Operation Food Search
Government Relations Manager- Missouri
Operation Food Search, Jefferson City, Missouri, United States, 65109
Position Title
Government Relations Manager – Missouri
Department Advocacy
Reports To Director of Government and Community Relations
Employment Details FLSA:
Exempt |
Status:
Full-time |
Salary:
$60,000–$70,000 per year
About Operation Food Search Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education, and innovative programs 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, using immediate food assistance, supportive services, and long‑term solutions to solve hunger.
Mission:
To heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and create a hunger‑free tomorrow.
Vision:
A region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.
Goals: Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high‑quality nutrition through our distribution network. Empower long‑term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs, and by addressing systemic inequities.
Position Summary The Government Relations Manager will work closely with the Director of Government and Community Relations to monitor and craft compelling responses to federal, state, and local legislation that impacts food access and other poverty issues, with a special emphasis on Missouri. The role requires community engagement, analysis of legislation, and collaboration with diverse communities. The candidate will work independently and meet deadlines.
Essential Functions
Provide research and data support to the Director of Government & Community Relations to develop and implement OFS’s strategic policy agenda.
Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including federal safety net and poverty legislative policies, specifically in Missouri.
Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi‑state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.
Legislation
Familiarity with civic processes or advocacy campaigns, with openness to deepening legislative knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects with attention to detail, timelines, and stakeholder coordination.
Resourceful self‑starter that adapts quickly to new policy landscapes.
Collaboration and Development
Strong relationship‑building skills across diverse communities, with a collaborative spirit and growth mindset.
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 coalitions.
Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including projects where appropriate.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in public administration, political science, communications, outreach or community engagement or other relevant fields.
5+ years of relevant work experience in government, public policy or community organization required.
Experience as a legislative aide; government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus.
Background in government, communications, or community organizing is a plus; formal policy experience is not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience required.
Willingness to learn data interpretation and policy framing with support from Director & team.
Passion for the OFS mission and commitment to racial and health equity.
Special Requirements
Travel regularly across Missouri for advocacy and relationship‑building; expected at the Capitol biweekly during session (Jeff City–based) or at least twice monthly (STL‑based), with additional in‑district meetings for community and legislative engagement year‑round. Travel required throughout Missouri footprint for meetings, events, and conferences.
Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events, after‑hours or weekend activities.
Occasional travel to Headquarters for meetings, events or conferences.
Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Sedentary 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
Short‑Term Incentive Plan (STIP)
401(k) retirement plan
Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
Short and long‑term disability income
Company paid 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
To Apply Please submit your application and include your resume at https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/careers/
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.
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Department Advocacy
Reports To Director of Government and Community Relations
Employment Details FLSA:
Exempt |
Status:
Full-time |
Salary:
$60,000–$70,000 per year
About Operation Food Search Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education, and innovative programs 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, using immediate food assistance, supportive services, and long‑term solutions to solve hunger.
Mission:
To heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and create a hunger‑free tomorrow.
Vision:
A region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.
Goals: Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high‑quality nutrition through our distribution network. Empower long‑term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs, and by addressing systemic inequities.
Position Summary The Government Relations Manager will work closely with the Director of Government and Community Relations to monitor and craft compelling responses to federal, state, and local legislation that impacts food access and other poverty issues, with a special emphasis on Missouri. The role requires community engagement, analysis of legislation, and collaboration with diverse communities. The candidate will work independently and meet deadlines.
Essential Functions
Provide research and data support to the Director of Government & Community Relations to develop and implement OFS’s strategic policy agenda.
Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including federal safety net and poverty legislative policies, specifically in Missouri.
Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi‑state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.
Legislation
Familiarity with civic processes or advocacy campaigns, with openness to deepening legislative knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects with attention to detail, timelines, and stakeholder coordination.
Resourceful self‑starter that adapts quickly to new policy landscapes.
Collaboration and Development
Strong relationship‑building skills across diverse communities, with a collaborative spirit and growth mindset.
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 coalitions.
Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including projects where appropriate.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in public administration, political science, communications, outreach or community engagement or other relevant fields.
5+ years of relevant work experience in government, public policy or community organization required.
Experience as a legislative aide; government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus.
Background in government, communications, or community organizing is a plus; formal policy experience is not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience required.
Willingness to learn data interpretation and policy framing with support from Director & team.
Passion for the OFS mission and commitment to racial and health equity.
Special Requirements
Travel regularly across Missouri for advocacy and relationship‑building; expected at the Capitol biweekly during session (Jeff City–based) or at least twice monthly (STL‑based), with additional in‑district meetings for community and legislative engagement year‑round. Travel required throughout Missouri footprint for meetings, events, and conferences.
Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events, after‑hours or weekend activities.
Occasional travel to Headquarters for meetings, events or conferences.
Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Sedentary 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
Short‑Term Incentive Plan (STIP)
401(k) retirement plan
Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
Short and long‑term disability income
Company paid 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
To Apply Please submit your application and include your resume at https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/careers/
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.
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