President

North Carolina Beverage Association

The North Carolina Beverage Association (NCBA) is an organization consisting of bottling companies and distributors in the state’s non-alcoholic beverage industry. North Carolina’s beverage companies manufacture and distribute some of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages in the world. From products in local neighborhood stores to support of vital community initiatives, our presence is felt in every area across the state. We play an important role in the state’s economy by providing good-paying jobs, contributing significant tax dollars to the state and federal government and making generous charitable commitments to organizations across the state. The North Carolina beverage industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, employing approximately 9,000 North Carolinians.

The North Carolina Beverage Association and its member companies face existing and potential legislative and regulatory issues on both local and state levels. To manage these issues, NCBA seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization and represent the industry before policymakers.

The Position

In consultation and coordination with all North Carolina Beverage Association members, the President will lead NCBA and develop, drive and manage a pro-active statewide advocacy strategy. This strategy will also protect and enhance the industry’s image and reputation through effective state and local government relations, industry communications, coalition-building and collaboration with the industry’s national trade organization, the American Beverage Association (ABA).

In short, the President will become “the face” of the non-alcoholic beverage industry in the state capitol, in local communities, and with the media. In addition, the President will ensure the association is a neutral forum for the discussion of industry issues. Finally, it is essential the individual develop an overall understanding of the manufacturing, distribution and sales processes of the beverage industry.

Qualifications

Successful applicants for this position must:

Possess at least seven to ten years of experience as a state/local lobbyist;
Be capable of working under pressure;
Be of strong moral character with excellent leadership and motivational skills;
Be an excellent public speaker who thinks and speaks well and is capable of taking the association's views on different matters to both the membership and the public;
Be an effective negotiator and collaborator;
Possess excellent written communication skills;
Possess the flexibility, determination, enthusiasm and ability to meet the goals and deadlines of the Board of Directors.

The President will be responsible for:

Legislative/Regulatory Duties: Serve as advocate and registered lobbyist for the industry with officials at all levels of government, including the local level.

Monitor the legislative and regulatory activities of the North Carolina legislature, the Governor’s office, state agencies and departments, as well as county and municipal governments.
Develop and execute strategies to defend or further the industry’s legislative and regulatory interests at all levels of government.
With input from the association’s members, develop and lead a strategy on the local level by engaging, educating and fostering relationships with local elected officials through facility tours, participation in local conferences and more.
Year-round focus will include all local threats with a more proactive on-the-ground local strategy when not in session at the Capitol.
Inform all NCBA members and ABA of all matters of interest, providing analyses of legislative or proposed regulations and updating with reports on subsequent action.
Represent NCBA, including testifying when warranted, at legislative committee meetings and/or hearings, departmental meetings, regulatory department meetings and local government meetings to present NCBA’s position, or arrange for an industry representative and/or ally to testify.
In coordination with NCBA members and ABA, develop and prepare draft testimony, legislation, or amendments as necessary.
Further the goals of NCBA by enhancing the organization’s contacts with federal, state and local officials and relevant staff.
Coordinate and lead effective grassroots organizing with employees in facilities across the state and allies of the industry to advance industry initiatives.
Maintain a close relationship with lobbyists for other like-minded statewide trade associations and with staff members of legislators and various public officials.
Work with the association’s members to develop a statewide political donation strategy, including both legislative and executive branches of government.

Public Relations Duties: Serve as a primary industry contact with the media and other entities, safeguarding and enhancing the image of the industry.

Pro-active image management

Create and manage initiatives that promote goodwill and a positive image of the non-alcoholic beverage industry within the state for the industry’s public policy issues, including: environment, tax policy, and health and wellness by promoting state-based initiatives and national initiatives such as the Balanced Calories Initiative, Every Bottle Back, etc.
Recommend appropriate strategies and action plans to inform the legislature, government agencies, interest groups, and the public of NCBA’s position on issues.
Conduct outreach efforts and work to build and lead alliances, coalitions and partnerships with industry, civic, and community groups to advance NCBA positions
Develop and implement strategic and effective social media interaction presence.

b. Reactive media relations management

Manage media inquiries and act as industry spokesperson. Arrange for third-party spokespersons to speak on the industry’s behalf when necessary.
Work with NCBA members and ABA on all relevant media requests and issues.

Administrative Duties: Serve as the North Carolina Beverage Association’s primary record keeper and administrator.

Develop and encourage member company participation in the initiatives and activities of the North Carolina Beverage Association.
Where appropriate, develop and recruit new members to the organization.
Maintain association’s bylaws and recommend updates as necessary.
Manage the daily affairs of NCBA including, but not limited to: bookkeeping, membership information, communications to member companies, mailing lists, website upkeep, etc.
Manage all association finances (developing budget, dues collection, bank account and work with accountant to file annual tax filings).
Manage all aspects of compliance for the NC Beverage Association, including the timely filing of lobbyist and principal registrations and expense reports.
Organize and conduct all meetings, including the NCBA annual meeting and legislative day at the Capitol, Board of Directors meetings/calls, in accordance with relevant state and federal laws.
Participate in the American Beverage Association’s annual national government affairs conference and federal Fly-in.
Fulfill other duties related to the industry in North Carolina as requested and assigned by the Board of Directors and member companies.

The North Carolina Beverage Association offers competitive salary, health benefits, 401K and professional development opportunities.

For more information or questions, please contact:

Sarah Doran

American Beverage Association

1275 Pennsylvania Ave NW #1100

Washington, DC 20004

sdoran@ameribev.org

(202) 463-6732

Interested parties shall submit their resumes to the contact listed above by end of day on Sunday, March 22 via email and/or regular mail.

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