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

Director, Industry Relations
The National Restaurant Association in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of Director, Industry Relations. The Director is responsible for developing and executing the NRA’s approach to supplier membership, sponsorship and strategic partnership with existing and prospective supplier organizations to significantly improve penetration, engagement and monetization with these organizations. Essential duties include, annually developing sales plans to maximize engagement and financial contribution from key stakeholders; identifying and expanding supplier member, sponsor and partner value propositions; and developing and executing a strategy to coordinate supplier member, sponsor and partner opportunities.

The ideal candidate must be results oriented and deadline driven with the proven ability to generate sales and grow revenue. Eight or more year’s progressive and relevant experience in developing sales goals and objectives is required. Strong motivational skills and a proven track record of establishing and influencing relationships at the most senior levels including the ability to negotiate, set and manage client expectations. Excellent project management, finance/budget skills are highly desirable. A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Knowledge of the restaurant/hospitality industry is a plus.

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.

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, Accounting & Financial Reporting
The National Restaurant Association in Chicago, IL is in search of a Director, Accounting & Financial Reporting. This position leads and manages the accounting and financial reporting functions of the NRA and its related entities. This includes the production of accurate and timely financial statements; the integration of the monthly forecasting process and the functional leadership of the Treasury and Accounts Payable functions. The Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting also works in partnership with the Business Planning function in ensuringe a streamlined financial information flow across all NRA entities.

The ideal candidate has seven or more years corporate industry experience, showing a progressive career track and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or other analytically focused business degree. CPA designation is highly desirable. The Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting must have superior communication, problem solving and analytical skills. Proven skills in leadership, staff development and knowledge of accounting concepts and theories are equally important. Knowledge of Great Plains and iMIS is a plus.

For immediate consideration, please forward resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: National Restaurant Association, 175 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 or jobs@restaurant.org.

Senior Academic Relations & Program Manager, ProStart
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) in Chicago, IL is in search of a Senior Academic Relations and Program Manager for the National ProStart program. The Senior Progam Manager primarily focuses on the critical ongoing development of ProStart educator competencies, through the oversight and development of key professional development activities for ProStart educators, via curriculum development, training and industry outreach. This position also serves as the Culinary Subject Matter Expert for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart program, the National ProStart Invitational, and executing State Restaurant Association training requests as appropriate.

The Senior Program Manager must have 8-10 years post secondary or secondary instruction/restaurant and foodservice industry experience. Experience with adult learning and/or training is a plus. The ideal candidate must be self-directed with the ability to successfully communicate with outside organizations regarding the goals of the ProStart program and professionally represent the ProStart program and the NRAEF. A solid knowledge of effective learning situations, research-based curriculum, instruction and assessment is highly desirable. A Bachelor’s Degree is required. A degree in Culinary Arts is preferred. 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.

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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