Policy, Advocacy, and Community Organizing Coordinator

Job Title: Policy, Advocacy, and Community Organizing Coordinator

Organization: Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools

Location: Newark, NJ (residency required)

Position Type: Full-time, grant-funded (with evening and weekend availability required)

About the Organization

Greater Newark Conservancy is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship, community health, and equitable access to nutritious food for all residents. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on programming, the Conservancy cultivates stronger, healthier communities rooted in sustainability and social justice. Our work fosters collaboration across sectors—connecting schools, families, and local leaders to create lasting impact across Newark and beyond.

About the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools

The Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools is a multi-sector partnership committed to advancing equitable access to nutritious food for all students. We work with parents, educators, youth, community organizations, and policymakers to strengthen Newark’s food system, expand food access, and advocate for healthier school food environments through policy and community-driven action.

Summary of the Role

The Policy, Advocacy, and Community Organizing Coordinator will advance the legislative and advocacy agenda of the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools, a program of Greater Newark Conservancy. This role focuses on policy research, legislative tracking, and community mobilization to improve access to healthy, equitable school food. The Coordinator will report to the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools Director and work closely with partners across Newark’s school and community networks.

This position requires someone highly skilled in legislative analysis, deeply rooted in Newark, and capable of mobilizing a diverse base of parents, students, and community members to influence decision-makers at the city, county, and state levels.

Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Predictable, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job role.

Policy & Legislative Advocacy

• Track and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and regulations related to school food, child nutrition programs, and food equity.

• Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, testimonies, and action alerts to inform and mobilize Coalition members and community partners.

• Support the development and execution of advocacy campaigns that influence legislation, school board policies, and budget allocations connected to food access and nutrition.

• Build relationships with policymakers, school district officials, and state agencies to advance the Coalition’s policy priorities.

• Represent the Coalition in legislative hearings, briefings, task forces, and policy coalitions.

Community Organizing & Mobilization

• Organize Newark parents, students, and residents to participate in campaigns related to school meals, healthy food access, and equitable nutrition policy.

• Lead and facilitate trainings, listening sessions, and workshops to prepare community members to testify, meet with legislators, and engage in advocacy.

• Build and sustain relationships with grassroots leaders and community-based organizations to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.

• Mobilize and support community-led calls to action, including rallies, forums, and legislative visits.

Coalition Support & Coordination

• Coordinate legislative advocacy with community priorities and working groups.

• Engage youth and parents in leadership development opportunities.

• Support logistics, outreach, and communications for advocacy events.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in legislative research, policy analysis, advocacy, or community organizing.

• Associate or Bachelor's degree required: Master’s degree preferred.

• Strong understanding of New Jersey’s legislative processes.

• Proven ability to mobilize diverse communities around shared causes.

• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.

• Residency in the city of Newark (required).

• Reliable transportation and willingness to attend meetings across the region.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public health,

communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Experience working in coalition-based or advocacy environments preferred.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Portuguese) strongly preferred.

Computer/Software Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom).

• Experience using policy tracking tools or CRM systems a plus.

Communication Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to translate policy information into accessible community language.

• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills for working with policymakers, educators, and families.

Success Factors

• Passion for food justice and equitable school nutrition.

• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and follow-through.

• Comfortable leading community events and public speaking engagements.

• Collaborative and self-motivated, with a commitment to Newark’s residents.

First-Year Goals (Sample)

1. Legislative Tracking & Analysis

a. Track at least 5 local and state legislative bills related to school food, child nutrition, or food access.

b. Produce 3-5 policy briefs or fact sheets to inform Coalition members and community partners.

2. Community Engagement & Mobilization

a. Recruit and organize 50–75 Newark community members (parents, students, and residents) to participate in advocacy campaigns.

b. Facilitate 3–5 community trainings or workshops on food policy and advocacy skills.

c. Lead at least 2 community-led campaigns that include direct action (e.g., meetings with legislators, public hearings, rallies).

3. Policy Impact & Advocacy

a. Provide testimony or written input for at least 3 hearings or policy meetings at the city or state level.

b. Establish ongoing relationships with at least 10 policymakers, school officials, or key stakeholders to advance Coalition priorities.

4. Coalition Support

a. Develop and maintain a community advocacy calendar to coordinate outreach, trainings, and legislative meetings.

b. Support youth and parent participation in advocacy by creating at least 2 structured leadership opportunities.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The regular work schedule for this position is approximately 40 hours per week and may require additional hours/overtime as necessary. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Ability to adjust focus and Ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, and walk.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range: $55,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A resume highlighting relevant policy and advocacy experience.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Please send materials to Chesha Hodge at chesha@greaternewark.org with the subject line “Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Application.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We aim to have this position filled by December 2025.

Greater Newark Conservancy complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Michele Robinson at Michele@greaternewark.org.