Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy

The Position: The Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy leads and advances federal advocacy strategies to strengthen nutrition assistance programs and food resources that support California food banks and the communities they serve. Working closely with internal teams, member food banks, and national partners, this role shapes and executes federal legislative and administrative advocacy aligned with the organization's policy agenda.

Responsibilities:

• Lead federal advocacy efforts related to nutrition assistance and food security, including SNAP/CalFresh, TEFAP, child nutrition, and commodity programs, as well as securing critical food bank resources, including USDA food and agriculture programs
• Develop and execute a strategy to educate Congressional leaders and federal agency staff about the impact and opportunities of federal policies on food insecurity in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with federal policymakers, congressional offices, USDA and other federal agency staff, and national advocacy coalitions.
• Coordinate with state advocacy, communications, and research teams to ensure aligned messaging and strategy.
• Provide support on state advocacy projects, including administrative and legislative advocacy priorities.
• Represent the organization in coalitions, task forces, and public forums at the national level.
• Provide technical assistance and federal policy guidance to member food banks.
• Contribute to media strategy, policy briefs, hearings, and stakeholder education efforts.
  
  

Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in federal policy advocacy, government relations, or public policy.
• Demonstrated success advancing legislation or administrative change at the federal level.
• Experience working on anti-hunger, anti-poverty, or nutrition policy is strongly preferred.
  
  

Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and political analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
  
  

Education: Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, social services, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Location: CAFB operates as an Oakland-based organization in a hybrid work environment. It is expected that this position will share its time between Oakland, Washington, DC, and remote work. Conference attendance at other domestic locations may be required.

Compensation: Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted annual salary range that CAFB expects to pay for this position is $120,318 - $141,551

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including generous employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans; retirement program with employer contribution; life insurance; vacation, and more.