Government Relations Manager - Illinois
About The Position
Operation Food Search (OFS) is a hunger relief organization founded in 1981, dedicated to reducing food insecurity and increasing equitable access to food through food provision, nutrition education, and innovative programs. OFS serves 200,000 people monthly across Missouri and Illinois via a network of 330 partners. The organization combines immediate food assistance with long-term solutions and systemic change advocacy. OFS's mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions for today and a hunger-free tomorrow, with a vision of a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need for healthy lives. The Government Relations Manager will support the Director of Government & Community Relations in monitoring and responding to federal, state, and local legislation impacting food access and poverty issues. This role requires experience in community engagement, legislative analysis, and working with diverse populations, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in public administration, political science, journalism, legal studies, or other relevant field preferred, or 3+ years of relevant work experience in government and public policy required.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience.
- Ability to develop sound, data-driven communication.
- Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to racial and health equity.
- Travel required for meetings, events, and conferences.
- Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities.
- Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in Illinois preferred.
- Experience managing projects and programs.
- Resourceful self-starter.
- Effective interpersonal communication skills, rapport-building, and emotional intelligence.
- Experience as a legislative aide, government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus.
- Background in government, communication, and community outreach a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provide research and data support to the Director of Government & Community Relations to develop and implement OFS’s strategic policy agenda.
- Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including the federal safety net and poverty legislative policies, specifically in Illinois with support to Missouri.
- Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi-state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.
- Direct experience leading legislative and policy programs.
- Manage projects and programs.
- Contribute to the development of legislative testimonies, fact sheets, policy briefs, and white papers.
- Identify and foster opportunities for OFS to collaboratively advance policy and program goals with community organizations, agencies, elected officials, and other bi-state non-profits, associations, and coalitions.
- Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including on projects where appropriate.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- HRA and FSA
- 401(k) retirement plan (Safe Harbor)
- Vacation and sick time, paid holidays and birthday
- Short and long-term disability income
- Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
- Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness support
- Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
