Director of Government Relations

Job Description

Aramark Student Nutrition provides food and nutrition services to over 350 school districts in the U.S.  It offers public and private education institutions a variety of dining options including breakfast and lunch programs, after-school snacks, catering, nutrition education and retail operations.  We partner with schools to create culinary experiences that propel students to success.  Our goal is to provide healthy, nutritional meals with a stellar dining experience for our communities. For more information on Aramark's Student Nutrition food service programs, please visit Aramark Student Nutrition.

Aramark Student Nutrition is seeking a Director of Government Relations to handle state and local food and nutrition policy issues. This role will also work on federal-level issues as needed.  Successful applicants should demonstrate knowledge and experience with local, state and federal government relations.  Knowledge of and experience with current nutrition and nutrition related policy issues is a significant plus, especially those involving the National School Meals Program (NSLP) and food service management contractors. This individual will work closely with internal stakeholders to identify and respond to policies that may impact the company as well as with external stakeholders, including legislators, government officials, advocacy groups, and others to advance our objectives and influence relevant policy decisions.  A successful candidate should be proactive with careful attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple competing priorities.

Job Responsibilities

• Track federal, state, and local policy developments that may impact Aramark’s Student Nutrition business unit, identify key opportunities and threats, and formulate effective advocacy initiatives to address as needed  
• Develop and execute engagement strategies to represent Aramark before external stakeholders, including state and local government officials
• Proactively cultivate relationships with third-party groups to position Aramark as a thought leader in student nutrition policy
• Manage network of state and local contract lobbyists hired to advance Aramark’s policy agenda. Establish working relationships with key Aramark clients to understand clients’ priorities around their food service operations in order to advocate for school districts at the local and state level.
• Develop messaging materials to effectively communicate the company’s positions, priorities, and policy proposals. Prepare written testimony, policy briefs, talking points, and other advocacy materials for use in hearings, meetings, and communications with policymakers and stakeholders as needed.
• Prepare regular reports on advocacy efforts, outcomes, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable lobbying regulations, disclosure requirements, and ethical standards. Maintain accurate records of lobbying activities, expenditures, and contacts with public officials.
• Travel expectations is up to 50% across a calendar year

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following professional experience and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required, MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 12 +  years experience with knowledge of USDA guidelines and regulations preferred.

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.