Advocacy Manager

The Advocacy Manager works closely with the Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO) to implement a public policy agenda that increases awareness and advances the Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in Alaska. The Advocacy Manager will continue to develop Food Bank of Alaska’s position of anti-hunger leadership in the state through strong relationships with partners at the local, state, and national levels and will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders; promote nutritious, dignified, and affordable food access. This position requires foundational skills in project administration, network development, event planning & management, and a genuine willingness to learn.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Assist Chief Advocacy Officer to develop and implement a public policy agenda that advances Food Bank of Alaska’s mission to end hunger in our state. Conduct outreach and facilitate listening sessions with partner agencies, and employ other tactics to identify, engage, and prepare low-income community members to be effective advocates and leaders in the fight against hunger and poverty.

· Regularly advise, consult and inform state and local policy makers and staff regarding issues affecting hunger and nutrition.

· Educate agencies and partners on public policy and partner with key agencies to build their advocacy capacity.

· Create and distribute policy briefs, talking points, action alerts, and support materials.

· Participate in research efforts with community partners to develop FBA’s position as the clearinghouse on local and national hunger and poverty statistics.

· Community education about hunger and root causes through formal presentations, interviews, and relationship management (as related to public policy).

· Attend policy conferences, forums, and similar events and share acquired information with employees and other stakeholders.

· Track and report advocacy activities.

· Be an engaged member of the Advocacy Department and Food Bank of Alaska team.

· Supervise other advocacy staff as assigned.

1.   Manage the Alaska Food Coalition (AFC)

· Build and maintain relationships with new and existing coalition partners across the state.

· Work with existing AFC members and steering committee to activate coalition members around policy issues relating to hunger, including root cause issues.

· Connect with existing advocacy groups around root cause issues and develop partnerships.

· Engage coalition members through monthly teleconferences, action alerts, policy briefs, newsletters, face to face meetings, and other appropriate activities.

· Report on coalition activities to the State of Alaska quarterly.

· Lead AFC strategic planning process and outputs.

· Direct and facilitate annual Juneau legislative fly-in for anti-hunger advocates.

· Manage AFC mini-grant process.

2.   Public Policy

· Educate and inform state and local elected officials and staff on hunger/root cause issues.

· Build and maintain connections with state and local elected officials and staff in coordination with the Chief Advocacy Officer to advance policy agenda of addressing hunger and its root causes.

· Maintain and develop legislative tracker(s) regularly and share with coalition members as appropriate.

· Maintain and update lobbying and advocacy activity tracker(s).

· Support the CAO in federal and administrative advocacy efforts, activate coalition members as needed.

3. Grassroots Advocacy

· Create learning opportunities for individuals interested in anti-hunger advocacy.

· Research, develop and coordinate grassroots campaigns and activities, including engaging our network in calls to action, email campaigns, and other efforts as appropriate.

· Inform online and digital advocacy efforts, including advocacy information and calls to action through social media, and the FBA website.

· Identify, engage, and prepare people with lived experience of hunger to be effective advocates for their own stories.

· Work across FBA departments to build meaningful neighbor relationships and coordinate story collecting and advocacy efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Ideal candidates will have a BA in a related field and plus a minimum of 2 years’ experience in policy, grassroots organizing, coalition building or management, or similar areas.

· Strong communication skills; demonstrated ability as a capable writer, a comfortable public speaker, and a skilled, proactive interpersonal communicator.

· The ability to build relationships, foster partnerships, and work collaboratively.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines, and the ability to shift from detail-oriented work to big-picture strategy.

· Demonstrated experience working with groups in a collaborative fashion to form and achieve common goals.

· Knowledge and awareness of the Alaska Legislature and the legislative process.

· Demonstrated experience and comfort with technology.

· Valid Alaska driver’s license and the willingness to travel in Alaska.

Here are some of the amazing benefits that come with this position:

• A Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold plan with very low employee costs.
• Principle Dental and Vision at a very low cost to employees.
• Free Life Insurance and AD&D.
• Paid time off, starting with 3 weeks accrued in the first year, increasing every year to 6 weeks.
• Approximately 13 paid holidays which include a full week in December. In addition, paid “snow days” when weather conditions force workplace closures.
• A 403b retirement plan with an employer match.
• Hybrid/ flexible schedule opportunities.
• A Wellness Reimbursement Plan.
• An outstanding team and work environment.
• Administrative offices are pet friendly.
• Regular fun events for staff with contests, prizes, and food.
• A shared leave bank to cover employees when they have emergencies and have exhausted their personal leave.

This is a full-time exempt position which reports to the Chief of Advocacy. The annual salary for this position is $55,000 -$62,500. To apply send a resume and cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Public Speaking: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $62,500