Manager, Government Relations - Southeast

McDonald’s seeks a state and local Manager for its Global Public Policy & Government Relations team. The position will lead external engagement with state and local elected officials and other stakeholders in the Southeast.

The Manager will develop and execute a proactive engagement plan to promote and protect brand reputation, targeted to elected officials, in an eight state territory in the Southeast. S/he will work closely with the GR and Field PR team to plan, coordinate and execute the activities of the Global Public Policy & Government Relations team including lobbying, strategic outreach to elected officials, events, message development, issue management, influencer engagement, policy communications and thought leadership. The Manager will interface with key internal (owner-operators, GR and other departments, corporate and regional management) and external stakeholders (trade associations, community leaders, legislative consultants, and other industry professionals). Experience in the legislative landscapes of Southeast states a high positive.

The successful candidate will serve as an ambassador for the McDonald’s Brand, possess significant political acumen and have state and local government relations expertise and strategic planning capabilities. Strong writing, persuasion, presentation and relationship-development skills are essential as this position requires communication to a variety of audiences. This position will be based in either Atlanta or Nashville.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and advocate for McDonald’s in trade associations; use trade associations to reach McDonald’s business and advocacy goals.
• Work closely with federal staff and provide information, advice and perspective concerning state and local leadership, policies and activities.
• Develop strategies to positively impact brand reputation and legislative issues facing the McDonald’s system.
• Develop and implement plans to successfully coordinate key outreach plans in the territory, including, but not limited to, lobby days, staff briefings and restaurant tours with elected officials, media events, supplier tours and informational testimony.
• Partner with regional staff to amplify local government relations efforts initiatives.
• Advocate and work with third party groups to address system priorities.
• Establish and maintain a sophisticated political network.
• Analyze and assess proposed legislation’s /policy impact.
• Help direct field activities when grassroots action is necessary to influence legislation.
• Develop and implement a plan for proactively establishing productive relationships with state and local elected officials in the Southeast.
• Assist in developing and maintaining communication pathways with operator leadership, regional leadership, and senior management, advising them on all matters relating to state and local legislation and public policy issues of interest.

• 7+ years of experience in state/local government relations, legislative staff, campaigns, public policy and/or corporate communications or a combination of other education and equivalent experience
• BA/BS degree
• Must be fully vaccinated (i.e., at least 2 weeks after last dose) for COVID-19 and, if hired, present proof of vaccination by start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Networking and relationship-building skills
• High level of strategic focus, planning, perspective
• Experience influencing others outside direct line of control, management
• Must enjoy working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking, deadline-oriented dynamic environment with constant change
• Detail-oriented, self-starter and good team player
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are imperative
• Solution oriented problem solver
• Customer service oriented
• Creative thinker solid experience in concept to execution of new ideas
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Familiarity with industry preferred

McDonald’s is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Additionally, if you (or another applicant of whom you are aware) require assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise seek assistance in the application process, please contact [email protected]

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.