Government & Community Relations Director

Operation Food Search; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in hunger relief seeks a Director of Government & Community Relations to drive systemic change through advocacy and community engagement. This role involves managing a team, developing legislative strategies, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance food security initiatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Vacation and sick time

Long-term disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in advocacy and policy roles.
• Minimum 2 years of supervision and staff management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Government & Community Relations Department.
• Develop legislative strategies in Missouri and Illinois.
• Cultivate relationships with government entities and community stakeholders.

Skills

Advocacy

Policy Analysis

Community Engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Description

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education, and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Director of Government & Community Relations reports to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and shall promote and support efforts to create systemic change through community-based networks through legislative process and legislative advocacy with elected officials. This person will lead, support, and provide oversight to the various initiatives within the department that may include participating in research studies, convening stakeholders, contributing to Operation Food Search's media presence, partnering with other community organizations, and centering community voice.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and manage the Government & Community Relations Department, including setting strategic direction, overseeing work plans, assigning responsibilities, and supervising staff such as the Manager of Community Food Systems, future team members, and interns.
• Develop and guide legislative strategies in Missouri and Illinois, ensuring alignment with Operation Food Search's mission and strategic goals in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer.
• Foster systems-level change through cross-functional and transdisciplinary initiatives, with a specific focus on advancing community impact in Illinois.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with federal, state, and local government entities, civic organizations, and community stakeholders to advance policy priorities.
• Apply policy analysis, data, and storytelling to elevate key issues and influence decision-making among policymakers and partners.
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing programmatic data and content for grant proposals and reports, participating in funder visits, and assisting with grant-related budgeting as needed.
• Oversee financial planning for the department by developing and managing the annual program budget in collaboration with senior leaders.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of professional experience in advocacy and policy roles.
• A minimum of two years of supervision and staff management.
• Experience in program development and implementation with a strategic and intentional approach.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in the food security, food justice, and healthcare field(s).
• Knowledge of local community organizations and programs, as well as the Federal Safety Net Programs.
• Experience managing a comprehensive government and community relations program.
• Experience developing and administering departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities.
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don't fall under regular job duties.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary employee-paid short-term disability insurance
• Term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.