Director, Advocacy Communications

## **Director of Advocacy Communications**

**Reports to:** VP Government Relations and General Counsel

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## **About Us**

The leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $860 billion in 2023. A member-driven organization, NACS has 70-plus employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million.

NACS supports the industry through its media platforms, advocacy efforts, research, events, products & services, and industry initiatives, helping members stay informed and connected. NACS Media is the voice that connects the convenience and fuel retailing industry through various channels, including its award-winning monthly publication *NACS Magazine*, NACS Daily e-newsletter and other modern media such as its weekly *Convenience Matters* podcast and *Convenience Corner* blog. This is where ideas are shared, products are launched, and consumer needs are solved.

NACS also is a hub for cutting-edge research, insightful analysis, innovative educational opportunities and key industry initiatives that aim to advance the future of convenience and fuel retailing, including the NACS Show, one of the largest annual tradeshows in the country; more than a dozen targeted and regional events; five executive education programs at Ivy League universities; and extensive advocacy to both elected leaders and the general public.

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## **Position Overview**

This position will be part of a team advocating before the executive and legislative branches of the federal government on behalf of the convenience store industry and assisting the Association in devising regulatory and policy strategies to advocate for the industry. As a member of the NACS Government Relations Team, this person must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment. This position includes working with C‑Suite executives of Fortune 500 companies and participating in a Top 40 U.S. convention. The role is located onsite at NACS Headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

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## **Scope of Responsibilities**

– **Devise communications strategies** to advance the policy advocacy of the association
– **Build press relationships** with key members of the media
– **Coordinate with lobbying team** on communications plans
– **Work with coalitions** on joint communications advocacy
– **Integrate policy advocacy** with association and industry communications
– **Draft articles and thought leadership** for NACS publications
– **Keep members informed** on NACS policy advocacy
– **Participate in NACS events** including the NACS Show, NACS In Store and other assigned events
– **Other responsibilities** as assigned

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## **Requirements**

– Experience advocating through press, social media and other outlets
– Experience creating and executing strategic communication plans
– Experience balancing policy perspectives
– Highly effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
– Self‑motivated and able to work independently
– Positive cultural fit: team player and person of integrity
– Available for moderate travel

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## **NACS Culture**

We hugely value, invest in and are devoted to the constructive culture that we’ve built and work on every day at NACS. Almost everything we do requires broad, multi‑department collaboration to ideate and execute creative initiatives that deliver compelling value to our members and our industry.

This requires a relatively flat organizational structure that empowers teammates at different levels from all departments to constructively engage and support each other. Titles really don’t matter in such an organization. What matters is a culture of constructive behaviors that relishes divergent perspectives to craft well‑thought‑out initiatives and then come together to execute them.

### **NACS Values**

– Do the right thing
– Focus long term
– In their terms
– Be fiscally responsible
– Strive for excellence

The NACS Culture is highly collaborative, and we are better when we are together. NACS is a culture that believes in working together from the office.

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## **Other Pertinent Information**

– Comprehensive benefits package
– Salary commensurate with experience
– Approximately 10% travel
– In‑office position with Work From Anywhere (WFA) days
– Metro accessible – 2 blocks from King Street Metro
– NACS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on any basis. All applicants will be considered for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

As the leading global trade association for convenience and fuel retailers, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to its retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores, conducts more than 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $860 billion in 2023. For more information, visit convenience.org. Follow NACS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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