Government Relations Hunger Policy Analyst

OUR EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

Community Action Partnership has an exciting opportunity for

Government Relations Hunger Policy Analyst (Hybrid Position)

Under the direction of the Director of Community Development and in coordination with the Food Bank Director, the Government Relations Hunger Policy Analyst will ensure Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s food insecurity and related advocacy goals of forging strategic partnerships with policymakers, key stakeholders and community are made in order to end and prevent hunger, while serving as the legislative and policy subject matter expert on food insecurity and related issues in order to impact the lives of thousands of Orange County residents.

WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IN THIS ROLE

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Hunger Policy Making and Subject Matter Expertise

• Analyze policy, data and research literature on key hunger and food insecurity issues that affect the residents of Orange County.
• Track current and upcoming legislation, policies and directives on the local, county, state and federal level that may or will impact CAP OC, the Food Bank, and the Orange County Hunger Alliance, and the goal of eliminating the causes of hunger overarchingly.
• Serve as staff resource on food insecurity issues related to the CAP OC Strategic Plan.
• Research hunger-related issues of interest to executive staff and Board of Directors; report status of current and upcoming legislation on ending hunger and/or providing for food insecurity to executive staff and Board of Directors.
• In collaboration with the Director of Community Development and the Food Bank Director, prepare legislative update reports, position papers, correspondence and/or briefing materials.
• Contribute content and expertise to public relations communications on CAP OC’s position on legislation and policies that affect hunger in Orange County.
• Research and respond to internal/external stakeholder inquiries on issues of food insecurity and hunger.
• As requested by program developers and grant writers, provide hunger expertise to the development of education programming and other resources.
• Interface with organizations and coalitions focused on ending and preventing hunger, represent the agency on this subject.
• Collaborate with appropriate department(s) in creating, developing and communicating key food insecurity and related issues and collateral material; this may also include interfacing with the Orange County Hunger Alliance, California Association of Food Banks, California Hunger Action Coalition and California Association of Diaper Banks.
• Perform administrative duties which may include scheduling legislative visits, monitoring a budget(s), producing and submitting reports, and other administrative duties as needed.
• Demonstrate leadership in organizing events that draw attention to the issue of food insecurity.
• Other duties as assigned.

Governance and Other Activities

• Support the Executive Team in hunger policy-related aspects of strategic planning and program development; provide data and information that will assist in positioning and budget creation.
• Build, manage and sustain professional relationships with previously known legislators while continuing to build, manage and sustain new relationships with legislators and their staff.
• Plan and execute hunger and Diaper Bank watchdog partnerships/meetings and implement subsequent direction on policies to be taken per executive order.
• Maintain CAP OC’s advocacy database to watch or take action on legislative bills that affect CAP OC programs and service, and supports CAP OC’s Strategic Plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

The annual salary range for this exempt position is $70,720 to $75,920.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN

• Broad based knowledge in California advocacy work.
• Direct experience working with State and/or Federal legislative process.
• Broad based knowledge of hunger and the root causes of food insecurity and poverty.
• Project management skills that include the ability to initiate, manage and execute multiple policy projects in a fast-paced team environment under tight time constraints.
• Presentation and communication skills, writing and editing skills that include the demonstrated ability to compose a diverse range of material, the development of well thought out policy positions, legislative analysis and editing material prepared by others.
• Working independently and with self-direction while being collaborative within a team; exercising considerable judgment.
• Working efficiently within demanding time constraints, exhibiting strong prioritization, organizational, and exceptional time management skills.
• Positively influencing others to achieve results that are in the best interest of CAP OC.
• Prior work at the State and Federal Capital preferred.

IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST BE

• Ethically Focused: Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

• Inclusive: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational and program effectiveness.

• Work focused: Be detailed oriented while working accurately and efficiently on a consistent basis without assistance.
• Relationship Orientated: Establish and maintain effective working relationships by exhibiting strong interpersonal skills including well developed relationship building with  CAP OC’s staff, Executive Staff, political and business partners, legislators, and Board of Directors.
• Collaborative: Work collaboratively in a team environment both internally and externally with the  capability to negotiate success outcomes for all parties.
• Organized: Implement self-planning and organizational techniques to develop and implement action plans to ensure projects, reports, and meetings are held on time and on budget.
• Flexible: May be required to work weekend/evenings/holidays when/if needed to meet CAP OC demands; work schedule will include remote work with ability to work in office as needed or directed by reporting director and/or Executive Staff.

• Language skilled: Demonstrate a clear, concise and effective command of the English  language, in both oral and written forms.
• Mathematical: In a timely manner correctly create, compose and complete mathematical equations on a computer or to complete forms for reports and/or presentations.
• Computer literate: Competently use the Internet, Web based databases, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook) and other applications. Competently use portable devices including, but not limited to iPad, laptop, projector, cell phone and copier.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

BA/BS required in public administration, public policy, political science, or another relevant field. 1 – 3 years of experience in policy development and legislative activities.

TRAVEL

Possess a valid California Driver’s License with a driving record that meets minimum standards established by CAP OC insurance carrier, proof of vehicle insurance, access to a vehicle and willingness to drive/travel when required.

Typically, travel is local during the business day within Orange County or joining counties; incumbent will use personal vehicle. Travel may be during evening hours, out-of-the-area (Sacramento, Washington D.C., other destinations as directed), and overnight travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, reach, pull, push, stand, kneel, sit, twist, turn, stand, walk, bend at the waist, talk and hear, vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus, prolong manual dexterity of wrist and fingers, and prolong computer work.  Employee will experience prolong periods of both sitting and/or standing in the office environment and while attending CAP OC sponsored events. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to twenty (20) pounds. Employee may be called upon to work outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND BACKGROUND CHECK

A medical examination is required of each new employee whose physical condition must meet the minimum requirements prescribed for the position. In addition, prospective employees must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, Live Scan and background check. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY

Please Apply at Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s website at www.capoc.org.