Manager, Federal Government Relations Washington, DC-

Position: Manager, Federal Government Relations -  (Washington, DC-based role)
Job Description:

Company

Description:

McDonald's is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald's remains one of the world's leading corporations after almost 70 years.

Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

At McDonald's, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

Department Overview

The Manager of Federal Government Relations will serve as an ambassador for the McDonald's Brand on company priorities related to food, nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Federal Government Relations, this role will help shape and execute consistent, proactive engagements within the McDonald's System, including McDonald's corporate staff, franchisees, and suppliers, as well as external stakeholders such as federal government officials, consultants, third-party groups, and trade associations.

This is a hands-on, execution-oriented role that blends strategy development with day-to-day advocacy, project management, and cross-functional teamwork. Strong motivation, writing, communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills are essential to success.

The ideal candidate brings subject‑matter experience in one or more of these policy areas, paired with a flexible, team‑oriented mindset and a willingness to step in and support broader team priorities as needed.

Duties

+ Track, analyze, and regularly brief relevant internal stakeholders on legislative, regulatory, policy, and reputational developments related to food, nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability.

+ Design and implement plans for consistent, proactive engagement with federal government officials, trade associations, third‑party groups, McDonald's leadership and staff, franchisees, suppliers, and consultants, particularly in the legislative and regulatory issue areas outlined above.

+ Manage and execute key outreach efforts, including but not limited to policy briefings, advocacy days, restaurant visits, supplier tours, and other third‑party engagements.

+ Maintain and grow sophisticated political networks and help build effective coalitions.

+ Partner closely with cross‑functional McDonald's teams, including nutrition, sustainability, supply chain, communications, and legal, to align policy strategy with business objectives and advance brand and reputational priorities.

+ Contribute as an active, collaborative team member by supporting Director‑ and team‑led initiatives, jumping in on short‑term or high‑priority projects, and sharing insights and best practices across issue areas.

Qualifications

+ BA/BS degree required

+  7+ years of experience in federal government relations, legislative or regulatory affairs, campaigns, and/or public policy communications.

+ Experience in both government (Administration, Federal agency, or Congress) and private sector environments (corporate, trade association, or advocacy firm).

+ Demonstrated experience in one or more relevant policy areas (food, nutrition, agriculture, sustainability, supply chains), with the ability to quickly build fluency across adjacent issues.

+ Established, relevant government and private sector networks.

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policy issues for diverse audiences.

+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment; comfortable owning projects…