Head of Advocacy & Public Policy

The Head of Advocacy and Public Policy will be responsible for leading the CAFB advocacy, policy, coalition building and engagement around key issues of priority in line with the strategic plan in support of the food insecure in the greater Washington area. Responsibilities include interfacing with government officials at the state, county and local levels. interest groups and coalitions, addressing issues around hunger and poverty and working internally with the regional teams to determine localized food security strategies throughout the CAFB service area. The Head of Advocacy will work with the Sr. Director of Food, Policy and Impact, to implement the CAFB strategic plan and provide training and technical assistance to the CAFB Team and Client Advisory Council to support member engagement on core policy issues.

Essential Functions:

• Set advocacy strategy for the CAFB informed by regional and executive leadership and in line with the broader CAFB strategic plan.
• Coordinate and lead public policy initiatives of CAFB; work with regional leadership team to support development and implementation of CAFB regional advocacy strategy.
• Research and report on a wide range of policy issues related to poverty and economic security
• Draft summary briefs and other substantive communication materials that explain policy issues to various audiences.
• Support development of a regional food security report to be released every two years.
• Facilitate meetings with a variety of stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes as well as understand the scope of service of these organizations.
• Develop and lead trainings that teach advocacy strategies to community members.
• Coordinate, lead and/or participate in task-force of food assistance partners and a Client Leadership Council to give feedback and speak to challenges in low-income community.
• Support management activities, including participating in budget development, grant reporting, and grant writing as needed.
• Creates policies, procedures, and practices that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of CAFB to advocacy initiatives.
• Manage and work on multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary.
• A self-starter as well as a team-oriented individual with strong interpersonal skills and a positive, professional attitude.

• Embrace organization’s mission and core values.

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading advocacy initiatives
• Track record for leading successful public policy campaigns
• Must demonstrate strong writing and editing skills and the ability to convey information on complex issues both verbally and in writing.
• Experience public speaking in formal and informal settings.
• 2 years management experience overseeing programs and budgets
• 4-year degree required
• Experience developing community-based programming
• Experience and competency with various data management systems
• Mastery of Microsoft Office programs
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in public policy or related degree/experience Non-profit experience preferred Experience working with diverse audiences and specifically the low-income community