Grassroots Advocacy Manager

Second Harvest Heartland

Grassroots Advocacy Manager

At Second Harvest Heartland, we believe our differences make us stronger. We draw strength from the unique experiences of each and every employee and our community. We aspire to foster an inclusive culture – in the way we interact with each other and in every area of our work. We commit to advancing equity to make Second Harvest Heartland a better place to work, to be a better partner and to inspire a community where equity is a driver to ultimately end hunger.

Join our Public Affairs team as a Grassroots Advocacy Manager. The Grassroots Advocacy Manager organizes and supports advocacy activities involving external stakeholders in support of public policies that advance both organizational and system-wide goals. This role also develops and communicates information designed to inform stakeholders about the organization’s issue positions, advocacy activities, and accomplishments as well as leads external advocacy communications and prepares stakeholders to communicate effectively about shared policy priorities at the state and federal levels. The Grassroots Advocacy Manager represents the organization at public meetings and events and through partner collaboration and coalition building activities where public policy and advocacy are the primary focus.

Starting Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD annually / Dependent on Qualifications and Experience.

Work Schedule: 

• Hybrid, Full-Time, 40 hours / week. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Public Affairs and other leaders of the organization to create a stakeholder engagement plan in support of the organization’s policy agenda.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advocacy activities with the state’s five other Feeding America food banks as well as agency and program partners, and provide proactive support for advocacy-focused events, legislative activities, and public-facing communications.
• Convene and/or join coalitions that can help advance policies to end hunger and serve as the primary representative for the organization in advocacy-focused nonprofit collaborations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials and their staff at the state level along with relevant state agency partners.
• Provide editorial guidance in the development, drafting, and distribution of communication tools for use by external stakeholders, building template tools for customized needs and training.
• Work closely with the Partner Communications Specialist to develop strong partnerships and effective communications related to public affairs and advocacy. 
• Develop and implement effective grassroots advocacy campaigns to demonstrate public support for policy initiatives.
• Support recruitment, training, and development of grassroots and grasstops volunteers.
• Support planning and management of state lobby days and state and federal grassroots lobbying activities.
• Conduct trainings as needed for volunteers and agency partners to prepare them for interactions with elected officials.
• Manage and support the work of the Public Affairs Communications Specialist.

Must Have:

• A combination of education and experience generally attained through a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, public affairs, or a related field.
• An understanding of how productive coalitions function and how effective partnerships can help drive desired policy change.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both in oral and written form.
• Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects.
• Previous experience working with state elected officials and/or state agencies a plus.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office, Office 365, and the ability to learn other computer software programs.
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

Nice to Have: 

• At least 5 plus years of related experience.
• Knowledge of and interest in non-profit organizations or government advocacy, experience related to hunger-relief a plus.
• Innovative, creative, and forward-looking approach to communications
• Experience working with public-facing advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal level
• Knowledge of, experience with, and/or passion for the work of the emergency food relief system and anti-hunger policy at the state and/or federal level
• Comfortable with independent work, ability to manage schedule and responsibility with minimal oversight.
• Bilingual in other languages desired (Spanish, Somali, Hmong)

Our Values:

• We deliver.
• We lead with our hearts.
• We innovate.
• We are all in this together.
• We believe our differences make us stronger.

Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer. 

Benefits include: 9 paid holidays each calendar year, plus 4 extra well-being days, up to 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with the option to carry over up to 20 hours to the following calendar year, 8 hours of volunteer time off to serve community each calendar year, up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents, and more! Learn more about our benefits package here. 

Second Harvest Heartland believes no one should ever go hungry, as our region produces more than enough food for everyone. Helping hungry neighbors find their next meal—so they can thrive at work, in the classroom and in their communities—is what drives Second Harvest Heartland, its partners and supporters. Beyond feeding hungry neighbors, Second Harvest Heartland believes in the importance of our work to help sustain our environment.