Specialist, Policy (Washington, DC / Hybrid)

Responsibilities:

• Supports the development of tools and resources that are relied upon by a wide-range of audiences, including the Government Relations team, network members, Feeding America leadership, external organizations and policymakers – with a focus on federal nutrition programs like TEFAP, CSFP, child nutrition programs, SNAP and more, as well as healthcare policy and other root cause issues that neighbors tell us they need to end hunger and thrive.
• Monitors federal policies and legislation affecting Feeding America, emergency food providers, and people facing hunger including helping draft legislative analysis, regulatory comments, testimony, webinars and presentations as necessary; and assists in legislative engagement with policymakers, as necessary, to increase food, funds and resources.
• Develops, monitors and coordinates implementation of a strategy to engage government agencies to improve operation and efficiency of federal nutrition programs through regulatory and administrative action, working strategically with the national office and network for input on content and engagement.
• Supports the development and implementation of a strategy to assist the network with state-level policy engagement and advocacy with input from and in collaboration with the Government Relations team, especially as it relates to commodities, child nutrition and healthcare priorities.
• Supports data collection and maintenance of enterprise-wide data and messaging through development of data dashboards, fact sheets and other visual products using tools, such as Tableau, to support priorities.
• Supports the Manager of Policy and the Government Relations team to develop, implement and reassess policy priorities and to conduct analyses of relevant legislation and policy initiatives to advance Feeding America’s agenda.
• Assists collaboration with appropriate internal and external stakeholders to support the integration of policy positions and initiatives across Feeding America strategies and projects.
• Attends hearings, partner meetings and other essential information sessions to take notes and report back with the team.
• Drafts newsletter articles and PowerPoint slides about important government relations updates for our weekly government relations newsletter, monthly network webinars and to support other internal and external efforts.
• Works collaboratively with other Government Relations team members to execute all other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Experience and Certifications:

• Strong analysis and research skills.
• Knowledge of Capitol Hill and legislative and administrative process.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative and administrative processes is beneficial
• Handling administrative components such as managing and maintaining calendar invites, agenda setting and communication for reoccurring projects/ events
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor communications to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interest in working on public policies affecting people facing hunger, especially those most disproportionally impacted.
• Strong project management and critical thinking skills, with the ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines and to think creatively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Preferred Competencies, Experience and Certifications:

• Experience with MS Office applications, virtual meeting facilitation and support, Tableau, Smartsheet and Quorum or other legislative tracking platforms preferred.