Senior Manager, State Government Relations at Share Our Strength – Washington, District of Columbia

Since 1984, Share Our Strength® has led the fight against hunger and poverty by inspiring and organizing individuals and businesses to share their strengths. Today, through the No Kid Hungry campaign, Share Our Strength is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need. No child should go hungry in America – we’re on our way to making that a reality and we want you to join us. We’re bold, creative, always open to new ideas, and 100% dedicated to our mission. If that sounds like you, we’d like you to consider becoming part of our team.

The Senior Manager of State Government Relations will support Share Our Strength and its mission to end childhood hunger and poverty in America by advancing its state government relations efforts. The Senior Manager will collaborate with partners and stakeholders, as well as colleagues across Share Our Strength to develop and execute state government relations strategies and tactics to preserve and expand state access to nutrition assistance programs, track progress and course correct as needed to meet goals. The Senior Manager will also represent Share Our Strength in coalitions and in meetings with state-elected officials and legislative staff.

This position is preferably based in Washington, DC; but could be fully remote for the right candidate living outside of the D.C. area. The position offers a salary range of $81k-$87k. Exact compensation within the stated salary range may vary based on skills, experience, internal equity, and geographical location.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Associate Director of State Government Relations and in collaboration with the public policy team and internal state campaigns managers to identify state legislative priorities and lead the execution of assigned state government relations initiatives, including partnerships with local organizations, management of lobbyists, communications strategies, and development of legislation. This position may require to register as a lobbyist for Share Our Strength.
• Tracks and helps to advance state legislative goals, with a primary focus on SNAP-related policy changes at the state level. Will collaborate across internal teams to develop government relations strategies and identify and monitor campaign progress throughout the year.
• Oversee work and performance of contracted lobbyists supporting specific state campaigns.
• Creates materials and provides background research for state legislative activities, including briefings, hearings, and training webinars for advocate networks. Drafts testimony, letters of support, meeting requests, and other documents relevant to state policy campaigns.
• Maintains relationships with national organizations representing state elected officials and executes major events throughout the year that further government relations goals and priorities.
• Communicates progress and facilitates shared understanding of government relations metrics, strategies, tactics, and impact among external and internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Represents Share Our Strength to external audiences, including through presentations at conferences, community events, meetings with policymakers and similar forums.
• Provides strategic counsel and meaningful input to Government Relations and Advocacy and Share Our Strength Program Department’s leadership during annual planning and on other strategic matters.
• Partners with colleagues to support Share Our Strength's work to be a diverse and inclusive organization, and ensure this value is embedded in the organization and throughout our work.
• Leads organizational workgroups as needed and may manage an intern.
• Travel up to 20%

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in state-level issue advocacy, lobbying, or public policy. Preference for experience working on nutrition and anti-poverty policy change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of working with elected officials and coalitions.
• Expertise and history of SNAP advocacy through previous work, or knowledge of and/or experience working on anti-hunger and poverty policy change at the state level.
• Track record of developing and managing effective and collaborative partnerships both externally and internally, including ability to cultivate and maintain positive long-term relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to build diverse legislative coalitions and manage state relationships from across the ideological spectrum, aligned organizations and community leaders to achieve specific policy goals.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, organize, and prioritize multiple projects while identifying challenges and developing effective strategic recommendations.
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills, including experience presenting to high-level audiences.
• Expertise in monitoring and reporting on assigned state policy change efforts, including pending and enacted legislation, regulatory action, and other state developments as directed. Must be self-directed with excellent time and project management skills, with strict attention to detail and minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach and personal qualities that include drive, determination, flexibility, and open-mindedness.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFIT PLAN:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan which currently includes, but is not limited to, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement, wellness benefits, and paid time off (vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, holiday, parental leave, bereavement leave, military leave, and jury duty leave).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Share Our Strength is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, age, or any other classification protected by law.