Director of Executive 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 dynamic new position as Director of Executive Communications.

As Director of Executive Communications, you will be responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive executive communications and visibility strategy that positions the CEO and key board officers as influential voices in the restaurant industry and broader business community. This role serves as a trusted communications advisor to the CEO, crafting high-impact narratives, overseeing messaging across channels, and aligning executive communications with the Association's and its affiliate organizations' strategic goals.

Working closely with the SVP of Communications, the Director will lead speechwriting, media content development, board members' thought leadership opportunities and board communications, and strategic visibility initiatives. This role ensures the CEO's voice is consistently expressed across high-stakes moments-from internal staff engagement to public speaking forums, national media, and board leadership platforms.

Ideal candidates bring a minimum of ten years of experience in executive communications, public affairs, or journalism, with a proven ability to develop impactful and compelling messaging, positioning executives in high-profile environments. Prior experience working within a Trade Association, the Administration, non-profit or government agency, or private sector advocacy organizations would align well with this role. Position requires a strategic thinker and skilled writer with strong speechwriting and storytelling abilities. Must be business savvy and bring an understanding of policy issues.

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 Director of Executive Communications, will play a pivotal role in advancing organizational goals 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

CEO & Board Officer Communications

• Lead the development and delivery of all CEO-facing communications, including speeches, talking points, op-eds, executive messaging, video scripts, and content for high-visibility presentations.
• Translate the CEO's voice and vision into compelling narratives that reinforce Enterprise priorities and expand leadership influence in the industry.
• Draft and coordinate remarks for Board Officers, including the Chair, for board meetings, conferences, and public forums.

Executive Visibility & Industry Leadership

• Design and manage a comprehensive CEO thought leadership platform across digital, social, and live media to elevate the CEO's voice and influence, and that of the industry.
• Develop compelling executive content for social media (e.g., LinkedIn), podcasts, blogs, video messages, and other emerging formats to engage key audiences.
• Identify, recommend, and coordinate CEO speaking opportunities at high-profile industry events, policy forums, and leadership conferences.
• Collaborate with external partners and internal stakeholders to craft customized pitches and submissions for keynote opportunities, panels, and media interviews.
• Work closely with the Media Relations, digital marketing and activation teams to amplify executive messaging across earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Monitor industry developments and current events to identify timely opportunities for executive commentary or public positioning.

Internal and Stakeholder Messaging

• Develop internal communications on behalf of the CEO and Board Officers, including weekly reports, bi-monthly staff newsletters, and all-staff meeting content.
• Collaborate with SVP of Communications, Chief of Staff, and COO to ensure internal messaging reinforces organizational culture and strategic direction.
• Coordinate messaging and content for the Association's and Foundation's board members and stakeholders, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment.
• Develop messaging that reflects the organization's position on economic, labor, and regulatory issues in a way that engages policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public.

Strategic Alignment & Collaboration

• Collaborate across departments-Public Affairs, Government Relations, Membership, Research, Business Services, and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)-to integrate CEO messaging into major initiatives.
• Serve as a central point of alignment between national and state restaurant associations (SRA), ensuring executive messaging, reinforcing unity across advocacy priorities.
• Provide strategic input on communications planning and storytelling frameworks across enterprise campaigns and leadership convenings.
• Lead the strategic development and execution of a CEO digital presence plan, ensuring alignment with the Association's brand voice and strategic objectives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in executive communications, public affairs, or journalism, with a proven ability to develop high-impact messaging for senior leaders.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills across a variety of formats-long-form, speeches, internal memos, media statements, and digital content.
• Experience positioning executives in national or industry media, conferences, and digital platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across functions, advise senior leadership, and manage sensitive or high-stakes communications.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to balance multiple deadlines and stakeholder needs.
• Familiarity with the restaurant industry, public policy, or trade association environments a plus.
• Working knowledge of social media strategy and digital content creation for executive platforms (e.g., LinkedIn).
• Computer proficiency across MS Office, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint and enterprise communications systems.
• Occasional travel may be required.

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.