Government Affairs Manager

The Manager of Government Affairs (Federal) will report into the Director of Government Affairs and work closely with the rest of the Government Affairs Team. This position will manage two PACs and engage externally with the federal government, including elected officials, Administration officials, regulatory agencies, and other organizations seeking to impact public policy development at the federal level. This position will focus primarily on labor/workforce, tax, agriculture, nutrition, food safety, and environmental issues. This position will be responsible for PAC strategy and execution surrounding fundraising, disbursing, compliance, and administration. The ideal candidate will possess significant political acumen, have federal and private sector government relations expertise, and strategic planning capabilities. Strong motivation, writing, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills are essential to be successful.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute consistent, pro-active engagement with internal (corporate staff and franchisees) and external (federal government officials, consultants, third-party groups, trade associations) stakeholders.
• Coordinate advocacy days, restaurant tours for federal officials, educational events, political fundraisers, and receptions on relevant topics.
• Track, identify, analyze, and influence federal regulatory and legislative policy, and recommend positions and strategies that advance Inspire’s business objectives.
• Manage both Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands PACs, including:
  • Comprehensive fundraising strategies to build and maintain healthy affiliated PACs;
  • Strategic disbursement strategies to best position Inspire Brands in federal, state, and local elections;
  • Compliance for both PACs at the federal and state levels; and
  • Administration of both PACs.
• Translate business goals into measurable results through the development and execution of a government affairs strategy.
• Develop and strengthen a network of relationships with key elected officials from the Administration, federal agencies, and Congress, as appropriate. Leverage these relationships to advance Inspire Brands’ objectives and mission.
• Anticipate, monitor, analyze, and plan for legislative and regulatory action relating to the company’s core business functions.
• Monitor the development of business issues that affect the company's reputation; develop strategies for addressing each issue and deploy team resources to do so.
• Represent the company at industry trade groups and develop extensive relationships with industry peers and other stakeholder groups.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications or related area.
• 5+ years of experience in federal government affairs.
• Experience in Congressional or agency setting and/or private sector government affairs or fundraising.
• Familiarity with restaurant and/or franchise industry preferred.
• Strong understanding of and experience with public policy, political and campaign advocacy, public affairs programs, and campaign management concepts.
• Must enjoy working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking, deadline-oriented, and dynamic environment with constant change; ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong teamwork and ability to motivate others to advance goals.
• The stature and presence to represent the company in legislative arenas with lawmakers, stakeholders, franchisees, and trade associations; and a track record of nurturing positive relationships with legislators, administrators, and lobbyists, as well as with senior management.
• The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs into concise and credible messages at the highest levels of government and business.
• A keen sense of political discernment and strategy, with the ability to identify and influence key policymakers and regulators.

 

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.