Director Local Government Affairs LAOC

## Job Type
Full-time

## Description
### Director, Local Government Affairs — Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

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## Job Title
Director of Local Government Affairs

## Job Classification
Exempt

## Pay Range
$110,000.00 – $135,000.00 DOE

## Location
Los Angeles, California

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## Position Summary
The **Director of Local Government Affairs (DLGA)** oversees all local government and regional regulatory activity for issues affecting the restaurant industry in the designated region. The DLGA serves as an advocate for the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and its members, promoting a favorable legislative and regulatory environment and advancing CRA’s goals. The DLGA also organizes restaurateurs in grassroots advocacy.
This position reports directly to the Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy.

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## Region
The DLGA will be based in the Los Angeles area. The region includes the following counties: **Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura**.
CRA Chapters in the region include, but are not limited to: **Los Angeles and Orange County**.

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## Requirements

### Essential Duties and Responsibilities
*(Partial list; additional duties may be assigned as needed.)*

– Advocate on behalf of CRA and its members to proactively improve and promote a favorable legislative and regulatory environment, and defeat or modify unfavorable legislation or regulations.
– Develop a strong understanding of relevant issues, local government, the restaurant industry, CRA members, and the potential effects of regulatory and legislative proposals.
– Develop a strong understanding of local lawmaking, regulatory and administrative processes, political dynamics, elected officials, and regional politics.
– Monitor all city, county, and regional regulatory activity affecting the restaurant industry.
– Analyze and develop arguments for or against proposals affecting the restaurant industry, CRA, and/or CRA members.
– Implement state lobbying strategy at the local level in advocating CRA positions.
– Work closely with local elected officials, regulatory officials, and their staff.
– Collaborate with CRA Government Affairs & Public Policy staff to accomplish advocacy goals.
– Build coalitions with restaurant industry representatives, trade associations, and aligned organizations.
– Advocate effectively through written and oral communication, including drafting position papers, persuasive correspondence, and public speaking/testimony before councils, boards, and other governmental or non-governmental bodies.
– Inform CRA members of local and regional activity affecting the industry.
– Provide guidance to CRA Chapters and members to encourage political engagement and strengthen relationships with elected officials.
– Assist with and attend CRA Lobby Days, State Board meetings, and other Association events in Sacramento or other locations.
– Coordinate local lobby days or similar events as applicable.
– Manage day‑to‑day operations of the **Los Angeles Food & Beverage PAC (CRA Los Angeles Chapter Local PAC)**, including meeting planning and filing requirements.
– Research, advise, and make recommendations to PAC Trustees regarding goals, strategies, and allocations aligned with CRA’s overall goals.

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## Minimum Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, or related field required (Master’s or advanced degree preferred).
– Two to five years minimum of local government affairs advocacy or related experience (five years preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
– Strong understanding of local governments, lawmaking processes, regulatory and administrative processes, and the effects of legislative/regulatory proposals.
– Proven written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
– Willingness to regularly speak in public settings, including City Council and Board of Supervisors hearings.
– Ability to multi‑task, meet deadlines, and work in a fast‑paced political environment.
– Must register to lobby in cities and/or counties where required.
– Clean driving record and proof of insurance.
– Self‑starter able to work independently and as part of a team.
– Local government experience highly preferred.

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## Communication Skills
Proven ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one settings, group settings, and public speaking engagements to elected officials, regulators, industry audiences, CRA members, potential members, colleagues, and other organizational stakeholders.

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## Other Skills and Abilities
– Excellent multi‑tasking, administrative, computer, and organizational skills.
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
– Team‑oriented with a commitment to excellence.
– Ability to apply common sense, good judgment, logical reasoning, and follow detailed written or oral instructions.

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## Physical Demands
– Heavy regional travel required, typically via private vehicle or public transportation.
– Frequent after‑hours work (many councils and boards meet in the evenings; industry events may also occur after hours).
– Moderate statewide travel required.

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## Work Environment
Busy and fast‑paced at times.
*Management reserves the right to modify duties as needed to meet business demands.*

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## Salary Description
$110,000.00 – $135,000.00 DOE

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