Chief Government Relations Officer (Washington, DC / Hybrid)

Feeding America • Washington, DC

118d • $250,000 - $300,000

About The Position

The Chief Government Relations Officer (CGRO) will oversee and lead Feeding America's public policy and government relations efforts to advance its mission of ending hunger. The CGRO is responsible for developing and executing strategies to increase food resources and funds available to food banks, advocating for anti-hunger policies, and ensuring Feeding America is positioned as a leader in hunger-related public policy.

Requirements

• Highly experienced and respected leader in government relations with deep connections and established relationships on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies.
• Exceptional gravitas, credibility, and influence to navigate complex legislative and regulatory processes.
• Proven ability to advocate persuasively, negotiate effectively, and build strategic alliances with policymakers, stakeholders, and Feeding America's network leaders.
• Robust policy expertise, ideally including a deep understanding of federal legislative processes and anti-hunger programs such as SNAP and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
• Strong connections with lawmakers, USDA officials, and other key stakeholders.
• Track record of leading high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across diverse constituencies.
• Commitment to Feeding America's mission and equity-focused organizational culture.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in bipartisan coalition building.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to communicate clearly and persuasively across stakeholders.
• Ability to inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence and passion for Feeding America's mission.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead Feeding America's public policy and government relations functions to advance the organization's mission of ending hunger.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to increase food resources and funding available to food banks, including promotion of federal and state anti-hunger policies.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO on legislative, regulatory, and policy issues impacting Feeding America and its network.
• Build and maintain strong, influential relationships with policymakers, federal agencies (including USDA), legislators, and other external stakeholders to shape and defend critical hunger-relief programs such as SNAP and TEFAP.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of 17 staff in Washington, DC, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partner with the Advocacy team to mobilize and engage Feeding America's network, including food bank CEOs and community leaders, to advocate for impactful anti-hunger policies and increase the network's advocacy capacity.
• Guide the transition from strategy development to operationalization of Feeding America's 2030 goals, ensuring policy and advocacy efforts are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Advocacy & Community Partnerships, Marketing & Communications, Development, Supply Chain, Research) to integrate policy and advocacy work across the organization.
• Represent Feeding America and its network at governmental hearings, legislative forums, coalition meetings, and with key partners to advance the organization's policy agenda.
• Provide regular policy communications and technical assistance to network members, ensuring alignment and effective engagement on federal hunger-related initiatives.
• Engage regularly with the PEAC and other relevant committees within the Feeding America Network to ensure strategic alignment and transparency in decision making.
• Oversee the planning and execution of the annual Lobby Day and other events that catalyze stakeholders to lobby for anti-hunger policies.
• Manage department budget and prioritize resources to maximize advocacy impact.
• Lead special projects and pursue innovative approaches to advancing Feeding America's public policy agenda.

Benefits

• Transparent salary ranges and clearly defined practices for salary progression.
• Regular merit increases and step promotions.
• Comprehensive benefits available to full-time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Social Assistance