must be a self-starter and able to work independently as well as part of a team
Proven ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations, group situations and public speaking engagements to persons or groups including elected officials, regulators, industry audiences, CRA members, potential members, colleagues, and other employees of the organization
Excellent multi-tasking, administrative, computer and organizational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are fundamental
Be a team player and show a commitment to excellence
Ability to apply common sense understanding, good judgment, written and oral logical reasoning, and carry out detailed written or oral instructions

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or advanced degree preferred
Local government experience highly preferred

Responsibilities

Advocate on behalf of the CRA and CRA members with the overall purpose of proactively improving and promoting a favorable legislative and regulatory environment and defeating or changing unfavorable legislation or regulations
Develop good understanding of relevant issues, local government, the restaurant industry, CRA members, and the potential effects of regulatory and legislative proposals on the restaurant industry
Develop good understanding of local lawmaking process, regulatory and administrative processes, political process, relevant elected officials and the politics in assigned territory
Monitor all city and county activity as well as regional regulatory activity that may affect the restaurant industry
Analyze and develop arguments for or against proposals identified as affecting the restaurant industry, CRA and/or CRA members
Implement state lobbying strategy at the local level in advocating CRA’s position(s)
Work closely with local elected officials, regulatory officials, and their staff
Work closely with others in CRA Government Affairs & Public Policy Department to accomplish CRA’s advocacy goals
Work closely with others in the industry and develop working coalitions with other restaurant industry representatives and like-minded trade associations or other organizations
Effectively advocate via written and oral advocacy including but not limited to drafting position papers, persuasive writing/correspondence, and public speaking/testifying in public hearings including hearings before councils, boards and similar governmental bodies and/or non-governmental entities
Apprise CRA members of local and regional activity affecting the industry and relevant information
Provide guidance to CRA Chapters and members in assigned territory in order to encourage them to be more politically active and to strengthen relationships with elected officials
Assist in coordinating as needed and attend CRA Lobby Days, State Board meetings, and other Association events in Sacramento and/or other locations as applicable
Coordinate local lobby days, or similar events, as applicable
Manage the day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Food & Beverage PAC (CRA Los Angeles Chapter Local PAC) including meeting planning and filing requirements
Research, advise and make recommendations to the Los Angeles Food & Beverage PAC Trustees regarding goals, strategies and allocations in line with the overall CRA goals and strategies