Manager, Federal Government Relations - (Washington, DC-based role)

McDonald's Restaurants Limited; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 116,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

McDonald's is seeking an experienced Manager of Federal Government Relations to serve as an ambassador for the brand on food, nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability policy. The role reports to the Director of Federal Government Relations and engages with corporate staff, franchisees, suppliers, and external stakeholders to shape policy and advance the company's priorities.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in government relations or public policy, excellent written and oral communication,

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required.
• 7+ years of federal government relations, legislative or regulatory affairs experience.
• Experience in both government and private sector environments.
• Demonstrated policy expertise in food, nutrition, agriculture, sustainability, or supply chains.
• Established government and private sector networks.
• Excellent written and oral communication, able to distill complex policy issues.

Responsibilities

• Track and brief stakeholders on legislative, regulatory, policy, and reputational developments.
• Design and implement proactive engagement with federal officials, associations, and McDonald's teams.
• Manage outreach efforts: policy briefings, advocacy days, tours, and events.
• Grow political networks and coalitions.
• Collaborate with nutrition, sustainability, supply chain, communications, and legal teams.
• Support team initiatives and share insights across issue areas.

Skills

Communication skills

Policy experience

Networking

Cross-functional teamwork

Independent work

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

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 ofoutstanding 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 while also serving as a strong team supporter; capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced, deadline‑driven setting.

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $115,872.00 - $144,840.00 per year
The above represents the expectedsalaryrange for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining yourpay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

Additional Information:

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald's long-term incentive plan.

McDonald's is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald's provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

McDonald's provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.