Director of Advocacy

Job Summary

The Director of Advocacy serves as a strategic leader responsible for advancing the mission of the St. Louis Area Foodbank (SLAFB) through public policy, community engagement, and systems advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic advocacy agenda aligned with the mission and long-term goals of the SLAFB

• Monitor legislation, regulations, and policy trends impacting hunger relief, food security, nutrition assistance, and social services

• Analyze emerging policy issues and provide strategic recommendations to organizational leadership

• Represent the SLAFB in meetings with elected officials, government agencies, coalitions, and community stakeholders with professionalism, diplomacy, and credibility

• Draft policy briefs, testimony, advocacy materials, and public statements that clearly communicate complex issues to diverse audiences

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal policymakers, partner agencies, and community leaders

• Serve as a trusted organizational representative and thought partner on advocacy and public policy matters

• Foster meaningful partnerships and community engagement efforts that strengthen regional advocacy initiatives and collective impact strategies

• Lead or actively participate in regional and statewide hunger, nutrition, and anti-poverty coalitions

• Collaborate across nonprofit, healthcare, education, and faith-based sectors to advance shared advocacy priorities

• Facilitate coalition-building efforts that encourage collaboration, unified messaging, and equitable community solutions

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop advocacy-focused campaigns, public education initiatives, and strategic messaging

• Support media engagement efforts related to hunger policy, food insecurity, and public awareness initiatives

• Promote ethical and impactful storytelling that elevates the voices and experiences of neighbors and communities served by the SLAFB

• Communicate policy priorities and advocacy initiatives in a clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate manner

• Utilize food insecurity data, program outcomes, and community research to inform advocacy priorities and strategic decision-making

• Translate complex policy and research findings into accessible insights for policymakers, partners, and the public

• Evaluate advocacy initiatives and identify opportunities to strengthen organizational and community impact through data-informed approaches

• Advise executive leadership on advocacy opportunities, legislative risks, and emerging policy trends

• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and long-term impact initiatives

• Foster cross-functional collaboration to align advocacy efforts with organizational priorities and community needs

• Support advocacy-related consultants, interns, volunteers, or collaborative initiatives as applicable while promoting a mission-driven and partnership-focused environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, Communications, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred

• Seven (7)+ years of experience in advocacy, government relations, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field

• Strong understanding of federal and state safety net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

• Demonstrated experience building relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders

• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking communication skills

Preferred

• Experience within food banking, hunger relief, or human services organizations

• Established relationships with Missouri and Illinois policymakers, coalitions, or advocacy networks

• Experience leading coalition-building initiatives or statewide advocacy campaigns

Work Schedule

This role follows a Monday through Friday schedule during standard business hours and is primarily onsite to support collaboration and operations. As an eligible position under our Remote Work policy, this role offers the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week after 90 days of employment. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support events and community engagement activities.

Work Environment

The St. Louis Area Foodbank operates on a dynamic, single-campus environment that brings together our office spaces, warehouse, Volunteer Center, and Agency Dock-all in one location. Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting, with extended periods of sitting, computer use, and communication. This integrated environment offers regular interaction across teams, community partners, and mission-driven operations, with occasional exposure to active operational areas, including forklift activity.

Compensation

Competitive pay based on experience

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including PTO, floating holidays, a birthday holiday, volunteer time off, and summer early release days

• 403(b) retirement plan with company match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Company-paid life insurance

• Short-term disability coverage

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to building a team that reflects the neighbors and communities we serve in the bi-state region to enhance engagement and connectivity with all key stakeholders.