The CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association is a nationally recognized and respected role. As the largest state restaurant association in the country in a large, growing and politically active state, the CEO position is highly visible and influential. The primary responsibilities are to the association membership, to serve and support the needs of the foodservice industry in the state of Texas. Meeting these needs requires the ability to interact, build strong relationships with and influence community and political leaders around the state, in other trade associations and in Washington, D.C. It also requires the ability and presence to speak as the face of the industry in a variety of settings and with the media. As the foodservice industry is one of the largest employers in the state, many look to this role for perspective, advice and support when addressing a wide array of statewide industry related issues.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Inspire, lead, hire, retain and develop the staff to achieve or exceed all goals and objective, and in a way aligned with the principles and values of being a great place to work
• Lead the overall operation of the TRA and TRAEF and bring the focus, energy and values to build a “Great Places to Work” organization
• Provide appropriate and timely information to the Executive Committee of the Board, and to the Board of Directors to make informed and effective decisions; serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and staff; be responsible for the recruitment and identification of new board members
• Ensure elements of member satisfaction are inspected and measured in a way that aligns with TRA goals, meets member needs and leads to an overall increase in membership
• Provide oversight and management of the organization’s resources (human, material, financial) in accordance with the organization’s mission, values and consistency with board policy
• Establish vision, formulate the organization’s mission, strategic plan, goals, objectives and related policies and ensure effective implementation
• Lead the development and execution of highly effective marketing and communications strategies that resonate with a wide variety of audiences
• Demonstrate a sense of priority in defining, undertaking and completing projects; assuming responsibility and taking initiative
• Execute, in the name of TRA/TRAEF, contracts, documents and other instruments authorized by the Board of Directors
• Create an environment in which staff members experience trust, commitment, excellence, respect, collegiality with enjoyment and opportunities for professional development, clarity, and purpose; ensure resources are allocated to inspect and measure for success and ensure that the environment is maintained
• Travel throughout the state to expand and drive both membership recruitment and satisfaction through planned and focused efforts
• Communicate to members on major industry trends and issues impacting their business
• Work to expand TRA’s political and policy effectiveness; monitor the political and public policy environment; provide direction to TRA members, committees, and the Board of Directors regarding the public policy issues; participate in the bi-annual legislative sessions
• Understand and advocate for key policies and actions, playing a significant external role in TRA’s interaction with local, state, and national governmental entities
• Participate in key roles outside of the organization to gain further influence for TRA
• Represent TRA and TRAEF at various functions, and when required, makes speeches, presentations and address the media

Key Qualifications/Experiences/Attributes Include:

• Bachelor’s degree in chosen field; MBA or other advanced education is a plus
• Experience in the foodservice or hospitality industry showing a demonstrated connection to and passion for the industry, in some capacity, is required
• 20+ years of professional/leadership experience
• Experience working in a “Great Places to Work” company, or one aspiring to be is a plus

• Past experience leading in public facing roles that may include public or private sector positions
• Exceptional ability to lead and inspire others is essential and required; experience should include an organization of at least similar size and complexity; including experience supervising staff and working with a Board of Directors
• Demonstrated success generating revenues and finding new revenue streams
• Great team building skills; collaborative, naturally seeks others thoughts and actively listens; not afraid to address issues and conflict head on and with respect
• A courageous and proven decision maker with the ability to set priorities, manage and implement them
• Demonstrated success as an effective communicator; highly skilled in strategic and operational writing and public speaking
• Proven service/employee/constituent orientation with a high level of satisfaction combined with a business acumen
• Politically savvy and able to communicate effectively with political leaders from both parties and at all levels of government
• An energetic self-starter, flexible and able to prioritize multiple tasks

TOTAL REWARDS

• Excellent base salary and performance based bonus plan aligned within the organization
• Vacation, holidays, healthcare benefits, 401k matched savings plan
• The opportunity to lead one of the nation’s largest and most successful trade associations
• You have the real opportunity to make a significant impact on thousands of young people building careers in the second largest employer in the United States
• Being able to work with creative, energizing, and hardworking people who are deeply passionate about the work they do, and people they serve, every day