Executive Director, Greater Dallas Restaurant Restaurant Association

JOB TITLE:  Executive Director – Texas Restaurant Association (TRA), North Texas Region

REPORTS TO:  Chief Strategist and Operations Officer

SUPERVISES: Membership Manager, Event/Engagement Manager, Contracted Lobbyist

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for developing and maintaining an effective local chapter/region that enhances the image and increases the membership and influence of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) in respective metro and region area.  Oversee daily administration of the metro office, as well as implement the local board’s short and long-range plans.  Facilitate planning activities to ensure that financial objectives are met.  Lead lobbying for the region (city level) and mobilize membership to address challenges to the advancement of the restaurant industry. Drive new membership and retention of current members through execution of member engagement strategy.

DUTIES:

Member Relations (30%)

• Drive new member and current member acquisition, engagement, and retention.
• Lead staff and maintain constant communication to achieve assigned goals
• Facilitate & participate in new restaurant member meetings.
• Answer questions on any specific issues or provide referrals to members from across region
• Create and drive regional communication strategy that includes driving member engagement across multiple channels
• Manage member recognition programs; establish new programs as needed.
• Partner with Member Relations Manager to establish new member acquisition strategy and to ensure events are aligned with member and board goals

Lobby Activities (25%)

• Represent industry at city council and civic organization meetings in local city and all surrounding areas.
• Serve as the point of contact for all elected officials & legislators
• Solicit and develop members to lobby locally and throughout the state
• Solicit and develop members to contact and work with local and state officials.
• Maintain contact with local and key state elected officials through community events and phone calls.
• Lobby in Austin during legislative sessions as required.
• Develop PAC fund raising initiatives to meet the chapter’s and TRA PAC goals
• Attend annual National Restaurant Association (NRA) Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.
• Organize and conduct candidate interviews for Dallas City Council positions
• Fulfill duties as industry spokesperson in local area – be available for all media requests, public testimony and regulatory committee meetings and hearings throughout the area.

Board Leadership/Office Management (20%)

• Work with board president to develop a strong, cohesive board.
• Facilitate and execute chapter’s annual board of directors’ retreat
• Work with chapter boards in North Texas Region to create and execute annual plans.
• Approve budgets, supply orders, develop annual budget and achieve all financial targets
• Complete annual Hall of Honor, Restaurateur of the Year and TRA Board nominations in timely manner
• Work with committee chairs and president to design agenda, prepare materials for all board and non-board chapter meetings.

Public Relations & Media (10%)

• Represent metro association and TRA at various city and civic events
• Write and give speeches on foodservice to various organizations.
• Write speeches for officers to give to various organizations
• Research, write, and prepare press releases on officers, board, and events
• Build relationships with associated organizations by becoming a member and serving on various committees
• Develop relationships with local media – become the first point of contact for local media

Education (15%)

• Work with all culinary arts instructors in local high schools and include them in chapter meetings and workforce planning
• Develop strong education committee within the chapter to support ProStart schools
• Facilitate scholarships at end of school year via education committee
• Attend the annual TRA Culinary Educators’ Conference
• Create and oversee annual fund-raising activities to support growth of Education Foundation

More information can be found on our website: https://www.txrestaurant.org/

Qualified candidates send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: HR@txrestaurant.org