President and Chief Executive Officer

North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (Ncrla) • Raleigh, NC

296d

About The Position

The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) seeks a transformational leader to serve as its next President & CEO. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of North Carolina's $35.8 billion hospitality industry—advocating for business owners, strengthening the workforce, and driving policy at the state and national levels. NCRLA represents 20,000+ restaurants, hotels, and allied businesses, employing 9% of North Carolina's workforce. As the industry evolves, the next CEO will bring strategic vision, advocacy expertise, and strong leadership to drive continued innovation and growth.

Requirements

• Proven Executive Leadership - CEO, President, COO, or senior executive experience in hospitality, associations, or a related business.
• Deep Industry & Business Acumen - Understanding of restaurant and lodging operations, consumer trends, and workforce dynamics.
• Public Policy & Advocacy Expertise - Strong government relations experience and ability to engage legislators, regulators, and the media.
• Financial & P&L Oversight - Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and driving organizational growth.
• Strong Network & Relationships - Connections in North Carolina's business and political landscape are a plus.
• Exceptional Communication Skills - A compelling public speaker and influential relationship builder.

Responsibilities

• Position NCRLA as the essential resource for restaurant and lodging operators.
• Be the voice of hospitality, influencing policymakers and shaping pro-business policies.
• Spearhead initiatives to strengthen the talent pipeline and modernize the industry.
• Cultivate relationships with independent restaurants, major brands, hotel groups, and allied partners.
• Manage a multi-million-dollar budget and expand revenue streams through sponsorships and fundraising.
• Foster a high-performance culture and empower a dedicated team to achieve NCRLA's mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations