Feeding America
Director of Public Policy
The Director of Public Policy is responsible for leading the Food Bank’s advocacy efforts to ensure that policies improve the lives of individuals struggling with food insecurity and build and sustain engagement in grassroots advocacy efforts by elevating the voices of those most impacted by food insecurity.
Key Responsibilities
Identify and analyze key local, state, and federal public policy issues that may impact people who are food insecure; provide in-depth analysis on existing and emerging policy initiatives and their impact on individuals and lead the Second Harvest Food Bank’s effective response.
Position Second Harvest Food Bank as a respected non‑partisan advocate against hunger and for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity.
In coordination with the CEO, serve as the public policy spokesperson for Second Harvest Food Bank for internal and external audiences.
Periodically represent Second Harvest Food Bank at community events, panels, coalitions, key workgroups, and trainings as needed.
Track the effectiveness and reach of advocacy efforts to understand how well we’re leveraging our voices with lawmakers and the public, and improve our technical assistance and resource creation support for network partners.
Work collaboratively with the national office of Feeding America and other members to advance nationwide public policy campaigns.
Ensure Second Harvest Food Bank complies with applicable lobbying, campaign disclosure, and other laws and regulations.
Staff the Board‑level Advisory Committee.
Provide input to the development of the Strategic Plan as well as any interval assessments.
Serve as Second Harvest Food Bank’s representative to the Feeding the Carolina’s Advocacy Committee.
Create and manage departmental budget.
Identify key relationships with elected, appointed, and emerging public policy officials and staff at all levels of federal, state, and local governments. Build, broaden, and enhance these relationships.
Establish and cultivate external relationships with policymakers, allied organizations, and network and community partners to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s mission, vision, and key public policy priorities.
Engage people experiencing hunger directly in public policy, lifting up public policy priorities identified by people experiencing hunger, including through civic engagement projects and community organizing.
Attend staff development conferences, anti‑hunger and anti‑poverty conferences, meetings, and events at local, state, and national levels as requested, as the budget and schedule permit.
In collaboration with the Marketing and Public Relations team, develop persuasive written materials including talking points, issue briefs, press statements, opinion editorials, calls‑to‑action, legislative testimony, and policy reports.
Qualifications
Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC.
College degree or equivalent experience (5 – 7 years) in social services or human services‑related field required.
Seven to ten years’ effective experience in public policy and government affairs, including leadership roles.
Extensive experience in research, development, and implementation of public policy strategy; cross‑sector project collaboration and community‑relations project management; and experience with public sector resource grant pursuit and administration is preferable.
Strong knowledge of and experience with issues related to food insecurity/hunger, poverty, and social determinants of health and wellness.
Required Skills
Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn and master in‑house programs.
Excellent organizational, communication, teamwork, and relationship‑building skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.
Comfort presenting to and with groups and speaking in public.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and produce results on multiple projects and activities in a fast‑paced environment.
Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Ability to analyze and interpret demographic, geographic, and other relevant data sets as it relates to the Food Bank’s advocacy and policy agenda.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to train or teach others with clarity, flexibility, and organization.
Must maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Valid North Carolina Driver License and willingness/ability to regularly travel across, not only the 18‑county service area, but also in‑state and out‑of‑state.
Physical Requirements
Able to lift up to 30–40 pounds on occasion without assistance.
Able to walk, sit, stoop, squat, etc. occasionally.
Able to stand for long periods of time occasionally.
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Visual acuity and other physical requirements to operate computer and maintain valid NC Driver License.
Benefits
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Family leave
Flexible spending account
Gym membership
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
About Second Harvest Food Bank We believe that access to food is a fundamental right – a cornerstone for individuals to live their best lives and for communities to flourish.
As the primary food resource for a network of hundreds of food assistance programs across 18 counties in Northwest North Carolina, Second Harvest plays a crucial role in nourishing our region. Our Mobile Pantry, Mobile Nutrition Services, and Community Meals programs extend this support, helping to ensure that immediate nutritional needs are met.
Second Harvest is committed to tackling the root causes of food insecurity through a range of comprehensive strategies. These include workforce development programs, partnerships with health systems and schools, nutrition education, public policy advocacy, and more.
Together with our community and partners, we are working toward a shared vision: food‑secure, healthy communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Identify and analyze key local, state, and federal public policy issues that may impact people who are food insecure; provide in-depth analysis on existing and emerging policy initiatives and their impact on individuals and lead the Second Harvest Food Bank’s effective response.
Position Second Harvest Food Bank as a respected non‑partisan advocate against hunger and for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity.
In coordination with the CEO, serve as the public policy spokesperson for Second Harvest Food Bank for internal and external audiences.
Periodically represent Second Harvest Food Bank at community events, panels, coalitions, key workgroups, and trainings as needed.
Track the effectiveness and reach of advocacy efforts to understand how well we’re leveraging our voices with lawmakers and the public, and improve our technical assistance and resource creation support for network partners.
Work collaboratively with the national office of Feeding America and other members to advance nationwide public policy campaigns.
Ensure Second Harvest Food Bank complies with applicable lobbying, campaign disclosure, and other laws and regulations.
Staff the Board‑level Advisory Committee.
Provide input to the development of the Strategic Plan as well as any interval assessments.
Serve as Second Harvest Food Bank’s representative to the Feeding the Carolina’s Advocacy Committee.
Create and manage departmental budget.
Identify key relationships with elected, appointed, and emerging public policy officials and staff at all levels of federal, state, and local governments. Build, broaden, and enhance these relationships.
Establish and cultivate external relationships with policymakers, allied organizations, and network and community partners to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s mission, vision, and key public policy priorities.
Engage people experiencing hunger directly in public policy, lifting up public policy priorities identified by people experiencing hunger, including through civic engagement projects and community organizing.
Attend staff development conferences, anti‑hunger and anti‑poverty conferences, meetings, and events at local, state, and national levels as requested, as the budget and schedule permit.
In collaboration with the Marketing and Public Relations team, develop persuasive written materials including talking points, issue briefs, press statements, opinion editorials, calls‑to‑action, legislative testimony, and policy reports.
Qualifications
Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC.
College degree or equivalent experience (5 – 7 years) in social services or human services‑related field required.
Seven to ten years’ effective experience in public policy and government affairs, including leadership roles.
Extensive experience in research, development, and implementation of public policy strategy; cross‑sector project collaboration and community‑relations project management; and experience with public sector resource grant pursuit and administration is preferable.
Strong knowledge of and experience with issues related to food insecurity/hunger, poverty, and social determinants of health and wellness.
Required Skills
Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn and master in‑house programs.
Excellent organizational, communication, teamwork, and relationship‑building skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.
Comfort presenting to and with groups and speaking in public.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and produce results on multiple projects and activities in a fast‑paced environment.
Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Ability to analyze and interpret demographic, geographic, and other relevant data sets as it relates to the Food Bank’s advocacy and policy agenda.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to train or teach others with clarity, flexibility, and organization.
Must maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Valid North Carolina Driver License and willingness/ability to regularly travel across, not only the 18‑county service area, but also in‑state and out‑of‑state.
Physical Requirements
Able to lift up to 30–40 pounds on occasion without assistance.
Able to walk, sit, stoop, squat, etc. occasionally.
Able to stand for long periods of time occasionally.
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Visual acuity and other physical requirements to operate computer and maintain valid NC Driver License.
Benefits
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Family leave
Flexible spending account
Gym membership
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
About Second Harvest Food Bank We believe that access to food is a fundamental right – a cornerstone for individuals to live their best lives and for communities to flourish.
As the primary food resource for a network of hundreds of food assistance programs across 18 counties in Northwest North Carolina, Second Harvest plays a crucial role in nourishing our region. Our Mobile Pantry, Mobile Nutrition Services, and Community Meals programs extend this support, helping to ensure that immediate nutritional needs are met.
Second Harvest is committed to tackling the root causes of food insecurity through a range of comprehensive strategies. These include workforce development programs, partnerships with health systems and schools, nutrition education, public policy advocacy, and more.
Together with our community and partners, we are working toward a shared vision: food‑secure, healthy communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
#J-18808-Ljbffr