Job Title:   Director of Local Government Affairs 

Job Classification:  Exempt 

Pay Range:   $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 

Location:   Los Angeles, California

Position Summary:

Director of Local Government Affairs (DLGA) oversees all local government and regional regulatory activity for issues affecting the restaurant industry in his/her designated region. DLGA serves as an advocate for the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and its members before these entities with the overall purpose of promoting a favorable legislative and regulatory environment for the CRA membership and accomplishing the CRA’s goals. DLGA assists in organizing restaurateurs in grassroots advocacy. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy.

Region:

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

(NOTE: This is a partial list; ad hoc duties, including but not limited to non-essential duties deemed integral to success of CRA and/or food service industry, may be assigned.)

• Advocate on behalf of the CRA and CRA members with the overall purpose of proactively improving and promoting a favorable legislative and regulatory environment and defeating or changing unfavorable legislation or regulations;
• Develop good understanding of relevant issues, local government, the restaurant industry, CRA members, and the potential effects of regulatory and legislative proposals on the restaurant industry;
• Develop good understanding of local lawmaking process, regulatory and administrative processes, political process, relevant elected officials and the politics in assigned territory;
• Monitor all city and county activity as well as regional regulatory activity that may affect the restaurant industry;
• Analyze and develop arguments for or against proposals identified as affecting the restaurant industry, CRA and/or CRA members;
• Implement state lobbying strategy at the local level in advocating CRA’s position(s);
• Work closely with local elected officials, regulatory officials, and their staff;
• Work closely with others in CRA Government Affairs & Public Policy Department to accomplish CRA’s advocacy goals;
• Work closely with others in the industry and develop working coalitions with other restaurant industry representatives and like-minded trade associations or other organizations;
• Effectively advocate via written and oral advocacy including but not limited to drafting position papers, persuasive writing/correspondence, and public speaking/testifying in public hearings including hearings before councils, boards and similar governmental bodies and/or non-governmental entities;
• Apprise CRA members of local and regional activity affecting the industry and relevant information;
• Provide guidance to CRA Chapters and members in assigned territory in order to encourage them to be more politically active and to strengthen relationships with elected officials;
• Assist in coordinating as needed and attend CRA Lobby Days, State Board meetings, and other Association events in Sacramento and/or other locations as applicable;
• Coordinate local lobby days, or similar events, as applicable;
• Manage the 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 the Los Angeles Food & Beverage PAC Trustees regarding goals, strategies and allocations in line with the overall CRA goals and strategies.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications or related field required (Masters degree or advanced degree preferred);
• Two to five years minimum of local government affairs advocacy work and/or related experience (five years minimum preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience required;
• Good understanding of relevant local governments, local lawmaking process, regulatory and administrative process’ and good understanding of the potential effects of regulatory and legislative proposals;
• Proven written and oral communication skills and advocacy skills;
• Must be willing to regularly speak in public settings, including City Council and Board of Supervisor’s hearings;
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced and political environment;
• Must register to lobby in cities and/or counties where such requirements exist;  
• Must have a clean driving record and proof of insurance;
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently as well as part of a team;
• Local government experience highly preferred.

Communication Skills:

• Proven ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations, group situations and public speaking engagements      to persons or groups including elected officials, regulators, industry audiences, CRA members, potential members, colleagues, and other employees of the organization.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent multi-tasking, administrative, computer and organizational skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are fundamental;
• Be a team player and show a commitment to excellence;
• Ability to apply common sense understanding, good judgment, written and oral logical reasoning, and carry out detailed      written or oral instructions.

Physical Demands:

• Heavy regional travel is required, usually via private vehicle or public transportation;
• After hours work is necessary and frequent at times (for instance, some cities and counties conduct council or board meetings in the evening, and/or work related functions may be after hours);
• Moderate statewide travel will be necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Environment is busy and fast-paced at times.

(Please note management reserves the right to change, modify, and/ or alter any of the duties listed above to meet business demands).