Specialist, Policy

Work. Serve. Thrive.

Imagine a place where your talent can make a meaningful difference in peoples' lives. Working at Feeding America is a uniquely rewarding experience in which our employees work together as vital parts of a much larger mission. We are innovative, mission-focused, diverse, collaborative, values-driven and focused on results.

• Support the development of tools and resources that are relied upon by a wide-range of audiences, including the Government Relations team, network members, Feeding America leadership, external organizations and policymakers – with a focus on SNAP, TEFAP and other commodities, child nutrition, tax, and other issues that support policy solutions to ending hunger.
• Support data collection and maintenance of a team data warehouse through development of data dashboards, fact sheets and other visual products using tools such as Tableau to support priorities.
• Support the annual Anti-Hunger Policy Conference execution with the Government Relations team.
• Support the Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations team to develop, implement and reassess policy priorities, and to conduct analyses of relevant legislation and policy initiatives to advance Feeding America’s agenda.
• Develop, monitor, and coordinate implementation of a strategy to engage federal agencies to improve operation and efficiency of federal nutrition programs through regulatory and administrative action, working strategically with the national office and network for input on content and engagement.
• Monitor federal policies and legislation affecting Feeding America, emergency food providers, and people facing hunger including helping draft legislation, regulatory comments, testimony, speeches and presentations as necessary; and assist in legislative engagement with the federal government as necessary to increase food, funds, and resources.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategy to assist the network with state-level policy engagement and advocacy with input from and in collaboration with the Government Relations team
• Assist collaboration with appropriate internal stakeholders enterprise-wide to support the integration of policy positions and initiatives across Feeding America strategies and projects
• Attend hearings, partner meetings, and other essential information sessions to take notes and report back with the team.
• Draft newsletter articles and PowerPoint slides about important government relations updates for our weekly government relations newsletter, monthly network webinars, and to support other internal and external efforts.
  

• Mission Focused – Demonstrates a commitment to Feeding America’s mission through work and action. Is committed to people keep people facing hunger at the center of our work and strives to translate this commitment into action on a daily basis. Willing to advocate for people facing hunger and serve as an ambassador for Feeding America inside and outside of work.
• Embraces Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates a personal commitment to valuing different background and life experiences through word and action. Takes personal actions to build an inclusive culture that ensures everyone can fully contribute based on their unique talents, skills and perspectives and feels welcomed and valued. Commits to driving equitable solutions to address root cause issues by incorporating an equity framework in their daily work.  Committed to continuous personal EDI development.

• Collaborates Internally and Externally: Takes a positive, collaborative approach within own team and with other colleagues. Supports others’ efforts, putting aside own interests to do so. Resolves issues by approaching those involved directly in a non-judgmental, non-emotional manner.
• Manages for Results/Delegates Effectively: Takes accountability for own performance and creates a plan with prioritized activities to support achievement of measurable goals. Handles the pressure of multiple priorities without sacrificing quality and timeliness of work or service. Provides helpful, supportive feedback to others.
• Leverages Functional Expertise: Uses functional knowledge to inform decisions, fix problems and suggest improvements to processes. Demonstrates professional curiosity and works to broaden functional/technical skills.
• Manages Risk: Seeks to mitigate risks in performance of job duties. Adheres to organizational processes and timelines to ensure prudent risk management. Promptly raises issues or concerns that could negatively affect Feeding America’s reputation.
• Communicates Effectively: Organizes thoughts and provides clear verbal and written messages to individuals and small groups. Communicates with colleagues and manager(s) to provide information, resolve issues, and promote ideas and proposals. Listens carefully and asks questions to build understanding.

• Strong writing and research skills
• Knowledge of Capitol Hill and legislative process
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor communications to a variety of audiences
• Strong project management and critical thinking skills, with the ability to problem-solve
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines and to think creatively
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Experience with MS Office applications, Tableau, InDesign, Photoshop, and Quorum or other legislative tracking platforms preferred
  

Feeding America embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity.  Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential.