Director - Public Affairs

The Wendy's Company•Washington, DC

10h•$154,000 - $277,000•Remote

About The Position

When our square shaped burgers made their first sizzle on the scene more than 50 years ago, people knew our approach wasn’t like any other. Same goes for the way we support our employees. Our culture of openness, flexibility, and inclusiveness allows everybody to flourish in their own way. If you’re looking for a career where you can be part of the action as we continue to grow our iconic brand – We got you! The Director of Public Affairs serves as the leader of global government affairs, public affairs/policy, legislative, regulatory and political matters on behalf of the Company and its franchise system. The person in this role will recommend, direct and oversee strategies, programs, communications and actions on local, state, federal and international levels. The Director will lead Wendy’s national franchisee grassroots program and collaborate across departments, external organizations and public affairs agencies/consultants to build influence and achieve the system’s public policy goals. This role is responsible for Wendy’s Political Action Committee and leverages internal and/or external resources to manage membership, lead engagement within the System and externally and all aspects of PAC compliance. The Director leads and/or works with others within the organization on Wendy’s external affairs involvement with trade associations, social service and philanthropic organizations that represent the industry on key issues and help build the brand’s public profile.

Requirements

Education: Bachelors Degree required
Knowledgeable in legislative and regulatory process, successful political influence techniques, corporate public affairs strategies, direct management of federal political action committees including solid understanding of PAC laws, regulations, compliance, trends.
At least 10 years’ experience primarily focused in communications/government relations with experience on legislative issues and campaigns and Grassroots management in corporate, trade association or campaign environment.
Understanding of and experience working with a franchised system.
Excellent communication skills including written and in-person presentations.
Dynamic, high energy relationship builder with track record of persuasive engagement strategies and techniques and the ability to manage up and work as an individual contributor.
Superior organizational and project management skills to efficiently engage franchisees in localities across the nation.

Responsibilities

Lead the government relations & public affairs function for The Wendy’s Company.
Develop and execute all strategies related to government relations and public affairs.
Track legislation & regulations that impact the brand and develop/recommend strategies, policies and programs to establish or enhance the Company’s position.
Develop and leverage a network including senior management, trade associations, peer brands, consultants, interest groups and personal contacts to influence the outcome of legislative and regulatory developments.
Serve in senior committee/governance roles and liaise with key trade associations/coalitions/suppliers/industry peers/etc. representing the restaurant industry, business community and franchise communities.
Act as a Company representative before policy makers in key states such as Ohio, for example.
Recommend, retain and manage external lobbyists at the state and federal level as needed to impact legislative agendas important to the company.
Ensure compliance with all regulations related to political giving and involvement.
Lead Wendy’s national franchisee grassroots program and collaborate across departments and external organizations to build influence and achieve the system’s public policy goals.
Lead issues management teams as needed to develop appropriate response to specific matters. Mobilization includes political and community relations strategy, planning and execution and collaboration with Communications team to maximize positive reputation.
Responsible for all aspects of Wendy’s Political Action Committee, leveraging internal and/or external resources as needed. Utilize the PAC to maximize Wendy’s access and influence at the federal level.
Advise on company and franchise membership of PAC Board. Run annual membership campaign and increase engagement, serve as the primary liaison with Wendy’s PAC Advisory Board, including creating and providing PAC updates/data/presentations.
Work with outside vendors to manage PAC receipts and disbursements, record keeping and compliance. Schedule in-district and DC PAC meetings and disbursements. Manage all PAC communications.
Advise on International Public Affairs approach for key markets such as Canada and the UK, and consult the brand in other International markets; both existing and new. Leverage in-market agencies and relationships through groups such as the IFA and US Commercial Services to best position Wendy’s among elected officials and regulatory agencies.