Advocacy & Public Policy Director

St. Louis Area Foodbank; Bridgeton (MO); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

Generous PTO and holidays

403(b) retirement plan with company 64

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term disability

Job summary

The St. Louis Area Foodbank seeks a Director of Advocacy to lead public policy, community engagement, and systems advocacy across the bi-state region. You will drive an advocacy strategy, influence hunger-related policy, and represent the organization with officials, coalitions, and partners.

You will work onsite with occasional remote flexibility, collaborating across departments and with volunteers to expand access to food and essential resources while measuring impact and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, Communications, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in advocacy, government relations, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
• Strong understanding of federal and state safety net programs (e.g., SNAP, TEFAP).
• Demonstrated experience building relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills.
• Ability to analyze policy issues and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic advocacy agenda aligned with SLAFB's mission and goals.
• Monitor legislation, regulations, and policy trends impacting hunger relief and food security.
• Draft policy briefs, testimony, advocacy materials, and public statements for diverse audiences.
• Represent SLAFB in meetings with officials, agencies, coalitions, and community stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, partner agencies, and community leaders.
• Lead coalition-building efforts and collaborate across sectors to advance advocacy priorities.
• Partner with Marketing to develop advocacy-focused campaigns and messaging.

Skills

Public policy

Advocacy

Communication

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy/Political Science/Social Work/Communications/Nonprofit Leadership

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The St. Louis Area Foodbank seeks a Director of Advocacy to lead public policy, community engagement, and systems advocacy across the bi-state region. You will drive an advocacy strategy, influence hunger-related policy, and represent the organization with officials, coalitions, and partners.

You will work onsite with occasional remote flexibility, collaborating across departments and with volunteers to expand access to food and essential resources while measuring impact and outcomes.