Job Details

SAN DIEGO HUNGER COALITION (SDHC)

JOB POSTING

Position Title: Public Affairs Director

Reports to: Chief Program Officer

Direct Reports: Up to 2 part-time community organizers, rotating policy interns and fellows

Job Status: Full time, exempt, permanent position

Hiring Range: $65,000 – 75,000 annually

Founded in 1974, the San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC) is a small yet highly influential nonprofit that leads coordinated action to end hunger in San Diego County. SDHC is the chief advocacy organization focused on improving access to and utilization of federal nutrition programs in San Diego County, with a focus on CalFresh (California's name for SNAP or food stamps), school meals and other child nutrition programs. SDHC partners with nonprofit community?based organizations, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers and other advocacy organizations across the county and state to achieve the following goals:

• Build a more effective and interconnected system of hunger relief programs so that anyone facing hunger can readily get enough healthy food to see them through their time of need.


• Identify and eliminate barriers to CalFresh enrollment so that eligible low?income families and individuals can successfully enroll in the program and purchase more healthy food.


• Ensure all children have year?round access to healthy food in their everyday environments by expanding school meals and other federally?funded child nutrition programs.

The Hunger Coalition amplifies the voice and experience of the children, families and seniors in San Diego County who do not have enough food. We change conversations about hunger and equitable access to healthy food. We drive innovation to make healthy food available to all people through our leadership, research, tailored resources and technical assistance to other organizations, public officials, and school districts. SDHC's action?oriented team is made up of motivated, skilled colleagues who are determined to end hunger in San Diego. The Hunger Coalition is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We value our staff, continued learning, flexibility, and a work/life balance.

Position Description: Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, the Public Affairs Director will be responsible for developing strategic opportunities for the organization to engage nonprofit partners and community leaders in advocacy efforts to strengthen food security across San Diego County. This position will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including state and local non-profit organizations, community members, and elected officials. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to take a leadership role in shaping policy on behalf of, and in close collaboration with, local community partners. Facilitated by San Diego Hunger Coalition, the Hunger Advocacy Network (HAN) is a collaborative of 19 health, housing and social services agencies working together to influence and advance state and federal policies to end hunger. HAN achieves measurable change by increasing awareness among legislators and the public about hunger in our region and creating a space for organizations to engage on and influence state and federal legislative policy. This position will have the opportunity expand the Network to more actively shape policy impacting the region.

PLEASE NOTE: SDHC Staff are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. No in-person meetings will be required of this position during the pandemic but will return when it is safe to do so.

Responsibilities: The Public Affairs Director will work closely with the Chief Program Officer to:

Landscape Assessment and Strategy Development

• Monitor and track developments at the local, state and federal level and provide guidance on local research and data analysis; identifying opportunities and threats to food security in the region.


• Develop strategy recommendations to guide the organization's work to advance administrative and legislative policies to end hunger in the region.


• Actively track and evaluate outcomes of organizational efforts to inform immediate and long-term strategy.

Coalition & Relationship Building

• Steward and manage the Coalition's relationships with the Administration, Congress, and regulatory agencies.


• Provide leadership to the Hunger Advocacy Network; including the management of relationships, facilitation of meetings and coordination of collective actions.


• Participate in coalition building efforts at local, state and national levels, maintaining key relationships with partner organizations.

Research and Communications

• Support the development of issue briefs and white papers, and presentations.


• Create field materials, talking points and scripts for communications to media, general public and key stakeholders.


• Maintain strong, active communication channels with engaged communities, creating and disseminating advocacy action alerts and weekly e-legislative updates for key stakeholders and the general public.

Advocacy Campaign Leadership

• Spearhead engagement campaigns that advance the San Diego Hunger Coalition's policy agenda, including but not limited to: legislative visits, submission of letters of support, call-in days, legislative forums, and local actions in collaboration with local and state collaboratives.


• Develop and lead engagement strategies with San Diego County residents to inform and support advocacy campaigns through building and activation of Hunger Free Activist network and partner collaboratives.

Program Direction

• Maintain organizational capacity to meet agreed upon goals through recruitment and active management of part-time organizers, interns and policy fellows.


• Track and prepare outcomes, and support fund development through content generation for donor presentations and proposals.


• Advance the overall goals of the San Diego Hunger Coalition.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressively responsible political experience as a campaign consultant, legislative aide, or senior policy advocate focusing on human services, social services or food security.


• Extensive knowledge of and proficiency with local, state and federal legislative processes with demonstrated experience developing and directing sector-wide advocacy campaigns utilizing inclusive leadership with a focus on social justice and racial equity.


• Experience building and managing a network of diverse stakeholders to create and execute a common political agenda.


• Excellent organizational, administrative, and project management skills. A decisive, self?driven,"roll?up the sleeves," results?oriented individual who is able to keep a variety of projects moving forward within a consistent strategic framework.


• Must be goal?oriented, self?motivated, and able to demonstrate great individual initiative with an eye toward results. Highest level of time management skills and attention to detail are critical to ensure success in this role.


• A strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one's work. Must be available to attend evening and weekend events, as needed.


• Must be able to effectively work on projects individually and in a team setting, with comfort utilizing digital platforms.


• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills; exhibits compassion and empathy, working well with people of all ages and genders from all ethnic, social, economic and sexual orientation backgrounds.


• Candidate should carry a polished and professional demeanor with the highest ethical and professional standards.


• Must have own transportation and valid driver's license.


• Bilingual; Spanish language skills highly preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and experience with federal nutrition programs.


• Previous experience working in an elected office highly preferred.


• Experience with community organizing preferred.

Terms of Employment: SDHC's salary and benefit standards are competitive and will depend on qualifications and experience. Full benefits include 80% of healthcare premiums including Employer-Covered Life Insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, use of Paid Family Leave and generous vacation and holiday time. This position may involve occasional travel or attendance at events during non-work hours.

Application Process:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to info@sdhunger.org and put the words "Public Affairs Director" in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls please.