Public Policy and Legislation Senior Manager

OVERVIEW OF MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety, and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research, and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Policy and Legislation Senior Manager at Meals on Wheels America supports all public policy and legislative efforts led by the Advocacy Department. This position conducts data analysis and legislative tracking, writes documents including issue briefs, public comment letters, and testimony, tracks emerging policy issues, supports relationship management with Congressional offices, and helps develop and advance the organization’s policy priorities. The Public Policy and Legislation Senior Manager represents Meals on Wheels America at external meetings, anti-hunger and aging coalitions, and other publicly facing events.

The position reports to the Senior Director, Government Relations and is an Arlington, VA-based, flexible hybrid working role. There is no weekly in-office requirement; however, the ability to visit the office as needed is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies, analyzes, and monitors key policy, legislative, and regulatory issues related to Meals on Wheels advocacy priorities such as annual appropriations, healthcare, charitable tax issues, and federal nutrition and aging services programs.
• Conducts research and analysis of issues to inform policy positions. Develops and presents materials for a variety of audiences including advocacy, research, media, online, and social media. Supports organizational communications efforts.
• Develops concise, accessible, and accurate briefing documents, issue papers, and timely summaries of key public policy, legislative, and regulatory issues for internal and external purposes.
• Participates in drafting and developing public correspondence, testimony, and comments consistent with the mission and priorities of Meals on Wheels America.
• Partners with staff across departments to develop communications and maintain consistent messaging to advance legislative and policy agenda and to inform Member programs, Meals on Wheels donors, and the general public.
• Manages and supports the monitoring, tracking, implementation, and outcome evaluation of projects to ensure alignment with organizational goals, ensuring project timelines, deliverables, and milestones are met efficiently and in alignment with the organizational strategic plan.
• Contributes to formal publications and presentations issued by Meals on Wheels America as approved and/or directed by Senior Director, Government Relations.
• Conducts data organization and analysis related to legislative and policy priorities and manages the annual review and update of the national and state fact sheet resources in collaboration with Meals on Wheels America staff.
• Responsible for managing key databases and online platforms to support advocacy and lobbying efforts.
• Under the direction of the Senior Director, Government Relations, coordinates with other advocates and national organizations on public policy input, letters, and calls to action, as well as represents Meals on Wheels America’s legislative priorities at external meetings, with coalitions, and on Capitol Hill.
• Represents Meals on Wheels America at coalition meetings and builds consensus in support of senior nutrition and social connection programs and policies.
• Assists in briefing and providing support to Meals on Wheels America leadership, Members, and staff regarding policies, research and data, and notable developments that affect or otherwise relate to Meals on Wheels programs and populations they serve.
• Supports efforts to research, monitor, strategize, and engage in state advocacy efforts.
• Contributes to health policy programmatic, advocacy, and member support activities.
• Completes administrative requirements such as regular reporting, data management, timesheets, and financial reporting in an accurate and timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS

• A minimum of four years’ experience working in congressional or legislative affairs, anti-hunger or aging (seniors) organizations, health policy, or related fields. Post-secondary education preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process. Knowledge of U.S. food and nutrition programs affecting vulnerable communities and policy issues impacting older adults is a plus.
• Proven ability to represent an organization in a nonpartisan manner.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to identify and target audiences and communicate complex ideas or issues tailored to the audience, using appropriate formats and media.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including the ability to reach across racial, ethnic, generational, socioeconomic, rural/urban, and religious lines and applying a racial equity lens to their work and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to create positive collaborative relationships with external partners.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, including the ability to conduct research and in-depth analysis of complex policy issues and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent communications, research, and project management skills.
• Computer skills required, including proficiency in Microsoft Teams and Office suite, especially Excel, and experience utilizing and managing online communications tools is a plus.
• Proven ability to multitask and be flexible enough to meet the needs of the Association in an ever-changing political environment.
• Familiarity with Zoom, Teams, and other virtual meeting, webinar, and training platforms is a plus.
• Experience developing written materials (analyses, reports, talking points, etc.).
• Excels working independently and in a team-based, collaborative working environment to advance the mission, values, and goals.
• Models the Association’s cultural attributes of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment, and Service, augmented by a strong commitment to Race Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Candidates meeting 75% or more of the above qualifications should apply.

Meals on Wheels America is an Inclusive Workforce/Employer and encourages applications from qualified persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and disability.

Learn more here