SVP, Communications

Hybrid remote position based in Washington, DC (Monday–Wednesday in-office, Thursday–Friday remote).

About the role

The Senior Vice President (SVP), Communications will lead a dual-focused communications function: building a unified brand voice across the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and advancing the Association’s advocacy agenda by making key issues understandable and compelling to members, policymakers, the media, and the public.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), you will lead a recently centralized team of 5 and build the structure to support a fully integrated communications function spanning public affairs, media relations, executive communications, stakeholder and board engagement, internal communications, and crisis response. This role is designed for an experienced communications leader who can assess organizational needs, set strategy, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop a brand communications strategy that translates the organization’s brand architecture, positioning, and identity into a clear market-facing narrative, articulating the distinct and shared value of the Association and the Educational Foundation.
• Create a thought leadership strategy positioning the CEO and senior leaders as authoritative voices on industry issues through speaking engagements, published commentary, and earned media.
• Enhance advocacy communications to increase visibility of advocacy work, clarify regulatory and policy changes for target audiences, and ensure consistent messaging across channels.
• Improve earned media coverage and messaging reach, measured by share of voice, media quality and sentiment, and consistency of key messages in coverage.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the principal advisor to the CMO, CEO, and executive leadership on communications strategy, positioning, and reputation management.
• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide external communications strategy using both traditional and non-traditional approaches to advance the mission and thought leadership of the Association and Educational Foundation.
• Guide issue-driven communications strategies to support public affairs objectives at federal, state, and local levels, raising visibility and advancing the policy agenda.
• Partner with the EVP of Public Affairs to shape media coverage around legislative and regulatory priorities through strategic messaging, content creation, and media outreach.
• Oversee crisis communications planning and response to protect and enhance organizational trust.
• Develop and implement an internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed, aligned, and engaged in organizational priorities while reinforcing company culture.
• Define and track success metrics such as share of voice, media sentiment, employee engagement, and reputation benchmarks to refine strategies.
• Leverage modern communications channels—including social media, digital platforms, and multimedia content—to broaden reach and reinforce brand positioning.

Functional Oversight & Team Leadership

• Build and evolve an integrated communications function, including team structure, hiring, role definition, and alignment with organizational needs.
• Establish a performance management framework with clear objectives, KPIs, and accountability mechanisms.
• Foster a culture of excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement through coaching and professional development.
• Guide the development of core communications competencies across media relations, internal communications, executive visibility, and public affairs.
• Oversee the selection, onboarding, and performance management of external agency partners to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and budget discipline.

Executive & External Engagement

• Provide strategic counsel and support to the CEO and senior leaders for external engagements, speeches, and high-profile initiatives.
• Develop and manage executive thought leadership strategies, including content development, speaking opportunities, and media positioning.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with industry communication leaders, media contacts, stakeholders, and regulatory or advocacy organizations.

Enterprise Decision-Making & Resource Allocation

• Participate in enterprise-level strategic planning and decision-making alongside the executive leadership team.
• Shape and approve operational policies, resource deployment, and budget allocations in support of communications initiatives.
• Lead the integration of communications strategies into organizational planning to support modernization, growth, and transformation.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in communications, public affairs, media strategy, or related disciplines, with expertise in brand, thought leadership, and policy or advocacy communications in complex, multi-stakeholder organizations.
• Proven ability to build, scale, and lead high-performing teams, including defining roles, setting strategic direction, and establishing performance management frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience managing strategic communications agencies and partner relationships.
• Strong and active media relationships across traditional outlets (broadcast, print) and new media (digital, social, podcasts, newsletters), with a record of securing prominent coverage and thought leadership placements.
• Expertise in developing and executing executive visibility strategies, including speechwriting, op-eds, interviews, and thought leadership platforms.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and advise executive leaders on sensitive or complex issues.
• An advanced degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field is preferred.

About The National Restaurant Association

The National Restaurant Association is the largest foodservice trade association in the world, representing and advocating on behalf of the restaurant industry. Our vision is a thriving restaurant and foodservice community providing America with nourishment, opportunity, and joy, working to enhance quality of life for all. Our mission is to serve our industry and impact its success by strengthening operations, mitigating risk, and developing talent; advancing and protecting business vitality through national, state, and local advocacy; and driving knowledge and collaboration.

Pay

Budgeted salary range: $350K – $365K with bonus potential.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 6% employer matching.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• HSA and FSA options.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Generous leave policies.
• Professional development support and tuition reimbursement.

Schedule

Hybrid work environment: Monday–Wednesday in Washington, DC headquarters; Thursday–Friday remote.