Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Manager (Position may reside in Central Florida or California)

The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining: Olive Garden®, LongHorn Steakhouse®, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen®, Yard House®, The Capital Grille®, Seasons 52®, Bahama Breeze® and Eddie V's®

JOB OVERVIEW

Darden seeks a state and local Manager for its Government Relations team. The position will lead external engagement with state and local elected officials and stakeholders in the West, emphasizing California.

The Manager of Government Relations will execute proactive engagement plans to protect and promote Darden’s reputation and business priorities, targeted to elected officials and stakeholders, in a portfolio of states. The manager will work independently and with Darden’s internal and external Government Relations team to develop and execute activities including relationship building, strategic outreach, lobbying, issue management, policy analysis, and thought leadership. In addition, the Manager will interface with key internal subject matter experts and external stakeholders (trade associations, community leaders, legislative consultants, and other industry professionals).

The successful candidate will serve as an ambassador for Darden - earning our seat at the table and telling our story. In addition to significant political acumen, they must possess state and local government relations expertise and strategic planning capabilities. This role will report to the Vice President of Government Relations and work closely with the broader Communication and Public Affairs team.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement plans to proactively establish and cultivate relationships with state and local elected officials in a portfolio of states.
• Coordinate and execute successful engagement and outreach plans, i.e., restaurant tours, roundtables, staff briefings, community partner tours, etc.
• Develop strategies to positively impact Darden’s reputation and influence positive outcomes on proposed policy issues facing the business
• Establish and maintain a sophisticated political network
• Engage with trade associations and establish a leadership voice for Darden and our priority issues
• Represent Darden at various meetings of political committees, policy organizations, and trade associations
• Work with internal subject matter experts and cross-functional teams to assess and prioritize policy issues
• Prepare and present verbal and written status updates; public policy white papers; and political and policy analysis to internal stakeholders

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• 5+ years progressive experience in state/local government relations, legislative staff, campaigns, or a combination.
• Proficient in political contribution and lobbying compliance regulations and reporting processes
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are imperative

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive travel required (up to 60%)
• Detail-oriented, self-starter, and good team player
• Solution-oriented problem solver
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with industry preferred
• Corporate, trade association, contract lobbying firm, or interest group state government relations experience preferred

LOCATION:

• Position may reside in Central Florida or California