Director of Government & Legislative Affairs

Description & Requirements

Come join our family at In-N-Out Burgers!


We are seeking a Director of Government & Legislative Affairs currently based in our Irvine, CA office and will relocate to Franklin, Tennessee * . The Director of Government & Legislative Affairs serves as the company's senior advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters impacting the business. Reporting directly to the EVP, Chief Legal & Business Officer, this high-level leader will develop and execute the In-N-Out Burgers' enterprise-wide government affairs strategy, establish and maintain key relationships with government officials and industry organizations, oversee external lobbying partners, and provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on legislative and regulatory matters.

This role will lead the company's day-to-day government affairs function and is responsible for building and evolving an enterprise Government Affairs program that supports the company's long-term strategic objectives while protecting and advancing its business interests.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative executive with exceptional judgment, political acumen, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex public policy issues while representing In-N-Out's values and culture.

* This position is 100% in office and is currently based in Irvine, CA, and will relocate to Franklin, Tennessee, as part of In-N-Out's planned headquarters transition

General Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company's enterprise-wide government and legislative affairs strategy.
• Serve as the In-N-Out's primary advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters affecting business operations.
• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory activity impacting the company.
• Provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations regarding legislative developments, regulatory changes, and emerging public policy issues.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, regulatory bodies, trade associations, and key external stakeholders.
• Represent In-N-Out before legislative committees, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, and government entities, as appropriate.
• Lead and oversee the company's day-to-day Government Affairs function.
• Manage the company's external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and public policy advisors to ensure alignment with business priorities.
• Partner closely with Legal, Operations, Human Resources, Communications, and Executive Leadership on legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Prepare executive briefings, legislative analyses, position papers, and strategic recommendations.
• Develop proactive legislative strategies that advance and protect the In-N-Out's long-term interests.
• Support executive leadership during issues involving government relations, regulatory matters, and public policy.
• Build and mature the company's Government Affairs function, processes, and external engagement strategy as the organization continues to grow.

Work Schedule + Benefits:

• Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
• Pay Range is $271,000-$387,000 annualized salary, plus bonus.
• This represents the expected pay range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we will consider your experience and other job-related factors.
• Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
• Excellent Benefits, to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA's, 401(k)/Profit Sharing Plan, Adoption Assistance, Education Reimbursement, Supplemental Health Plans and Pet Insurance

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, or external affairs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing government affairs strategies within a complex organization.
• Experience managing external lobbying firms, legislative consultants, and government affairs partners.
• Strong understanding of state and federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Proven ability to advise executive leadership on sensitive public policy matters.
• Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment while managing highly confidential information.

Work Location Details

In-N-Out Burger plans to bring its west coast headquarters team back together under one roof by the end of 2029. After maintaining two Southern California office locations for many years, the company will permanently close its Irvine office in 2029 and once again headquarter the company's western territory solely in Baldwin Park, California, where the company was founded in 1948.

Newly hired Associates in Irvine will be eligible to participate in the group move to Tennessee with relocation assistance or work from our western headquarters in Baldwin Park, CA, upon its opening in 2029. We are sharing this information early so candidates can make informed decisions while considering a career with In-N-Out Burger.

ABOUT In-N-Out Burgers

In-N-Out Burgers was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, and remains privately owned and operated. Under the direction of the Snyder family, the company has opened restaurants throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, and Tennessee. In-N-Out's menu has remained the same since 1948, and we have maintained a simple philosophy - serve only the highest quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well trained Associates. In-N-Out offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer by choice. Should there be a need, In-N-Out will provide a reasonable accommodation to complete the interview process upon request.