Director of Legislative Affairs

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $135,000 to $150,000

Description

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), “Your Food and Health Watchdog,” is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations, with a 50-year record of fighting for public health and a food system that makes healthy, sustainable food accessible to all. We’ve led efforts to pass sweeping federal legislation that has shaped the food and nutrition environment in the United States.

These include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act and menu labeling provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which require nutrition information for packaged and restaurant foods; the Food Safety Modernization Act, which gave authority to the FDA to recall contaminated foods; and the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, which requires clear labeling of foods containing leading allergens.

CSPI also engages in regulatory advocacy and supports state and local policies to improve nutrition and food environments, food safety (e.g., banning unsafe food chemicals, reforming the GRAS loophole), and leveraging the power of public programs to improve nutrition and public health (e.g., school foods, SNAP, and the broader charitable food system).

CSPI is searching for a Director of Legislative Affairs to serve as the lead lobbyist for the organization. The Director of Legislative Affairs, in partnership with issue area leads, will develop and implement strategic policy objectives at the federal level and support efforts in key states as needed. This position leads and oversees legislative and federal advocacy and outreach activities to achieve CSPI’s campaign goals on a variety of issue areas.

The Director of Legislative Affairs reports to the Vice President of Programs, supervises two full-time staff and (periodically) interns, and collaborates closely with various issue area leads. This position must be based in CSPI’s DC office, where we offer a hybrid work environment. Employees in the DC office may choose to work from home or in the office, though this role will need to come to the office for in-person meetings occasionally.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Legislative Strategy and Direction

• Provide strategic thinking, oversight, coordination, and management of CSPI’s congressional priorities related to nutrition, food safety, and health.
• Establish, manage, maintain, and oversee relationships with federal legislative officials and staff, government agencies, coalition partners, and other stakeholders to advance CSPI’s public policy agenda.
• Lead all lobbying activities for CSPI, including the planning and execution of Hill days. Create and ensure systems are in place to manage legislative relationships and track national legislation.
• Collaborate with cross-organizational teams (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Advocacy, Engagement, Science, and Communications) on shared goals and strategies.
• Identify research gaps (e.g., scientific, legal, or policy) to further CSPI policy priorities and projects.
• Lead and organize Hill briefings, coalition events, webinars, and trainings.

Communications and Outreach

• Lead engagement and outreach strategy for the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA) – a 520-member coalition coordinated by CSPI.
• Draft, review, and manage the development and dissemination of fact sheets, reports, letters, social media posts, infographics, and talking points.
• Prepare and present testimony, policy memos, agendas, and organizational statements for hearings or public meetings.
• Represent CSPI at conferences, meetings, and in coalitions, and serve as a spokesperson on congressional affairs in the media.

Staff Management

• Mentor, manage, and support a team of two staff (and occasional interns) to implement the overall federal and legislative strategy.
• Build a cohesive team culture by modeling CSPI core values.
• Identify and support professional development opportunities and provide ongoing performance evaluation.

Budget Management and Fundraising

• Develop and manage an annual budget for the Legislative Affairs department.
• Manage grant deliverables and budgets for relevant projects.
• Collaborate with the Development department to explore opportunities for fundraising to support Congressional priorities and NANA activities.

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to CSPI’s work and mission.
• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of professional work experience related to the role; or advanced degree and 8 years of professional work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience leading and setting strategy for a multi-faceted legislative portfolio and managing staff.
• Substantial federal lobbying and legislative experience with a proven track record of successful advocacy outcomes.
• Excellent judgment and consistent professionalism, with the ability to take responsibility for multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to speak effectively and persuasively before diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with policy and regulatory campaigns, coalitions, and partners with diverse policy perspectives.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of public health and social justice.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications and familiarity with web-based advocacy tools such as CongressPlus and MailChimp.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public health, food, or nutrition policy.
• Experience in coalition building and strategic oversight of a large policy portfolio.
• Experience working as a staff member within a U.S. Congressional office or committee.
• Commitment and/or experience in advancing evidence-based and community-informed policies.

CSPI on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging. Our core values include:

• We are inclusive: We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences and perspectives.
• We are open: We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other.
• We are collaborative: We work together for the common good and shared success.
• We are accountable: We assume responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes.

Compensation

The salary range is $135,000 to $150,000, based on experience. CSPI offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 3 weeks of annual vacation leave and paid holiday leave (Dec 24 – Jan 1).
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with significant employer contributions.
• 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months.
• 1/2 day Fridays (36-hour work week).

To Apply

Please utilize CSPI’s Paylocity Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to apply. You are required to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with priority given to applications submitted by March 20, 2026.

CSPI is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, disabilities, religions, and races to apply.