Government and Community Relations Specialist at MANNA FoodBank

Mills River, North Carolina, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Feb, 26

Salary

59932.0

Posted On

03 Nov, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Government Relations, Public Policy, Community Engagement, Relationship Building, Communication, Organizational Skills, Food Security, Advocacy, Data Analysis, Public Speaking, Collaboration, Networking, Legislative Monitoring, Project Management, Inclusivity, Diversity

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description Mission: MANNA’s mission is to involve, educate, and unite people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina Vision: A hunger-free Western North Carolina MANNA embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity by creating an environment of mutual respect, transparency, and sharing of different opinions and ideas. MANNA’s goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented and diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. The celebration of inclusivity and diversity is essential to helping MANNA achieve its mission to involve, educate, and unite all people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina. Position Summary: MANNA Foodbank is seeking a passionate and dedicated Government and Community Relations Specialist to build and strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers, with a special focus on those local to Western North Carolina. This individual will be responsible for ensuring policymakers understand MANNA's impact and importance to the Western North Carolina community. The specialist will actively engage in efforts with local government, Feeding the Carolinas, Feeding America and represent MANNA at public policy and relationship-building events. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop and maintain strong, bi-partisan relationships with local government, state representatives, congressional staff, and senators' offices to effectively communicate MANNA's mission and needs. Identify and cultivate new relationships with key leaders, networks, and coalitions that can help achieve MANNA’s mission. Actively participate in Feeding the Carolinas and Feeding America initiatives to align MANNA's efforts with broader state and regional goals. Promote MANNA’s mission and provide education on food insecurity through public speaking, active participation in stakeholder groups, convening coalitions, and serving as a lead resource for issues related to food security. Develop and execute a formal public policy communications plan in collaboration with the CEO, CDO, and Director of Marketing. Actively work to elevate Neighbor and community voices in legislative discussions, events, and materials, ensuring that the lived experiences of those impacted by hunger are centered in policy efforts. Develop and maintain a comprehensive policy engagement calendar to track legislative sessions, key meetings, lobbying days, and other critical policy-related events. Monitor legislative developments relevant to food security, hunger relief, and community support programs, keeping the leadership team informed of potential impacts. This includes remaining informed of the policies, programs, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to hunger at the federal, state, and local level. Craft systems to track advocacy messaging and interactions with local, state, and federal officials. Work with leadership team to lead any responses to legislative, funding and/or regulatory developments impacting MANNA, our partners, and the people we serve. Work closely with internal teams to gather and present compelling data, stories, and evidence that illustrate MANNA's role in fighting hunger in Western North Carolina. Collaborate with Resource Development, Agency Relations, Food Sourcing, and other departments to integrate public engagement messaging into organizational gatherings, fundraising initiatives, and community events. Collaborate with Director of Marketing and communications staff to develop clear messaging and materials for outreach to policymakers, our partners, and the public. Serve as a spokesperson for MANNA in policy-related media inquiries, public forums, and other external-facing events, in close coordination with the Communications team. Prepare and present written and verbal reports to Board, staff, funders, and the public. Organize and coordinate visits for lawmakers and their staff to MANNA's facilities, food distributions, and partners to demonstrate the organization's work and foster stronger connections. Requirements Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree - Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum of 3-5 years proven experience in government relations, public policy work, or community engagement. Working knowledge of community and government resources, structures and processes Ability to forge strong relationships. · Strong communication and relationship-building skills and experience listening to and communicating with diverse groups of people. Deep understanding of complex issues that affect food security and ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages to educate the community. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Familiarity with hunger relief efforts, nonprofit organizations, or food security issues Understanding of root causes of food insecurity Willingness to travel within Western North Carolina and occasionally to state and national events. Additional Skills: · Ability to maintain a flexible schedule and adapt in a dynamic, fast paced environment · Desire to educate and inspire others in the mission of MANNA Foodbank · Training or familiarity with principles of project management · Food bank experience, a plus Working Conditions: Work will be performed in a typical office environment with exposure to local travel in a personal vehicle Physical Demands: The physical demands required are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The physical demands of this position are considered medium work. While performing job duties the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and move objects up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities require the visual acuity to operate motor vehicles; close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus close visual acuity to perform activities including but not limited to preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading. Functions also require the ability to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard, and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Travel: Routine travel may be required within the service area. Current driver’s license required; copy of current auto insurance; and clean MVR required. Compensation and Benefits: The starting salary range is $56,778 - $59,932. MANNA is thrilled to offer a Competitive and Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical Dental and Vision insurance 401k Retirement Plan with company match (up to 3%) Short term and Long-term Disability insurance 136 hours of PTO in the first year Paid lunches and breaks 10 paid holidays Flexible schedule options .....and more! Schedule: Flexible schedule required, including some evening and weekends as needed. Typical schedule is Mon. – Fri. 8a – 4p with evening and weekend hours as needed. In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency or order, MANNA FoodBank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all employees may be called upon to perform regular or emergent duties.

Responsibilities

The Government and Community Relations Specialist will build and strengthen relationships with policymakers and ensure they understand MANNA's impact on the community. This role involves active participation in initiatives and events related to food security and hunger relief.