North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
Application
Details
Posted: 07-Mar-23
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
THE ORGANIZATION
The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) is a trade association of 500+ foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers providing products for food preparation, cooking, storage, and table service.
NAFEM has emerged as a foodservice industry leader and equips its members to succeed with a variety of products and services. They represent the industry in Washington and support programs and organizations that move the industry forward. NAFEM offers educational opportunities to ensure that the next generation of young professionals is prepared for the foodservice industry’s future direction. They stay on the cutting edge of current trends and emerging issues to provide members and the industry at-large with leadership and expertise.
NAFEM is located in downtown Chicago, with a staff of 8 and a two-year operating budget of $11 million.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director, Regulatory & Technical Affairs position will manage and lead the association’s response to a broad range of issues impacting foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers including but not limited to advocacy, legislative and regulatory agenda for energy, environment, supply chain, regulatory and taxes, tariffs & trade. They will work to ensure the long-term viability of the organization, and to amplify its voice as an industry resource for foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturing practices.
Position Responsibilities:
Identify and communicate significant Association issues and industry challenges on issues related to five key areas (energy, environment, supply chain, regulatory, and taxes, tariffs & trade) to the vice president, regulatory & technical affairs and committee/working group chairs on a timely basis to optimize the Association’s voice with regulatory and legislative leaders.
Represent the Association, build relationships and keep abreast of issues that affect NAFEM members and the industry at-large.
Monitor activities to ensure financial stability and stewardship, including presenting periodic reviews of Advocacy activities to staff team, committees and the board of directors.
Seek input for and prepare the Association’s viewpoint for presentation to the membership, partners, liaisons, and local, state and federal regulators and legislators.
Advise the vice president of regulatory & technical affairs regarding implementation of the Association’s Advocacy and Technical Affairs programs, committee activities and outreach protocol, and provide counsel to ensure continually relevant issue positions and communications.
Participate in the development and implementation of the annual Advocacy & Technical Affairs plan.
Manage outside suppliers and partners to maximize Advocacy and Technical Affairs programs and allied relationships, ensuring integrity to the Association’s Core Values, Purpose and Mission.
Develops key relationships to advance Advocacy and Association work platforms.
Promote a culture that ensures adherence to the Association’s Core Values, Purpose and Mission.
Build meaningful relationships and coalitions with NAFEM committees and channel partners, industry associations and consultants to advance NAFEM’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree preferred in a relevant topic area of interest, such as political science, regulatory affairs or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in a government/regulatory affairs role at a professional or trade association
Demonstrated experience as an effective communicator, with excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills, translating information into meaningful member communications that create value and understanding.
Ability to process complex situations and decipher key issues and appropriate response
Analyze information and understand the political and regulatory impact on the association and members, and key channel partners
Ability to manage workload across complicated issues and stressful situations
Provides excellent customer service with timely, accurate and courteous responses to all members and key stakeholders
Read, analyze and interpret common Association and professional journals, financial reports and legal document (i.e.: Federal Register, Congressional and Senate Testimony, etc.)
Self-starter with excellent time management skills
Familiar with database and financial management software systems. Above average skills with MS Office. Experience in a PC/cloud-based environment.
Travel (domestic and international) as needed
NAFEM offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. Hybrid work environment of 40% of work time in the office per month.
SEARCH PROCESS
This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. Those interested in applying should email a confidential resume and a cover letter outlining specific qualifications to:
About North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates: a specialized executive search firm serving clients in health care, universities, foundations, societies, and trade and professional associations.
