Associate Director, State Government Relations

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.

This position is preferably based in Washington, DC; but could be fully remote for the right candidate. The position offers a salary range of $102k-$115k. Exact compensation within the stated salary range may vary based on skills, experience, internal equity, and geographical location.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads work related to Share Our Strength’s state legislative and regulatory priorities, including partnering with our State Campaign Team and state-based partners in the development and execution of strategies and work plans to achieve state policy goals, as well as general relationship building and issue education. This position may be required to register as a lobbyist for Share Our Strength.
• Works with our Policy team and state-based contract lobbyists to monitor legislation and legislative trends impacting nutrition and anti-poverty programs and provides timely analysis and response. Collaborates on the drafting of legislative and regulatory policy to meet the organization’s goals.
• Manage and maintains strong and effective relationships with state officials, staff and external partners on state policy and legislative issues. This includes managing difficult conversations, finding shared common ground, and identifying and establishing new partnerships.
• Support and drives Share Our Strength to reach our goals by providing ongoing feedback, conducting regular needs and progress assessments, identifying barriers and opportunities, developing strategies, and marshalling resources from across the organization.
• Develops an understanding of broader organizational goals and strategies and partners with colleagues on the Advocacy and Government Relations Team to leverage our resources most effectively across local, state, and federal government in furtherance of organizational goals.
• Provides strategic counsel and guidance as a member of the Advocacy and Government Relations leadership team during campaign development, execution, and policy implementation and during annual planning or other strategic matters.
• Overseas and leverages our partnerships with external associations of state elected officials to increase education, awareness, and alignment of our policy priorities among state policymakers.
• Partner with colleagues to support Share Our Strength's work to be a diverse and inclusive organization, and ensuring this value is embedded in the organization and throughout our work.
• Travel up to 20%.

SUPERVISION:

This position has supervisory responsibilities of Senior Managers of State Government Relations and may also manage interns and external consultants as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred but not required.
• 6-9 years of relevant experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a focus on state-level issue advocacy, lobbying, or public policy.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated success at developing and managing effective and collaborative policy change partnerships with defined results.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on multi-step, detail-oriented projects in a fluid environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting to high-level audiences.
• Interest in anti-hunger, food justice and anti-poverty issues.
• MS Office proficiency.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

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.