Advocacy & Policy Director

The Rome Group; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

401(k) match

Comprehensive benefits

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Professional growth

Job summary

The St. Louis Area Foodbank seeks a Director of Advocacy to lead nonpartisan public policy, community engagement, and systems advocacy across the bi-state region.

You will shape an advocacy strategy grounded in evidence, build partnerships, and advance equitable access to food and essential resources. Reporting to the VP of Community Impact and Innovation, you will represent the Foodbank with elected officials, coalitions, and community partners, ensure compliance with nonprofit lobbying rules,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, Communications, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven (7)+ years of experience in advocacy, government relations, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of federal and state safety net programs, including SNAP and TEFAP.
• Demonstrated experience building constructive relationships with elected officials across political affiliations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills.
• Ability to analyze policy issues objectively and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Required commitment to carrying out all responsibilities in a nonpartisan manner, exercising sound judgment and maintaining professional relationships across political viewpoints.
• Ability to keep personal political views separate from the Foodbank’s advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a nonpartisan, issue-focused advocacy agenda aligned with the mission and long-term goals of the SLAFB
• Monitor legislation, regulations, and policy trends impacting hunger relief, food security, nutrition assistance, and social services
• Analyze emerging policy issues and provide strategic recommendations to organizational leadership
• Represent the SLAFB in meetings with elected officials, government agencies, coalitions, and community stakeholders with professionalism, diplomacy, credibility, and a consistent nonpartisan approach
• Draft factual, nonpartisan policy briefs, testimony, advocacy materials, and public statements that clearly communicate complex issues to diverse audiences without supporting or opposing candidates for elective public office
• Ensure advocacy activities comply with applicable requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations, including the prohibition on political campaign intervention and applicable lobbying limits.
• Coordinate with leadership to obtain appropriate review and maintain required activity and expense records; do not use the Foodbank’s name, resources, or platforms to support or oppose candidates or political parties.

Skills

Communication skills

Policy analysis

Relationship building

Public speaking

Nonpartisan advocacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The St. Louis Area Foodbank seeks a Director of Advocacy to lead nonpartisan public policy, community engagement, and systems advocacy across the bi-state region.

You will shape an advocacy strategy grounded in evidence, build partnerships, and advance equitable access to food and essential resources. Reporting to the VP of Community Impact and Innovation, you will represent the Foodbank with elected officials, coalitions, and community partners, ensure compliance with nonprofit lobbying rules,