Legislative Specialist (States)

Leverage the power of state legislatures to transform the food system

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

How You Will Make a Difference

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the Policy and Government Relations department’s state legislative efforts, campaigning in favor of the use of public research and development funds for alternative proteins and defending against bans on cultivated meat and seafood and label censorship laws that would preclude use of terms like “vegan sausage.” The Legislative Specialist (States) will be responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with state elected officials, lobbyists, and allied organizations to influence the development and outcome of state legislation.
• Ensuring that the Good Food Institute is poised to respond quickly and effectively to state bills by tracking state legislation and planning advocacy campaigns.
• Directly lobbying elected officials at the state level around the country.
• Coordinating contract lobbyists to ensure they are delivering results aligned with GFI’s mission.
• Drafting persuasive letters, correspondence, fact sheets, and op-eds.
• Working with the Legislative Director and SVP of Policy and Government Relations to establish and adhere to a budget for state lobbying activities.
• Working with the Legal department and regulatory attorneys on the Policy and Government Relations team to ensure timely compliance with lobbying requirements in all states.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

An ideal candidate for the Legislative Specialist (States) position will have experience that reflects the following:

• At least three years of experience with the legislative process, government relations, public policy, or another relevant field, including at least two years of experience directly working with state legislative offices and officials.
• Enthusiasm for lobbying, which can include travel and long hours.
• The ability to persuade a wide range of people across the political spectrum in person and through written communications.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• A working understanding of political systems and an ability to quickly learn various states’ legislative procedures.
• The ability to work well independently and under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• The ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team.
• The ability to determine appropriate policy objectives and develop creative strategies to accomplish them.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
• Comfort working in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, animal welfare, environmentalism, free markets, hunger relief, or public health.
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.

An exceptional candidate for this role would have the following preferred experience:

• A law degree.
• Experience as a legislative staffer at the state or federal level.
• Experience supervising outside contract lobbyists.
• Demonstrated leadership of successful political initiatives.
• The ability to contribute to the diversity of ideas and backgrounds on the Policy and Government Relations team.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Pepin Andrew Tuma, Legislative Director
• Location: Farragut Square; Washington, D.C.; Hybrid (Monday/Thursday in office; Tues/Wed/Fri optional from home or office)
• Travel: Up to two weeks per year for organization retreats (reasonable accommodations for and exemptions from organization retreats considered on a case-by-case basis). Four to six additional weeks of travel per year to address state legislative issues in-person and attend related events.
• Benefits: Flexible hours, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, lifestyle spending account, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFIBenefits.
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• COVID vaccination policy: GFI requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be requested before the start of employment. GFI will consider requests for accommodations or exemptions from this policy on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with applicable laws. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFICovidPolicy.
• Salary: $87,905.74 - $92,301.07 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Application deadline: July 29, 2024

Anticipated start date: On or around September 16, 2024