The Government Affairs Associate Manager will be responsible for working alongside the Government Affairs team to craft strategy at federal, state and local levels, build and maintain internal and external relationships, and lead communications, workforce development, and event planning. The Associate Manager will interface closely with cross-functional teams within Inspire Brands as well as lawmakers, trade associations, and coalitions externally. In this capacity, the Associate Manager will advocate for the priorities and goals of Inspire Brands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the direction of the Senior Manager of Government Affairs, the Manager will be responsible for:

• Assisting in advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels, including crafting strategy, meeting with lawmakers, and furthering the priorities and goals of Inspire Brands.

• Preparing and presenting verbal and written status updates on the activities of the Government Affairs team to internal and external stakeholders.

• Monitoring, researching, and analyzing proposed legislative and regulatory development and how it impacts Inspire Brands.

• Building and maintaining internal and external relationships, including those with lawmakers, trade associations, and coalitions, as well as those internally with cross-functional teams that intersect with Government Affairs.

• Managing the communications of the Government Affairs team: assisting in drafting weekly reports and quarterly newsletters to team members and franchisees.

• Leading workforce development efforts on behalf of the Government Affairs team; maintaining relationships with internal and external partner groups.

• Working closely with the Impact team on strategic initiatives and issues that intersect with Government Affairs, such as sustainability and nutrition legislation.

• Leading event planning for the Government Affairs team, including events such as Atlanta Support Center gatherings, off-site Brand Convention events, and Capitol Hill receptions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Political Science or Communications degree preferred

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in public policy or government affairs and familiarity with the legislative and regulatory process

• In house, corporate government affairs experience preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of and experience with public policy, political and campaign advocacy, public affairs programs, and campaign management concepts

• Excellent organizational, project, and time management skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to build and maintain productive and mutually energizing relationships with key internal and external constituents

• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively; large amount of autonomy given and individual responsibility is required

• Ability to use effective problem-solving processes and recommend solutions based on knowledge of business priorities, urgency, calendars, etc.; must be anticipatory and proactive

• Strong emotional intelligence/maturity; ability to maintain confidentiality

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability and willingness to adapt as goals and priorities shift to meet the needs of a fast-paced, rapidly changing organization

• Position is based in Atlanta, remote option considered for compelling candidates

• Occasional travel will be required in support of the position’s responsibilities

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands and finger to feel and handle; reach with arms and hands; talk and hear

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, and crouch; lift weight or exert a force up to a maximum of 25 pounds

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes nearly 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco and SONIC Drive-In 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.