Executive Director NRAEF

The Executive Director of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is a mission-driven, programming-focused leader who will guide the Foundation into its next era of impact. As the Foundation evolves into a more fully integrated arm of the National Restaurant Association, the Executive Director will lead the development, execution, and evaluation of scalable, high-impact programs that support career pathways in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

This role centers on program innovation, workforce development strategy, and results- based leadership. The Executive Director will be responsible for setting a clear programmatic vision, delivering measurable outcomes, and overseeing a high-performing team in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

The ideal candidate is an empathetic and future-forward leader with deep expertise in career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, or adult learning. They bring strong facilitation skills, high emotional intelligence, and experience aligning diverse stakeholders around mission-driven impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Vision

• Lead the development of the Foundation's next 3-year strategic plan.
• Evolve and scale the Foundation's highest-priority programs, as determined in the strategic planning process, with a focus on future-facing impact rather than maintaining the status quo.
• Clarify and sharpen messaging around the Foundation's role in building career pathways.
• Drive long-term program alignment with the restaurant industry's evolving workforce needs.
• Collaborate across the Association to ensure programming integrates with broader NRA goals and infrastructure.

Program Strategy and Delivery

• Oversee the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of key NRAEF programs, including ProStart, Restaurant Ready, HOPES, apprenticeship, and military pathways.
• Translate strategic priorities into evolving program models that can be piloted, scaled, or sunset based on impact potential.
• Ensure program alignment with the Foundation's scholarship and grantmaking activities, bringing experience and insight into how these mechanisms support equitable access and career advancement.
• Partner with the Industry Partnerships Group (under the CMO) to identify and support opportunities for sponsorships, co-investment, and program-driven revenue growth.
• Expand programming through effective partnerships with 52 state restaurant associations and education/workforce partners.
• Leverage insights from impact data and stakeholder feedback to inform program enhancements.
• Ensure programming meets quality standards and remains relevant, scalable, and inclusive.

Team Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Guide, mentor, and support a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and equity.
• Build alignment and communication across internal departments and stakeholders.
• Model high emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented approach to leadership.

Stakeholder and Board Engagement

• Represent the Foundation to board members, association leaders, and state partners as a visible, engaged thought leader.
• Provide regular updates on program impact, challenges, and opportunities.
• Partner with senior NRA executives to ensure alignment and transparency in shared goals.

Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for each major program initiative.
• Promote a culture of data-informed decision-making and ongoing evaluation.
• Use reporting and analytics to demonstrate ROI, retention, reach, and impact.
• Identify workforce development trends to inform program evolution and innovation.

Financial Oversight and Operational Effectiveness

• Oversee program budgets and resource allocation, ensuring efficient and effective use of funds.
• Partner with the CFO and operations team to align financial stewardship with program goals.
• Maintain compliance with nonprofit governance standards and reporting requirements.

Desired Outcomes

Growth

• Advance a culture of accountability and measurable results across all programs, guided by the Association's 6 R's (Relevance, Reputation, Retention, Reach, Revenue, and ROI).
• Expand the footprint and scale of NRAEF programs nationally, increasing reach across schools, community-based organizations, and workforce development entities.
• Work in partnership with the Industry Partnerships Group to develop scalable opportunities for sponsorship, co-investment, and earned revenue growth tied to Foundation programs.
• Ensure effective program delivery that supports participant progression through career pathways.

Indispensability

• Strengthen program reputation and stakeholder trust by demonstrating clear value to industry and community partners.
• Ensure NRAEF offerings are seen as essential resources for workforce development in the hospitality sector.

Modernization

• Drive continual improvement through data-informed decision-making and real-time impact tracking.
• Embrace innovation in adult learning, credentialing, and virtual programming to meet evolving needs.
• Cultivate a high-performing, agile team that embodies the Foundation's mission and values.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Participation and completion rates across core programs (ProStart, Restaurant Ready, HOPES, etc.)
• Program satisfaction and net promoter scores (NPS)
• Reach: number of states, schools, and partners engaged
• Retention and progression within multi-stage career pathways
• ROI metrics tied to outcomes such as employment, certifications, or advancement
• Operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of program delivery
• Staff engagement and performance
• Integration of NRAEF programming within broader Association initiatives

Competencies and Qualifications

Leadership and Team Management

• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, mission-aligned teams with clarity and empathy.
• Experience fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.
• Effective people manager, coach, and mentor who builds trust and accountability.

Workforce and Program Expertise

• Deep knowledge of career & technical education, workforce systems, or adult learning models.
• Understanding of how scholarships and grants can be leveraged to support workforce participation and program equity.
• Experience delivering large-scale, multi-stakeholder programming.
• Skilled at translating strategy into operational action with measurable results.

Strategic Thinking and Execution

• Ability to align program priorities with long-term organizational goals.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving forward through complexity.
• Experience developing multi-year plans and evaluating progress against defined outcomes.

Data and Financial Acumen

• Strong analytical skills; experience using data to improve program quality and effectiveness.
• Familiarity with budgeting, performance dashboards, and resource planning.
• Experience with compliance and reporting in nonprofit or education settings.

Communication and Influence

• Excellent verbal and written communicator with experience presenting to boards and stakeholders.
• Skilled facilitator with ability to align diverse interests around shared goals.
• Engaging public speaker and thought leader in workforce development or related fields.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, education, or nonprofit sectors.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC, and The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (together, "Company") is committed to equal employment opportunity, and it is Company's policy to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and disability, or other legally protected status, and we will ensure that all employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.