Director, Public Affairs (Nonprofit)

GET TO KNOW HUNGER SOLUTIONS NEW YORK:

Hunger Solutions New York, Inc., founded in 1985 and based in Albany, is a statewide nonprofit organization that strives to alleviate hunger in New York by promoting awareness of hunger, public policies that contribute to ending hunger, and participation in federal nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, the Summer Food Service Program, Summer EBT, the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Director of Public Affairs reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that includes education and awareness, technical assistance and advocacy to maximize the impact of federal nutrition programs in New York State. The Director will supervise a multi-disciplinary team of content-expert staff who lead the day-to-day work on the program areas. Ensuring smooth and effective communication with direct staff, other organizational teams, and with external partners, government agencies and elected officials is essential to the success of this role. The Director will serve as organizational spokesperson when necessary, staff the Board of Directors’ Public Policy Committee, and represent Hunger Solutions New York on various external workgroups, committees and coalitions. This position is hybrid, but will require the Director to work in Hunger Solutions New York offices in Albany several days a week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Public Affairs must be a mature self-starter with a demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and possess excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills. This is a public-facing role that requires a confident leader who is knowledgeable, articulate, professional, respected and comfortable with public speaking. The Director will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with leaders in nonprofit, government, and philanthropies in support of the organization’s mission. 

Resposibilities include:

• Lead a team of professionals with responsibility for implementing programmatic workplans focused on improving access to federal nutrition programs in NYS, including SNAP, WIC, School Meals, Summer Food Service Program, CACFP, and Summer EBT. 
• Guide staff in developing workplans and implementing a statewide public affairs agenda that integrates public information, education, and advocacy strategies.
• Manage administrative responsibilities of team including timely approval and submission of timesheets, expense reports, grant applications and reports, employee performance reviews, scheduling and facilitation of staff meetings.
• Coordinate inter-organizational projects and ensure efficient, effective communication, roles and responsibilities. 
• Review and approve outreach materials, policy papers, email campaigns, talking points, testimony, legislative memos to support the outreach and policy advocacy goals of the team.  
• Represent Hunger Solutions New York with state government officers and agencies, federal government offices, national and state partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as media spokesperson for Hunger Solutions New York and/or prepare staff for interviews and other press opportunities.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and seven years of progressive experience (Master’s Degree can be substituted for two years experience).
• Programmatic experience serving low-income populations; anti-hunger efforts or food insecurity work preferred.
• Understanding of New York State and federal legislative and budget processes
• Familiarity with federal and state policy and regulation governing federal nutrition programs.  
• 3-5 years of progressive supervisory and management experience required.
• The ability to build respectful, professional relationships and communicate with a wide variety of internal and external audiences is essential.
• Must be flexible, and work autonomously and independently while fostering teamwork and a positive working culture.
• Must be able to communicate confidently and concisely, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Must have strong problem solving and negotiation skills in order to anticipate and respond to unexpected situations. 
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional overnight travel.  
• The successful candidate MUST CURRENTLY reside in New York State and be able to work in our Albany, NY office 2-3 days per week.

CULTURE:

Hunger Solutions New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating a culture that is rewarding to employees and provides each team member with the ability to continually grow and learn. Hunger Solutions New York is a champion of and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion among all stakeholders. Hunger Solutions New York recognizes the need for work/life balance and provides a flexible working environment for all employees. Office culture is casual and professional.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Hunger Solutions New York is committed to its employees and thusly provides a competitive compensation package. Salary is commensurate with experience but is expected to be $95K - $110K annually. Hunger Solutions New York offers fully paid benefit premiums including health, dental, life, short- and long-term disability, and a retirement plan that offers a 5% match (different vesting periods apply to each benefit and will be discussed as part of the interview process). A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) may be available depending upon the health insurance package chosen. Additionally, Hunger Solutions New York offers a generous amount of holiday and paid time off to each employee.

To be considered for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to Jobs@HungerSolutionsNY.org. Please include “Director, Public Affairs” in the subject line of your email.