Operation Food Search
Government Relations Manager- Missouri
Operation Food Search, Overland, Missouri, United States
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Government Relations Manager- Missouri
role at
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.
Our Mission To heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger‑free tomorrow.
Our Vision A region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.
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 relevant poverty issues with a special emphasis on Missouri. The role requires experience in community engagement, analysis of legislation, and working with a diverse group of people and communities. The manager must work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments.
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 the 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.
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 and departments as appropriate.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in public administration, political science, communications, outreach, community engagement, or related fields.
5+ years of relevant 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.
Excellent oral and written communication skills required, with public presentation experience.
Willingness to learn data interpretation and policy framing with support from the Director & team.
Passion for the OFS mission and commitment to racial and health equity.
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 year‑round.
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.
Benefits – Full‑time Position
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
Employee assistance program
Wellness support
Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified
Location 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 per year.
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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Government Relations Manager- Missouri
role at
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.
Our Mission To heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger‑free tomorrow.
Our Vision A region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.
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 relevant poverty issues with a special emphasis on Missouri. The role requires experience in community engagement, analysis of legislation, and working with a diverse group of people and communities. The manager must work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments.
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 the 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.
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 and departments as appropriate.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in public administration, political science, communications, outreach, community engagement, or related fields.
5+ years of relevant 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.
Excellent oral and written communication skills required, with public presentation experience.
Willingness to learn data interpretation and policy framing with support from the Director & team.
Passion for the OFS mission and commitment to racial and health equity.
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 year‑round.
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.
Benefits – Full‑time Position
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
Employee assistance program
Wellness support
Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified
Location 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 per year.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr