State Affairs Manager, West

# The National Restaurant Association & Educational Foundation

The National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation are proud to be part of a highly respected industry, providing hospitality, opportunity, and quality of life. Much like the industry we represent, we have a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive culture, grounded in trust, hospitality, collaboration, and innovation.

We currently have an opportunity within our Public Affairs Department for a **State Affairs Manager**, responsible for the **Western region**. As an integral member of the State Affairs team, you will develop and implement legislative, grassroots, communications, and public affairs strategies, serving as the primary Public Affairs contact for State Restaurant Associations (SRAs) and national chain restaurant partners. You will also work in close collaboration with the State Affairs Manager, East, and the Coordinator of State Affairs.

We are looking for a highly collaborative, experienced government affairs professional with a keen understanding of state and local public affairs, including legislative, regulatory, and political processes. The ideal candidate will bring **five to seven years of experience** in aligned positions in state or local government, political or advocacy campaigns, Capitol Hill, trade associations, or other private‑sector work. Strong familiarity with the legislative landscape in the Western region is highly desirable. You will thrive in this role if you are a self‑starter with strong relationship‑building skills and the confidence and diplomacy to engage stakeholders at all levels.

**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 much more.

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## Responsibilities

– **Manage SRA relationships** between the State Affairs team and the Association’s State Restaurant Association (SRA) partners in the Western region.
– **Serve as point person** for SRA partners in the Western region.
– **Serve as point person** for national chain partners regarding public policy.
– **Develop and implement strategies** for legislative, grassroots, communications, and public affairs initiatives.
– **Manage consultant relationships** for the Western region.
– **Collaborate with Coordinator, State Affairs** to provide legislative reports and analysis for chain government affairs representatives.
– **Oversee advocacy projects** such as polling, including vendor sourcing and management.
– **Attend government affairs meetings** with elected officials at state and local levels.
– **Manage grassroots campaign strategy** in collaboration with the Grassroots team and consultants.
– **Lead communications and policy coordination** with government affairs personnel at member companies, SRAs, allied industries, trade associations, and external political groups.
– **Prepare legislative summaries** and reports for the Board, State Affairs team, SRAs, member companies, and other stakeholders.
– **Develop strong relationships** with SRA staff and chain restaurant government affairs professionals.
– **Assist the VP, State Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy** regarding SRA partnerships in the Western region.
– **Represent the Association** at political conferences and events nationwide.
– **Give presentations** at internal and external meetings.
– **Travel to support SRA partnerships**, including SRA meetings and industry conferences.

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## Requirements

– **Bachelor’s degree** in political science, government relations, public policy, or equivalent.
– **Five to seven years of experience** in state/local government, political or advocacy campaigns, Capitol Hill, trade associations, or private‑sector roles.
– **Fundamental knowledge** of government, political, and public policy processes.
– **Highly collaborative**, accountable, with strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills; able to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
– **Creative thinker** with the ability to develop and implement new grassroots and public affairs strategies.
– **Strong under pressure**, able to prioritize and manage multiple assignments within short timeframes.
– **Meticulous attention to detail** and adherence to timelines.
– **Intellectual curiosity**, emotional intelligence, and strong analytical skills.
– **Excellent verbal and written communication** with clear, concise business writing.
– **Ability to maintain confidentiality** and accurate information.
– **Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills** with effective time management.
– **Adaptable and resilient**, responsive to change.
– **High integrity**, discretion, and professionalism.
– **Ability to work independently and as part of a team**; self‑starter and versatile.
– **Proficiency in Microsoft Office** (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and ability to learn new technologies.
– **Ability to travel approximately 30%.**

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## Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

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

We recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, ensuring all personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based solely on valid job requirements.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights under federal employment laws. For further information, please review the **Know Your Rights** notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply here