Food And Agriculture Policy Specialist

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a dynamic individual to advocate for effective Food and Agriculture Policy and legislation that prioritizes human health, equity and the environment above the interests of agribusinesses, particularly industrial meat and dairy production. This includes policy related to nutrition and dietary patterns, agricultural production, climate-friendly food systems, opposing false solutions, shifting direct and indirect subsidies, corporate accountability and food justice. The Policy Specialist will work individually, in collaboration with other Center staff and in coalitions to build relationships with policymakers; submit formal administrative petitions and comments; analyze and respond to legislation; and develop and implement policy actions to transform the food system toward just, healthy and sustainable plant-forward diets and agroecological production.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Track, analyze and advocate for USDA policies and programs that promote healthy, climate-friendly diets and discourage overproduction and overconsumption of meat and dairy.
• Build and cultivate strategic relationships within USDA to advance effective, just and sustainable food policies.
• Identify and execute short- and long-term policy strategies and campaigns to increase access to plant-based and climate-friendly foods, reduce meat and dairy production and consumption, push back against false solutions and ensure biodiversity protection plays a central role in food system transformation.
• Conduct oversight and watchdog activities of Food and Agriculture policies and laws, particularly at the federal level.
• Engage with Congress to reform Food and agricultural laws to better address environmental and food justice concerns.
• Elevate food system transformation work by effectively communicating positions on Food and Agriculture-related matters to the media and public through press releases, op-eds, fact sheets and briefing documents.
• Engage the public through action alerts and other tools to ensure that political leaders hear constituent voices in support of healthy, sustainable Food and USDA accountability.
• Engage and build relationships with climate groups, food justice groups, health organizations, and other non-traditional allies to help advocate for food system transformation.
• Assist other Center programs with food policy solutions and strategies, as needed.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• One to four years’ federal policy experience, with proven experience in Food and Agriculture Policy advocacy.
• Knowledge of USDA food, nutrition, and Agriculture programs and policies required; understanding of Food and Agriculture Policy at local, state and/or international levels a plus.
• Knowledge of the environmental impacts associated with meat and dairy production and the benefits of plant-based diets, a passion for promoting necessary dietary shifts, and an understanding of how to use advocacy to influence both production and consumption.
• Experience advocating on environmental issues with demonstrated ability to design and implement effective campaigns.
• Demonstrated commitment to food systems change, environmental protection and public interest work.
• Understanding of and commitment to food justice issues required; experience preferred.
• Understanding of the dynamics between federal and state food policies and the cultural influences on those policies preferred.
• Experience lobbying at the federal or state level preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (including comfort with public speaking), analytic abilities and a strong sense of initiative required; experience writing federal comments strongly preferred.
• A passion for and knowledge of the natural world, biodiversity, wildlife and waters.
• Ability to work as part of a team, and to coordinate closely with attorneys and scientists.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and facilitate meetings with diverse partners.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred.
• Ability to occasionally travel to Washington, D.C. and other locations as needed preferred.

Benefits:

• Fully paid medical premiums for staff, and greatly discounted for families.
• Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and their families.
• Generous employer contribution to HSA and HRA’s.
• Center paid premiums for Short Term and Long Term Disability provided for all staff.
• Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff.
• Discounted premiums for pet discount program.
• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year, 3 “personal” days per year and 10 paid sick days awarded each year.
• Vacation accrual starts at 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience.
• Center Paid Time Off for parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave and even pet caretaker leave.
• After 5 years of service, all employees receive a 12-week paid sabbatical.
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.

We are an equal opportunity employer.