Technology and Innovation Policy Director

National Restaurant Association • Washington, DC

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Restaurant Association is seeking a Technology and Innovation Policy Director to join its Public Affairs team. This high-profile position is responsible for developing, managing, and implementing legislative and regulatory strategies related to technology, innovation, and commerce to advance the Association's mission. The Director will advocate for the industry by working with member companies, state partners, government officials, and other stakeholders. Key responsibilities include assisting with regulatory compliance matters concerning electronic payments, data privacy, third-party delivery, gift and prepaid cards, and intellectual property. The role requires a collaborative and seasoned government affairs professional with at least six to eight years of experience in government affairs, particularly in payments and data privacy issues, with experience on Capitol Hill, federal agencies, private companies, or trade associations. The position requires public registration as a federal lobbyist and necessitates operating out of the DC office with a hybrid work model (three days onsite, two days remote).

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%.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree(s) preferred, in political science, government relations, public policy or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction on all issues impacting restaurant and foodservice profitability, including 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.

Benefits

• Outstanding healthcare coverage (medical, dental and vision)
• Competitive salaries
• Generous vacation and leave time
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Unique collection of corporate discounts and memberships
• Programs to support career and skills development, including coaching, learning and tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior