State Legislation Senior Manager

Position Summary:

The State Legislation Senior Manager is responsible for leading the state legislative advocacy work in support of the Association’s annual policy agenda. This position works closely with the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy to advance the annual State Legislative Agenda, collaborating with policy team members and the association’s lobbyist to bring this work to fruition. This position works closely with the statewide food bank network, national and state-level partners, legislative offices, and state program administrators.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the membership and leadership team to develop annual policy agendas
• In coordination with the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, develop and implement a strategy for advancing policy goals with key decision-makers in the legislature and executive branch
• Engage in a range of activities to advocate for priorities individually and in conjunction with allies and coalitions
• Proactively address emerging policy issues
• Develop and implement campaigns to support the state policy agenda and the broader food safety net
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with members of the State legislature, and State and Federal agency officials to ensure their understanding of food bank network needs and the state of hunger in California
• Collaborate and direct research that captures data necessary to advance the Association’s policy agenda
• Establish and strengthen organization’s presence, reputation, and relationships among and across federal, state, and local policy leaders, Feeding America, Food Research & Action Center and various external partners and coalitions that work as partners to end hunger and strengthen the social safety net in California.
• Represent the association at relevant committees and task forces, as well as speaking to the media and at various conferences and events
• Organize and lead periodic meetings, including annual Legislative Lobby Day; develop learning opportunities and build advocacy capacity among the membership
• Support program content and design of events, including the Bi-annual Food ACCESS Conference.
• Enhance the impact of our programs and the needs of our members by staying abreast of developments in food security, poverty, social safety net, and social justice conversations.
• Engage as an active leader in the cultural transformation through participation in meetings and events that shape the experience of all staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, or social services preferred, or equivalent experience; Minimum of 5 years of successful professional experience managing government affairs programs of a similar scope
• Experience advocating in the State of California is required, in both legislative and administrative capacities
• Knowledge of major hunger and anti-poverty programs, especially SNAP/CalFresh and TEFAP
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and allied organizations
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal), the ability to handle multiple projects and competing priorities and adapt to a fluid, high-growth environment
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Experience working with trade associations is desired
• Employment Details: We operate as an Oakland-based organization although this position will be based in Sacramento area. The role requires working from the Oakland office the 4th Wednesday each month.