Government Relations Manager

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 40 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

1. Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
2. Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
3. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Government Relations Manager will work closely with the Director of Policy & Advocacy to monitor and craft compelling responses to federal, state, and local legislation that impacts food access and other relevant poverty issues. Experience in community engagement, analysis of legislation and working with a diverse group of people and communities. Able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Essential Functions:

• Provide research and data support to the Director of Policy & Advocacy to develop and implement OFS’s strategic policy agenda.
• Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including the federal safety net and poverty legislative policies, specifically in Missouri and Illinois.
• Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi-state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.
• Direct experience leading legislative and policy programs.
• Experience managing projects and programs.
• Resourceful self-starter.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, rapport-building, and emotional intelligence.
• Contribute to the development of legislative testimonies, fact sheets, policy briefs, and white papers.
• Identify and foster opportunities for OFS to collaboratively advance policy and program goals with community organizations, agencies, elected officials, and other bi-state non-profits, associations, and coalitions.
• Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including on projects where appropriate.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public administration, political science, journalism, legal studies, or other relevant field preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in government and public policy required.
• Experience as a legislative aide, government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus.
• Background in government, communication, and community outreach a plus.
• or experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience.
• Ability to develop sound, data-driven communication.
• Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to racial and health equity.
  

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities.
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.