Position Summary
The Senior Manager of Policy will lead the development and execution of strategies to
advance the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s policy agenda. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of policy issues related to hunger, poverty, and racial equity, and for coordinating the organization’s engagement with government agencies and advocacy efforts across its partner network. The Senior Manager of Policy will work closely with internal teams, community partners, and policymakers to ensure that the Food Depository’s policy priorities are informed by community needs and effectively implemented.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a comprehensive policy strategy that supports the Food Depository’s mission to end hunger and address its root causes. Serve as a policy expert and advisor internally for portfolio of policy areas.
- Serve as the primary liaison to government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, as relevant for policy portfolio, ensuring consistent and strategic engagement.
- Lead implementation of a cross-departmental strategy for agency advocacy, including training, messaging, and coordination across departments.
- Monitor, research and analyze legislation, regulations, and administrative policies that impact food insecurity, nutrition programs, and social safety net systems.
- Provide legislative and administrative policy solutions (e.g. bill and regulation drafting, dot-connecting, collaborating with other organizations to effectuate change)
- Collaborate with the Community Engagement and Government Affairs teams to align policy efforts with grassroots advocacy and community priorities. Support government relations and community engagement teams where necessary.
- Represent the Food Depository in coalitions, working groups, and public forums to advance shared policy goals.
- Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and other materials to support advocacy efforts and inform stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, government relations, or advocacy, preferably in anti-hunger, public health, or social justice sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute policy strategies and engage with government agencies.
- Strong understanding of federal nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, TEFAP) and state/local policy landscapes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
- Proven experience in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Commitment to racial equity and community-centered policy development.
Benefits:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus
Skills Required
- Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, government relations, or advocacy
- Experience preferably in anti-hunger, public health, or social justice sectors
- Ability to develop and execute policy strategies and engage with government agencies
- Strong understanding of federal nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP, and state/local policy landscapes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex policy issues for diverse audiences
- Experience in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration
- Commitment to racial equity and community-centered policy development
What We Do
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago's food bank, dedicated to ending hunger in Chicago and Cook County. Its mission is to connect neighbors with healthy food and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger, including poverty, systemic inequity, and structural racism, through a partnership network of over 800 community-based organizations.
