Skip to main content

Government Relations Manager

Get to know Hunger Solutions New York
Hunger Solutions New York, Inc., incorporated in 1989 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 (CACFP). The Public Affairs team at Hunger Solutions New York is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive outreach, education, technical assistance, and advocacy agenda to support our mission of maximizing access to the federal nutrition assistance programs.

Summary of Position
The Government Relations Manager will work in partnership with the Public Affairs team’s nutrition program experts to advance the organization’s federal and state public policy agendas. HSNY’s major advocacy efforts include:

  • Federal advocacy campaigns to protect and strengthen SNAP and child nutrition programs in reauthorization and appropriations bills and/or other legislative vehicles.
  • State-level advocacy for investments in nutrition program outreach, state supplements to federal nutrition programs, and other anti-hunger initiatives.
  • Federal and state administrative advocacy to encourage public agencies to implement federal nutrition programs in ways that maximize access and effectiveness.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting with coordinating, engaging, and growing statewide coalitions of advocates.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with elected officials and staffers.
  • Organizing and participating in meetings with elected officials.
  • Tracking legislation and budget developments.
  • Participating in calls and meetings with national partners and peer state advocates to stay updated on advocacy opportunities and strategies.
  • Developing timely advocacy alerts for HSNY’s statewide networks.
  • Preparing written comments and/or verbal testimony for state budget hearings, listening sessions, public comment periods, and other opportunities.
  • Assisting with annual updates to HSNY’s federal and state policy agendas.
  • Promoting HSNY’s policy priorities among partners and elected officials.

Qualifications
The Government Relations Manager must be a mature self-starter with a demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and possess excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills. Must have a professional demeanor, and ability to work autonomously and as part of a team. Additionally the candidate should possess the following qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree preferred, Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years’ experience required.
  • Professional knowledge in public policy, macro-level social work, public health, or other related field preferred.
  • Strong writing and public speaking skills required.
  • Experience working on policy or budget campaigns strongly preferred; experience leading advocacy coalitions a plus.
  • Knowledge of and experience with federal nutrition assistance programs preferred.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills are required, including the ability to analyze data in Excel.
  • Must have strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Must have knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural differences.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) language and writing skills a plus.
  • Must be able to maintain an in-person presence at the state Capitol in Albany during critical periods of the state budget process, and occasionally travel to Washington, DC for in-person Hill visits (approx. 1-2x/year). Other occasional travel to conferences and meetings required.
  • Must reside in New York State.

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 $75K – $80K 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 vacation, sick and holiday time off to each employee.

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