Description
About Operation Food Search:
Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order 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. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.
Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.
Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.
Our Goals are to:
1) Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
2) Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
3) 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 & Community Relations to monitor and craft compelling responses to federal, state, and local legislation that impacts food access and other relevant poverty issues. Experience in community engagement, analysis of legislation and working with a diverse group of people and communities. Able to work independently and meet deadlines.
Salary: $61,980.00 - $72310.00
Essential Functions:
Research
- 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 Illinois with support to Missouri.
- Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi-state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.
Legislation
- Direct experience leading legislative and policy programs. Experience in Illinois preferred.
- Experience managing projects and programs.
- Resourceful self-starter
Collaboration and Development
- Effective interpersonal communication skills, rapport-building, and emotional intelligence.
- 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 non-profits, associations, and coalitions.
- Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including on projects where appropriate.
Requirements
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public administration, political science, journalism, legal studies, or other relevant field
- preferred, or
- 3+ years of relevant work experience in government and public policy required.
- Experience as a legislative aide, government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus.
- Background in government, communication, and community outreach a plus
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience.
- Ability to develop sound, data-driven communication.
- Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to racial and health equity.
Special Requirements:
- Travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
- 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
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- May work remote as determined by policy and supervisor approval
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors
Benefits – FT Positions
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- HRA and FSA
- 401(k) retirement plan (Safe Harbor)
- Vacation and sick time, paid holidays and birthday
- Short and 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
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Interested candidates should submit their application and include their resume.
For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, journalism, legal studies, or a related field
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in government and public policy
- Experience leading legislative and policy programs
- Experience managing projects and programs
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Public presentation experience
- Ability to develop sound, data-driven communications
- Experience in community engagement and legislative analysis
- Illinois government or public policy experience
- Experience as a legislative aide or working with an elected official or local cabinet or department head
- Background in government, communications, and community outreach
- Willingness to travel for meetings, events, and conferences
What We Do
Operation Food Search is a 501(c)(3) hunger-relief organization and Missouri’s largest independent food bank. Founded in 1981, it distributes food and necessities through more than 600 community partners across 24 Missouri and Illinois counties, serving over 200,000 people monthly. Its mission combines immediate food assistance with nutrition education, childhood-hunger programs, advocacy, and innovative solutions that improve access to healthy, affordable food and build lasting food security.
