The Role
Leads government relations, public affairs, and issues management across a national hotel and entertainment portfolio. Builds relationships with officials, agencies, community leaders, media, and industry stakeholders; monitors legislative and regulatory developments; advises executives; supports development and investment initiatives; and coordinates responses across legal, operations, marketing, communications, and property teams. Based in Nashville with extensive travel to company properties and key markets.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities
As the Vice President of Government Relations with Ryman Hospitality Properties, you will coordinate the company's government relations, public affairs, and issues management strategy across a diverse portfolio of assets focused primarily on hotel and entertainment properties in multiple states and major markets. Serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, you will monitor and anticipate legislative, regulatory, political, media, and community issues that may impact the company, its properties, employees, guests, investors, and business objectives. You will build strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, business organizations, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. As the ideal candidate, you will combine strong political and business acumen with exceptional relationship-building, communications, and issues management skills and understand the unique intersection of hospitality, real estate, and local communities. Position based in Nashville, TN with frequent travel required to assigned assets. Reports to Executive Vice President and General Counsel.
- Develop and coordinate the company's public affairs and government relations strategy across its national hotel and entertainment asset portfolio, aligned with business and investment objectives.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with federal, state, and local officials, government agencies, regulators, and civic leaders.
- Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory, political, and policy developments and advise senior leadership on risks, opportunities, and appropriate responses.
- Support development, acquisition, redevelopment, and investment initiatives through strategic government and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop market-specific strategies that strengthen relationships with communities surrounding company properties and enhance the company's reputation as a responsible owner and community partner.
- Establish relationships with chambers of commerce, tourism and economic development organizations, nonprofits, and other key stakeholders.
- Advise and prepare senior executives for engagement with government officials, community leaders, media, and other influential stakeholders.
- Partner with Legal, Operations, Development, Investments, Marketing, Communications, and property leadership to ensure coordinated and effective responses to public affairs issues.
- Represent the company in relevant hospitality, real estate, tourism, business, and economic development organizations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
- Degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Business, or a related field preferred
Experience
- 10+ years' experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, public relations, government, lobbying, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, media, and other external stakeholders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong political, regulatory, and business judgment
- Ability to effectively advise senior executives on complex and sensitive issues
- Understands the intersection of government, public policy, real estate, hospitality, and local communities
- Anticipates risks and develops effective strategies for complex issues.
- Builds strong partnerships across corporate and property-level teams
- Ability to travel regularly to company properties and key markets
Licenses / Certifications
- Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required
Physical Requirements
Speak and hear for in-person and virtual communications and use both near and distance vision for computer work and document review. Frequently sit with some walking and standing for office/property navigation. Occasionally lift/carry up to 5 lbs. Continually use gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills for office tasks.
Working Conditions
In-office position based in a corporate environment with individual workspaces and shared common areas which support focused work while encouraging regular interaction among colleagues. Moderate background noise typical of a collaborative office setting. Extensive travel required for property site visits and stakeholder meetings. Standard business hours with extended availability during major projects or negotiations. Occasional evening/weekend availability for critical business matters.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, public relations, government, lobbying, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, media, and other external stakeholders
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong political, regulatory, and business judgment
- Ability to advise senior executives on complex and sensitive issues
- Understanding of government, public policy, real estate, hospitality, and local communities
- Ability to anticipate risks and develop effective strategies for complex issues
- Ability to build partnerships across corporate and property-level teams
- Ability to travel regularly to company properties and key markets
- Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record
- Degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Government, Public Policy, Business, or a related field
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The Company
What We Do
Opry Entertainment Group is a preeminent live entertainment and media company dedicated to country music lifestyle fans globally. Guided by an unparalleled country music legacy, the company connects artists and fans through unforgettable live experiences, iconic venues, and powerful storytelling. Their portfolio includes world-famous brands such as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, ACL Live, and Ole Red, supported by a commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality and media.
