Policy Associate

Center for Science in the Public Interest • Washington, DC

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is seeking a Policy Associate to join the Child Nutrition Programs team. This is a 12-month, grant-funded, full-time position with the possibility of extension. The role will focus on CSPI’s state school foods policy portfolio, aiming to increase access to free school meals, require strong nutrition standards, and ensure schools have adequate resources and systems for students to benefit from nutritious meals. The position reports to the Child Nutrition Campaign Manager, with an anticipated start date in mid-June 2026. CSPI offers a hybrid work environment, considering both DC-based and remote applicants within the US.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of lobbying, legislative, or policy experience are required.
• Basic knowledge of evidence-based food and nutrition recommendations for health.
• Experience working with a variety of diverse stakeholders credibly and professionally.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak effectively and persuasively.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent judgment and consistent professionalism, with the ability to take responsibility for multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-disciplinary team in a collegial manner.
• Interest in and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of public health and social justice, and the ability to promote it throughout the work.
• Proficiency with MSOffice applications, social media, advocacy tools, and other web-based applications.

Nice To Haves

• State policy experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced education in health policy or nutrition preferred (MS, MPP, MPH, or the equivalent—counts as two years of experience).
• School nutrition operations experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate CSPI’s statewide advocacy to advance child nutrition policies, including assisting with the development of statewide policy goals and strategies.
• Advocate for statewide policies via lobbying, testimony, letters of support, and other tactics. Coordinate activities with contract lobbyists as needed.
• Track state policies impacting child nutrition programs, ranging from legislation, regulations, budget allocations, ballot initiatives and other policies.
• Broaden support for policy priorities among state-level elected and appointed officials, allied organizations, academics and health professionals, and concerned citizens.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop evidence-based child nutrition policy recommendations.
• Represent CSPI in coalitions and with partners, cultivating and expanding relationships with new and existing organizations and partners.
• Conduct outreach to state agencies and school districts to support school meal priorities.
• Provide technical assistance, materials, and strategic advice to organizations and coalitions as needed.
• Engage relevant industry groups and associations on initiatives to improve their school food focused products and practices.
• Support campaigns to put pressure on industry to improve their practices.
• Develop and update resources, including fact sheets, web pages, case studies, social media posts, infographics, communications materials, talking points, grassroots alerts, testimony, and other advocacy and legislative materials.
• Organize and represent CSPI at meetings, events, briefings, webinars, calls, and with the press.
• Contribute to grant applications and reports.
• In coordination with the Engagement Team, identify and research potential subgrantees, review grant proposals, monitor metrics and budgets, and provide advice and technical assistance to subgrantees.
• Manage interns and contractors where applicable.
• Perform other departmental activities as needed.

Benefits

• 3 weeks of annual vacation leave
• additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• excellent medical and dental insurance with CSPI paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums
• a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months of service
• ½ day Fridays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level