Advocacy Communications Manager

Advocacy Communications Manager Position

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. These are the core values that inspire our work, and what we are looking for in an Advocacy Communications Manager.

As an integral member of our Communications team, the Advocacy Communications Manager will collaborate closely with Public Affairs in developing and executing comprehensive strategies to support the restaurant industry, advance and frame our public affairs priorities, and further the organization’s overall strategy.

Ideal candidates bring a minimum of five years of experience with high visibility communications in aligned positions on Capitol Hill, the Administration, Trade Associations, non-profit or government agency, or private sector advocacy organizations. Must be comfortable learning and translating policy positions, writing on deadline, engaging with the media, and managing multiple projects and priorities. Candidates should have experience in writing talking points, press releases, opinion pieces, and more. Position requires a confident and engaging communicator and storyteller, able to navigate a matrixed environment and build productive, collaborative relationships between internal and external stakeholders.

The position operates out of our DC office, with a required three days onsite, Monday–Wednesday, with flexibility to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.

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

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing examples demonstrating your experience with advocacy communications at the link below:
Submit your application

Benefits

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, and 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

• Work as part of a centralized Communications team to accomplish department and Association public affairs goals.
• Support all internal team members and departments in conjunction with the Association’s mission and values while contributing to the Association’s culture of service and accountability.
• Assist in managing issue advocacy campaigns in support of Association goals and objectives related to communications priorities.
• Collaborate with the Content Strategy team to maintain a communications calendar, based on legislative activity, news events, and policy priorities, to inform communications across the Association and with state and local partners.
• Produce and/or edit advocacy communications collateral such as press releases, talking points, letters to the editor, op-eds, and key advocacy messages.
• Partner with Senior Director, Media Relations, to promote industry advocacy objectives in trade, traditional, and consumer media outlets.
• Help develop and coordinate communications strategies to reach and inform critical audiences.
• Collaborate in the development of content for the Advocacy social media channels and provide timely strategic guidance.
• Attend advocacy communications events such as press conferences, media briefings, lobby days, and policy briefings, and prepare summary reports.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required to help promote the department’s success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications preferred, or related experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in aligned Advocacy Communication positions either on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, with Trade Associations, or in private sector organizations.
• Solid understanding/background in journalism, public relations, editorial, publications, media relations, events, and campaigns.
• Creativity and a deep understanding of the elements of compelling written, oral, and visual storytelling.
• Ability to adapt to different voices and audiences.
• Ability to effectively synthesize, translate, and summarize complex policy topics for use by internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of and experience with using social media tools and approaches as part of communications strategies. Cision or other media platform experience helpful.
• Meticulous attention to detail, and highly effective organizational, time-management, priority-setting, and problem-solving skills.
• Thoughtful interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to partner with individuals across the organization who have varying degrees of communication skills and interest.
• Broad fundamental understanding of the restaurant industry/business environment and related policy issues.
• Highly adaptable; ability to work well under pressure, within a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• Demonstrative abilities in collaborative team building and consensus.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency across Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and ability to learn new technology as needed.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently; a self-initiator, versatile, and assumes responsibility with risk.
• Ability to travel as needed; anticipate 1–2 times per year.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply for our job openings. This commitment supports our policy of developing and capitalizing on the abilities of all our team members, as well as selecting, developing, and promoting those who are best qualified.