VP, Communications

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 a Vice President, Communications.

Reporting to the SVP of Communications, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing the communications, plan, team, and budget, as well as partnering with leaders across the enterprise to develop and execute a communications strategy that aligns with the organization's overall strategy.

As Vice President, Communications, you will support the work of the public affairs team, programs, products, and services to ensure effective communication, overseeing outside agencies and vendors and collaborating on enterprise-wide campaigns and initiatives with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to enhance the industry's image.

Ideal candidates bring a minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, developing highly visible and integrated communications programs in aligned positions on Capitol Hill, the Administration, and/or Trade Associations, non-profit or government agency, or private sector advocacy organizations, including expertise in Media Relations strategy and message positioning. The role requires a proven track record of successfully leading teams and competing priorities and building collaborative relationships between internal and external partners. Must bring exceptional writing skills and previous experience supporting executive and crisis communications.

Position operates 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 Vice President, Communications, will play a pivotal role in shaping and telling the story of opportunity that restaurants create, driving measurable engagement, and reaffirming the impact of restaurants and their place in communities. 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 so much more.

Key Responsibilities:

Communication Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Develop and implement integrated strategic communication plans to support the Association's strategic priorities, broadening awareness of its programs, products, and initiatives.
• Create and coordinate key messaging and communication strategies to effectively reach and inform critical audiences.
• Lead industry image-promotion activities and maintain the Association's image and identity through consistent and coordinated messaging.
• Identify executive speaking opportunities and develop thought leadership content for external and internal audiences.
• Implement crisis communication plans in collaboration with the legal team.
• Execute and deliver messaging and communications to critical audiences in alignment with the Association's priorities.
• Develop and implement targeted communication strategies to support Public Affairs and ensure the Association's policy positions are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Communications Operations

• Oversee the development of communication materials, including print and digital content, white papers, reports, and new media.
• Direct the activities of external agencies and consultants responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies on behalf of the Association.
• Provide coverage analysis and implement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations programs and messaging campaigns.
• Develop and produce speeches, talking points, and presentations for executive leadership, ensuring consistent, impactful messaging that aligns with organizational goals and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Partner with the People + Culture department to develop and disseminate employee messages.
• Develop and produce internal and external written communications.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning, and staff development.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required, contributing to the department's success.

Team Development and Management

• Manage the media relations and communications department staff to achieve the Association's communication goals, objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Foster an environment where everyone works as one team, aligned with the Association's mission, objectives, and strategic priorities.

Requirements:

• BA or BS in Journalism, Communication, or Marketing OR 15 years of PR/strategic communications experience, including 3-5 years in a managerial role, preferably in aligned positions on Capitol Hill, the Administration, and/or Trade Associations, non-profit or government agency, or private sector advocacy organizations.
• Significant expertise in journalism, public relations, editorial work, media relations, event management, campaigns, and writing.
• Proven success in media relations, crisis management, and social media strategy.
• Established relationships with media and analyst communities.
• Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills; confident presenting ideas and concepts to senior leadership.
• Proven success in managing teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, project, and budget management skills.
• Strong strategic vision in areas of business and communications best practices; ability to guide messaging with diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity across a diverse set of stakeholders and audiences.
• Highly adaptable; ability to work well under pressure, within fast-paced and fluid environment both in office and virtual.
• Strategic acumen in business and communications.
• Extensive functional experience in communications and working with executives.
• Leadership skills, including mentoring and coaching.
• Proficiency in team building and consensus-building.
• Analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience in building collaborative business and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Thoughtful interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently; a self-initiator, versatile and assumes risk with responsibility.
• Responsiveness to change and leads as a change agent.
• Computer proficiency across MS Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Ability to learn other computer software program/database systems as needed.
• Occasional travel may be required, estimate 10%.

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, or 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.