Government Relations Director

The California Association of Food Banks is proud to amplify the voice of food banks on behalf of hungry Californians. We do this by influencing public policy, enhancing the social safety net, ensuring that fresh produce and healthy proteins are available to all Californians, connecting hungry residents with nutrition programs, and supporting our 42-member food banks in their work to feed our communities.

Job Summary

The Government Relations Director is responsible for leading the legislative and administrative advocacy work in support of the Association’s annual state policy agenda. This position works closely with the Vice President of Advocacy & Public Affairs to develop the annual policy agenda and works in close collaboration with member food banks and the association’s lobbyist to see this work to fruition. This position also works closely with national partners, legislative offices, and state program administrators.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Play a leadership role in developing CAFB’s annual state policy agenda
• In coordination with the VP of Advocacy & Public Policy, develop and implement a strategy for advancing policy goals with key decision-makers in the California legislative and executive branches
• Engage in a range of activities to advocate for priorities individually and in conjunction with coalition partners
• Proactively address emerging policy issues for California-specific policies
• In collaboration with CAFB leaders, develop and implement campaigns to support CAFB’s policy agenda and the broader food safety net
• Collaborate and direct research that captures data necessary to advance the Association’s policy agenda

External Collaborations

• Maintain CAFB’s presence, reputation, and relationships with members of the state legislature and state agency officials to ensure their understanding of food bank network needs and the state of hunger in California
• Foster collaborations and partnerships with other organizations to advance our mission; staff a range of statewide coalitions and offer a bridge to action for members
• Represent CAFB on relevant state committees and task forces, with the media, and at various conferences and events

Member Engagement

• Host forums of conversation and regular feedback loops for members to provide up-to-date policy information, surface policy priorities, and affirm strategic priorities for department work
• Provide strategic consultation and support to members as they seek policy solutions for their food bank
• Organize periodic meetings, including CAFB’s annual Capital Action Day; develop learning opportunities and build advocacy capacity among the membership
• Support program content and design of CAFB events, including the Annual Food ACCESS Conference
• Enhance the impact of our programs and the needs of our members by staying abreast of developments in food security, poverty, social safety net, and social justice conversations

Management Leadership

• Effectively manage a team of high-performing staff and contractors
• Engage as an active leader in the cultural transformation of CAFB through participation in meetings and events that shape the experience of all CAFB staff

Organizational Design

• Reports to the Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy
• Oversees 1–2 staff and a lobbyist
• Salary: $100,000–$125,000
• This is a Sacramento-based position but requires one day a week in our Oakland headquarters
• 30% travel between Oakland, conferences, and member food banks

Qualifications

Education, Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, or social services preferred, or equivalent experience; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of successful professional experience managing government affairs programs of a similar scope
• Experience advocating in the State of California is required, in both legislative and administrative capacities
• Knowledge of hunger and anti-poverty programs, especially SNAP/CalFresh and TEFAP
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and allied organizations
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Commitment to the mission of CAFB; preference will be given for lived experience associated with services/programs in alignment with our mission

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal)
• Ability to handle multiple projects and competing priorities, and adapt to a fluid, high-growth environment
• Commitment to CAFB’s values of diversity, inclusiveness, collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds; demonstrates a knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs

Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented and diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws in our recruiting and hiring practices. We are an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination.

If this sounds like a job you can excel in, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] and tell us why.