Executive Director, REL Government Relations

Summary of Job Description:

The Executive Director, Real Estate Legal Government Relations and Public Policy is responsible for creating, leading, and executing Real Estate Legal's government relations, public policy, and public affairs strategies in support of Panda Restaurant Group's national growth and development objectives. This position serves as the Company's primary liaison with federal, state, and local government agencies, elected officials, regulatory agencies, municipalities, utility providers, and other stakeholders impacting restaurant development, real estate operations, and business initiatives. The Executive Director plays a critical role in managing third-party consents, fostering positive governmental and community relationships, and representing the Company on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters affecting Panda nationally. This position monitors emerging legislation, regulatory developments, and public policy trends, evaluates business impacts, and develops strategic advocacy plans to support favorable outcomes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads Panda Restaurant Group's Real Estate Government Relations, Public Policy, and Legislative Affairs function, monitoring, analyzing, and influencing federal, state, and local legislative, regulatory, and administrative matters affecting restaurant development, operations, permitting, zoning, land use, utilities, transportation, taxation, and other business interests. Represents the Company before governmental agencies, elected officials, industry associations, community stakeholders, utility providers, and transportation authorities to advance business objectives, protect strategic interests, enhance brand reputation, and reduce development timelines nationwide.
• Develops and executes government relations and stakeholder engagement strategies that support restaurant growth and development initiatives. Monitors political, regulatory, construction, and community sentiment trends, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies affecting development and operational objectives.
• Partners with Restaurant Development, Real Estate, Construction, Design, Legal, and other internal stakeholders to secure required third-party consents, approvals, and stakeholder support for development projects. Interprets and applies relevant laws, contracts, restrictions, and regulatory requirements while resolving objections, negotiating solutions, and accelerating project execution.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with governmental entities, municipalities, community organizations, major retailers, restrictive-use operators, consultants, and other external stakeholders to facilitate approvals, foster goodwill, and support the successful completion of development initiatives.
• Provides leadership and oversight of the REL Government Relations team, including organizational design, talent selection, coaching, training, performance management, and professional development to support the Company's long-term growth strategy.
• Collaborates with enterprise government relations partners to align advocacy efforts, share best practices, leverage resources, and eliminate duplication across initiatives while strengthening organizational capabilities.
• Directs project communications, documentation, compliance tracking, and executive reporting related to government relations activities, stakeholder engagement, consent approvals, and strategic initiatives, providing leadership with timely updates on project status, risks, outcomes, and business impact.

How we reward you:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field and a law license required; construction, regulatory and negotiation experience required.
• 12 - 15 years of experience in real estate, public relations, and community engagement or a similar role with increasing management responsibility
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay Range: M5: $205,000 - $288,000 / Annual

* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

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Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're wanted here:

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters.If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.