Northern Illinois Food Bank

Job Title Description:  Senior Manager of Public Policy and Benefits

Classification: Exempt 

Reports To: Chief Impact Officer

Date Updated:  November 2024

Summary/Objective 

The Senior Manager of Public Policy and Benefits plays a critical role in advancing Northern Illinois Food Bank's mission by overseeing both public benefits outreach and advocacy efforts. This position will lead the organization in securing vital resources for food-insecure individuals and families while advocating for policies that strengthen the social safety net.

Essential Functions 

Benefits Access:

• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage a team of Benefits Access Coordinators to ensure efficient and effective program delivery.
• Program Management: Develop, monitor, and maintain program budgets and reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Benefits Enrollment: Oversee the enrollment of eligible individuals and families in federal benefits programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and Medicare Savings Program.
• Technology Utilization: Leverage technology platforms like Salesforce, Dial Pad, and Microsoft SharePoint to streamline operations and enhance program impact.
• Community Engagement: Represent the Food Bank's programs with agency and community partners to foster collaboration and strengthen the social safety net.

Advocacy:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement the annual Advocacy Agenda, aligning with the organization's strategic goals.
• Team Leadership: Lead and manage the internal cross-collaborative Advocacy Team, fostering a culture of advocacy and empowering staff to engage in policy change.
• Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials and their staff at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with like-minded organizations to strengthen the anti-hunger movement and amplify the Food Bank's voice.
• Policy Engagement: Represent the Food Bank at government affairs events, meetings, and hearings.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Coordinate advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., and Springfield, IL to engage in grassroots advocacy.
• Impact Measurement: Track and report on advocacy efforts and outcomes, demonstrating the Food Bank's impact on policy change and public benefits access.

Communications and Outreach:

• Strategic Communications: Develop and distribute effective advocacy communications to key stakeholders, including policymakers, media, and the general public.
• Knowledge Management: Maintain the Advocacy Research Library and Elected Official profiles, ensuring access to up-to-date information and resources.
• Content Creation: Support the Marketing Communications team in creating compelling advocacy-related content, such as blog posts, social media messages, and press releases.
• Government Partnerships: Collaborate with Philanthropy and Food Procurement teams to secure funding and food resources from government entities.

Other Duties                                            

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public policy, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience, including team management and supervision.
• Deep understanding of public benefits programs, particularly SNAP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant database software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for the Food Bank's mission and commitment to social justice.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Experience

• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.
• Experience in government relations or public policy
• Knowledge of grassroots advocacy techniques

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises full and part-time program staff both in the office and remotely.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and in the field. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printer/copiers, fax machines and mobile equipment such as Wi-Fi hotspots and portable printers/scanners. Driving to remote locations is also regularly required with one's own vehicle. 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate both in person and remotely. This is largely a sedentary role; however, both office work and field work is required. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, bend or stand on a stool as necessary, and drive long distances. Some national travel is required. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are mostly Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the occasional evening and weekend hours. Local travel and some national travel is required. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the "core" work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must work at least 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status.

Position Location

This position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location.

Travel

Local travel up to 20% of the time is required. National travel of less than 5% of the time is required. 

AAP/EEO Statement

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer