Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

Goal

To monitor all federal, state and local legislative and regulatory activities affecting the lodging and tourism, food and beverage industries and effectively communicate the association’s position to legislators, administration officials and governmental staff.

Roles and Responsibilities

Assist President in developing long- and short-range legislative and regulatory strategies and priorities, and identify issues of key importance to the industry Analyze and track relevant legislation and monitor committee hearings Prepare position papers for legislative events, and correspondence to lawmakers and government officials Prepare written testimony for legislative hearings on industry-related issues supported or opposed by the association and as directed by the President Prepare frequent legislative updates for distribution to members of the association through available media (e.g., printed publications and electronic newsletters) Provide regular updates to VRLTA staff on current legislative and regulatory issues Develop and maintain relationships with lawmakers, government officials and legislative staff Lobby for industry positions on issues and against initiatives harmful to the industry Attend legislative events on behalf of the association and as directed by the President Develop and participate in coalitions with trade associations and other industry groups when coalitions are an appropriate political strategy Develop and maintain an organized grassroots network to engage association members in advocacy efforts with their elected officials Develop and implement strategies for raising Political Action Committee (PAC) funds from industry and members Serve as the association’s staff liaison to the government affairs representatives of chain restaurant and hotel companies as well as the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Staff liaison to the VRLTA PAC and responsible for reporting requirements Assist President working with the association’s Government Affairs Committee, ABC Sub-Committee, PAC and contract lobbyists Identify and implement electronic tools (e.g.,VoterVoice) to support the association’s government affairs program Oversee preparation and filing of required government forms and reports for PAC account, lobbying contracts, etc.

Qualifications

Bachelor Degree required – degree in political science, public policy or related field preferred

Minimum of three years professional experience in government relations, legislative affairs, political processes or related field

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to interface effectively with lawmakers, government officials, legislative staff, association staff and industry leaders

Knowledge of lobbying regulations and PACs preferred

Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Must be a self-starter and detail oriented

Personal Attributes

To effectively and successfully fulfill his/her role and responsibilities in the government affairs position, a successful candidate must have and continually convey the following attributes:

Trustworthy: Able to convey trustworthiness based on honesty and personal integrity, earning and maintaining the trust and respect of the staff, other managers and the President. People Oriented: Believes in other people and their potential to get things done; works to help others optimize their performance, contributions and behaviors; cares about people as individuals as well as employees/independent contractors. Positive: Radiates positive energy and enthusiasm to get things done. Service-oriented: Understands that he/she is in a service business and that the satisfaction of members is the number one priority. Commitment and Dedication: Willing to make the commitment and sacrifices necessary to do what it takes to make him/herself, as well as the association successful. Organization: Able to prioritize important tasks for their fulfillment and accomplishment. Problem Solving: Able to proactively identify, solve and prevent problems. Follow-through: Committed to effective follow-through and attention to detail. Involved: Always involved and practices hands-on management to continually learn about the association, its people and members. Flexible and Adaptable: Willing to listen to and try new ideas and approaches; not wedded to ‘just one way’; able to think on his/her feet and adapt to changing needs, conditions and circumstances; able to assess a situation and respond appropriately. Self-motivated: Continually exhibits a positive, “can do” attitude, with a high-energy level that enables him/her to get things done while conveying enthusiasm and energy for others to do likewise. Self-confident: Radiates reasonable self-confidence while encouraging others to be self-confident as well. Self-disciplined: Meets his/her commitments; able to stay the course in turbulent times; able to keep the most important things uppermost in his/her mind; willing to demand performance and results in the face of difficulty, resistance and/or apathy. Decisive: Able to initiate and sustain change as well as make expedient and well-conceived decisions. Accountable: Accepts full responsibility for his/her obligations and commitments, demands accountability in and from others, understands his/her responsibility for the association’s success, committed to achieving results in the appropriate way. Even-tempered: Has an easy-going personality and stays cool and rational in difficult situations. Provides a calming influence in situations by being in control of him/herself. Balance: Able to balance personal and work life to maintain a happy and healthy perspective on all endeavors. Interested parties should apply via email to hr@vrlta.org or via mail at VRLTA 5101 Monument Ave, Suite 206. Richmond, VA 23230