Vice President 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 Chief Marketing Officer 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 within a member-based, or advocacy organization, including expertise in Media Relations strategy and message positioning. The position 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 learning and tuition assistance, and so much more.

Key Responsibilities

Communication Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Define and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that articulates and advances the Association’s corporate narrative and thought leadership across all programs, products, and services.
• Collaborate with integrated marketing team leaders to develop campaigns and initiatives that advance the Association’s strategic goals.
• Lead the development and execution of an integrated thought leadership plan, leveraging executive voices - including CEO, EVP of Public Affairs, Chief Economist, and Board Chairs -- to shape public discourse, influence policy, articulate the industry’s story, and elevate the Association’s authority.
• Lead crisis communication planning and execution in partnership with legal and executive teams, ensuring the Association’s reputation is protected and its position is clearly communicated during high-stakes situations.
• Build and lead the Communications Council for the communication members of the National Restaurant Association
• Partner with the Marketing leads to manage a proactive partnership with the state restaurant association staff.

Media Relations & Industry Positioning

• Oversee development and implementation of a proactive, always-on media relations program that consistently raises awareness and grows the Association’s share of voice on key industry and policy issues.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with media and influencer communities, identifying opportunities for coverage and ensuring rapid, strategic response to emerging news and…