POSITION OVERVIEW

The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) is looking for a Local Advocacy Coordinator to support our Government Affairs team. Small, but mighty, we are passionate, hard-working, and believe in the power of associations. This role is responsible for building relationships at all levels of government to advance GRA’s business objectives. In addition, this role is responsible for monitoring key issues and engaging in activities that protect and promote GRA’s public policy interests. A successful candidate thinks strategically, prioritizes diligently, and is comfortable to adjust rapidly to changing environments, issues, and schedules. This individual must be a team player, deeply skilled at building internal and external relationships and engaging champions at all levels of government across the state. Additionally, an ideal candidate for this role has strong political acumen, a background in local government relations, strong communication and influencing skills, and the ability to simplify complex topics. This position will continuously maintain a robust external network of policy decision-makers and industry and trade associations. They will also conduct research and write public policy analysis; and help plan and execute a variety of advocacy, campaign, and outreach strategies. We’re looking for someone motivated, innovative, and a self-starter.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Affairs

Build relationships at all levels of local government to advance GRA’s business objectives
Plan and execute a variety of engagement, advocacy and outreach initiatives that protect and promote GRA’s public policy interests
Conduct research and public policy analysis
Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze and prioritize policy issues
Maintain a robust external network of elected leaders, staff, decision-makers, and industry and trade group partners
Advocate effectively for legislative and regulatory policy goals
Prepare and present verbal and written updates, white papers, and create templates for staff or members testifying before elected and/or appointed local officials
Organize meetings and events with elected and/or appointed local officials
Create and implement strategic plan to support current and expand statewide Kitchen Cabinet Meetings, including organizing, planning, execution, and reporting
Create and maintain Legislative Documents
Attend legislative functions for elected and/or appointed local officials

Marketing + Communications

Assist with maintaining and updating the GRA database
Building and growing the GRA's contact list and updating the information in Novi
Researching statistics and reporting on Georgia's restaurant industry for publications and media inquiries
Providing Advocacy content for weekly newsletter, publications, and other communication platforms
Assist with maintaining and updating the GRA website
Engage and support potential members

KEY SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in political science, pre-law, or hospitality preferred
Corporate, trade association, contract lobbying firm, interest group, or multi-state government relations experience preferred
Knowledge of the hospitality, foodservice, restaurant industry, culinary arts industry a plus
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are imperative, confident public speaker and strong networking skills are a must
Solid analytical skills
Working knowledge of the legislative process
Project management experience and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Exhibits excellent judgment and operates with integrity
Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset
High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and resourcefulness
Patience and good humor
Ability to work under and remain calm in the face of continuous and multiple deadlines and evolving priorities
Understanding weekend and evening work may be required
Travel to local and statewide meetings, conferences and/or events is required
Possession of a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required motor vehicle insurance

This position will report to and work under the direction of the Director of Government Affairs. This position will work from the Downtown Atlanta headquarters. Competitive compensation and full benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

TO APPLY

Applicants who meet and can demonstrate all of these qualifications may submit a resume with cover letter via the LinkedIn job posting. Due to high response rate for this position, only those possessing the desired personal characteristics and skills will be considered for interviews.

*Anticipated start date is March 1, 2023.

*No recruiters.

ABOUT THIS COMPANY

The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) is a 501(c)6 membership trade association supporting the restaurant community thru Advocacy, Education & Awareness. The GRA provides a unified voice for an industry comprising over 17,900 foodservice and drinking places in the state of Georgia with total sales in excess of $19.6 billion and provides more than 446,600 jobs, second only to Agribusiness, in non-government employment.

Georgia Restaurant Association

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