Senior Manager of Policy

Greater Chicago Food Depository; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life & disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

On-site gym

ThrivePass wellness program

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

Greater Chicago Food Depository in Chicago seeks a Senior Manager of Policy to lead strategy development and execution across hunger, poverty, and racial equity. You will coordinate engagement with government agencies and advocacy networks, ensuring policy priorities reflect community needs and are implemented effectively.

This role requires 5+ years in public policy, strong understanding of SNAP/WIC/TEFAP, excellent communication, coalition-building, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of public policy, government relations, or advocacy experience.
• Strong understanding of federal nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, TEFAP) and local policy landscapes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of policy strategy across hunger, poverty, and racial equity.
• Serve as liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies; coordinate advocacy across partners.
• Monitor legislation and policies; draft policy solutions and coalition-friendly language.
• Represent the Food Depository in coalitions, working groups, and public forums.
• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials.

Skills

Policy strategy

Government relations

Stakeholder engagement

Coalition-building

Communications

Racial equity

Job description

Position SummaryThe Senior Manager of Policy will lead the development and execution of strategies toadvance the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s policy agenda. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of policy issues related to hunger, poverty, and racial equity, and for coordinating the organization’s engagement with government agencies and advocacy efforts across its partner network. The Senior Manager of Policy will work closely with internal teams, community partners, and policymakers to ensure that the Food Depository’s policy priorities are informed by community needs and effectively implemented.Key ResponsibilitiesManage a comprehensive policy strategy that supports the Food Depository’s mission to end hunger and address its root causes. Serve as a policy expert and advisor internally for portfolio of policy areas.Serve as the primary liaison to government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, as relevant for policy portfolio, ensuring consistent and strategic engagement.Lead implementation of a cross-departmental strategy for agency advocacy, including training, messaging, and coordination across departments.Monitor, research and analyze legislation, regulations, and administrative policies that impact food insecurity, nutrition programs, and social safety net systems.Provide legislative and administrative policy solutions (e.g. bill and regulation drafting, dot-connecting, collaborating with other organizations to effectuate change)Collaborate with the Community Engagement and Government Affairs teams to align policy efforts with grassroots advocacy and community priorities. Support government relations and community engagement teams where necessary.Represent the Food Depository in coalitions, working groups, and public forums to advance shared policy goals.Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and other materials to support advocacy efforts and inform stakeholders.QualificationsMinimum 5 years of experience in public policy, government relations, or advocacy, preferably in anti-hunger, public health, or social justice sectors.Demonstrated ability to develop and execute policy strategies and engage with government agencies.Strong understanding of federal nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, TEFAP) and state/local policy landscapes.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.Proven experience in coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.Commitment to racial equity and community-centered policy development.Benefits:• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage• Employer-paid life and disability insurance• Employee Assistance Program• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution• Generous paid time off• Parental leave• On-site gym• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program• $250 employee referral bonus