Careers at the National Restaurant Association

The National Restaurant Association is a great place to work. One of the nation's most influential business associations, we are headquartered in the heart of Washington, D.C., with additional offices in Chicago. The Association offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefit package, including health care, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and a professional development/educational assistance program.

To apply for a position

The Association periodically recruits qualified candidates for various staff positions. To apply for any of the positions below, submit the requested materials to:

National Restaurant Association
Human Resources
1200 17th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Fax: (202) 331-5991
E-mail: jobs@restaurant.org

Be sure to indicate the position title and the job code with your application. If you are called for an interview, here are directions to our D.C. office. The Association accepts applications only for specific, advertised positions. Thank you for your interest in the National Restaurant Association.

Jobs and careers in the restaurant industry

See Jobs & Careers for job openings in the restaurant industry.

Current vacancies

SVP, Human Resources
The National Restaurant Association seeks a strong Senior Vice President of Human Resources to work closely with the association’s senior management team in an enterprise-wide strategy role. The SVP/HR develops, executes and maintains an effective human resource strategy with all key stakeholders across the association, establishing human resources as a strategic asset. The SVP/HR leads change management interventions for the organization, demonstrating the strategic and critical thinking needed, regarding people. S/he ensures the enterprise has the proper operational controls, administrative procedures, policies and people systems in place to effectively manage and grow the enterprise and to ensure operating efficiency. The SVP/HR has the technical experience to effectively lead all areas of responsibility in compensation, benefits, organizational development, recruiting, orientation and payroll.

The Senior Vice President of Human Resources must be a senior-level executive with proven ability to lead significant change or transformation in an organization in a comprehensive way. S/he must also be well-respected with proven management and HR expertise derived from work with successful organizations. S/he must have strong relationship skills and ability to exert personal collaborative influence to gain consensus. The ideal candidate must have 10 or more years in the HR field, a Bachelor’s degree is required (advanced degree highly desirable), SPHR designation is a plus.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to the National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or jobs@restaurant.org. The National Restaurant Association is an EOE

Director, Business & Analysis
The National Restaurant Association in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of Director, Business Analysis. The Director leads and manages the Finance and Accounting operations in our DC office and also implements internal controls and process improvements for DC operations. This position acts as Finance business partner to the Senior Management Team in analyzing budgets, financial performance, concerns and opportunities and working with senior management, takes the lead in preparation of the annual budget. The Director, Business Analysis will also be responsible for creating and implementing analytical, reporting and forecasting models.

The ideal candidate has ten or more years experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or other analytically focused business degree, an MBA is preferred. CPA designation is required. The Director, Business Analysis must be detail oriented with superior financial planning and analytical skills, project management capabilities and experience in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics, FRx Reporter and/or Great Plains is required.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume/cover letter and salary requirements to: National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or jobs@restaurant.org.

Board Operations Specialist
The National Restaurant Association is currently seeking a Board Operations Specialist to join our Board Operations team in our office in Washington, DC. The Board Operations Specialist has significant impact on the smooth and orderly functioning of the Board Operations group, and also impacts the governance of the Association as the official recorder and archivist of all Board and Committee proceedings. Working under the direction of the Director, Board Operations, this position assists in developing and executing operations plans for the management of the Board Operations office and assists with the planning and execution of NRA Board and Committee meetings.

The ideal candidate must be a team player with the ability to work in a fast paced environment. Highly organized and detail oriented, with strong project management, excellent customer service and communication skills are required. The Specialist must have 3-5 years relevant experience, preferably working with a Board of Directors. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Proficient working with Microsoft Office, familiarity with databases and updating web information. Ability to travel.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume and salary history to: Human Resources, National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

National Accounts Manager, NRA Show
The National Restaurant Association in Chicago, IL is in search of a National Accounts Manager for the NRA Show. The National Accounts Manager, NRA Show achieves and exceeds assigned sales goals through business development, maintains and grows an assigned territory and serves as the main point of contact for strategic bellwether exhibitors for both events. Essential Duties include, selling and maintaining exhibit space for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show; responsibility for the overall satisfaction of designated exhibitors which include: pre-show prep, post-show calls, operations/logistical assistance; assign and delegate Sales Coordinator responsibilities. We are in search of a unique, enthusiastic and dedicated professional with superior communication skills and strong customer/team orientation. A Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required. The ideal candidate must have 4-6 years sales experience, preferably in a trade show environment, with two years in a senior professional capacity that includes accountability, supervisory and autonomous program oversight. This position does require overtime and travel.

For immediate consideration, please forward a resume and cover letter, along with salary history to the National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

National Accounts Manager, NRA Show/IWSB
The National Restaurant Association in Chicago, IL is in search of a National Accounts Manager for the NRA Show and IWSB (International Wine, Spirts and Beer Event). The National Accounts Manager, NRA Show/IWSB achieves and exceeds assigned sales goals through business development, maintains and grows an assigned territory and serves as the main point of contact for strategic bellwether exhibitors for both events. Essential Duties include, selling and maintaining exhibit space for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and IWSB event; responsibility for the overall satisfaction of designated exhibitors which include: pre-show prep, post-show calls, operations/logistical assistance; assign and delegate Sales Coordinator responsibilities.

We are in search of a unique, enthusiastic, dedicated and detail-oriented professional with superior communication skills and strong customer/team orientation. A Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required. The ideal candidate must have 4-6 years sales experience, preferably in a trade show environment, with two years in a senior professional capacity that includes accountability, supervisory and autonomous program oversight. A background in the beverage and/or alcohol industry is a plus. This position does require overtime and travel.

For immediate consideration, please forward a resume and cover letter, along with salary history to the National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

Sales Coordinator(s)
The National Restaurant Association in Chicago, IL is currently recruiting three Sales Coordinators to work with our National Accounts team for the NRA Show. The Sales Coordinator(s) will provide sales support and reporting, prospecting, planning and selling. Essential Duties include, managing daily/weekly/monthly sales reports; database management; sell exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities; prospect new business using the Internet, publications and trade show directories.

We are in search of a unique, enthusiastic, dedicated and detail-oriented professional with excellent organizational and communication skills. The ability to work within a strong customer/team environment is key. A Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is required. The ideal candidate must have 1-2 years sales/administrative experience, preferably in a trade show environment, with an emphasis on creating and managing reports. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database experience is required.

For immediate consideration, please forward a resume and cover letter, along with salary history to the National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

Director, SRA Regional Sales & Business Development
The National Restaurant Association in Chicago, IL is seeking a Director, SRA Regional Sales & Business Development. While providing professional expertise and support for the Sales function of the organization and maintaining focus on the organization’s strategic goals, this position works closely with our SRA’s (State Restaurant Associations) developing and implementing strategic marketing plans for our State Restaurant Associations.

Responsibilities include, annually developing sales & marketing plans for each state and key account as assigned, conducting business analyses and reviews with all key constituents and conducting state and sales commission analyses and complete sales analysis for all key accounts. The ideal candidate must have a proven ability to generate sales and grow revenue and experience developing sales goals and objective. They must be results oriented, deadline driven and possess a sense of urgency. A Bachelor’s degree is required along with 8-10 years experience in Sales and/or Business Development. Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, research and Finance/budget skills. Knowledge of the restaurant/hospitality industry a plus.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume, cover letter and salary history to the National Restaurant Association, 1200 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

Accounting Specialist
The National Restaurant Association is currently seeking an Accounting Specialist to join our Finance team in our office in Chicago, IL. This position is responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of monthly financial statements, project and variance reports and account reconciliations and will assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and 3-5 years related management accounting experience. CPA designation is highly desirable. Great Plains and FRx experience required. The Accounting Specialist must be detail oriented and possess strong project management skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are must in this position.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume and salary history to: Human Resources, National Restaurant Association Solutions, 175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 or jobs@restaurant.org.

Associate Technician, Exam Processing
The National Restaurant Association is currently seeking an Associate Technician to join our Exam Processing team in our office in Chicago, IL. The Associate Technician provides support for the processing, coordination and fulfillment of the NRA exams and certifications.

Responsibilities include accurate/efficient data entry, data verification and working with others to ensure customer satisfaction. 2-4 years administrative and data entry experience is required, Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. The ideal candidate must be a team player with, excellent customer service, organizational and communication skills and the ability to function in a fast paced environment.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume and salary history to: Human Resources, National Restaurant Association Solutions, 175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 or to jobs@restaurant.org.

National ProStart Coordinator
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) in Chicago, IL is in search of a dynamic individual to support the National ProStart program. The National ProStart Coordinator is the national contact for the ProStart Coordinators at the State Restaurant Associations. This position has an understanding of all dimensions of the National ProStart program and the needs for support from state-to-state.

Essential duties include, operational program support for SRAs, managing various aspects of the National ProStart Invitational program, working closely with NRAEF events team facilitating National ProStart Invitational, program sponsor support and assisting with program expansion and growth.

The National ProStart Coordinator must have 2-5 years of project management experience, preferably with a non-profit. The ideal candidate should have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as, excellent written/verbal communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. A Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter with salary requirements to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 or jobs@restaurant.org.

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