Public Affairs Neighbor Advocacy Specialist

Second Harvest Heartland is the second-largest food bank in the United States, sourcing and delivering food to nearly 1,000 food shelves and food distribution partners throughout 59 counties across central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our work begins with a bold vision: a community where no one goes hungry. We help fill plates, shelves, and fridges while shining a light on food insecurity and its root causes and inspiring action at home and across the country.

About the role

This role supports Second Harvest Heartland’s advocacy at the state and federal level with a specific focus on engaging with, training, and supporting neighbors wanting to get more involved in advancing anti-hunger policy priorities. The Neighbor Advocacy Specialist will listen to neighbors, distill information, and help inform the work of the Public Affairs Team. Additionally, the role involves collecting neighbor stories and supporting legislative advocacy efforts. This position requires collaboration with internal teams and external organizations, as well as some travel and occasional work on evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to engage neighbors with interest in policy advocacy at the state and/or federal level
• Recruit, train, and support neighbors engaging in advocacy on Second Harvest Heartland’s legislative priorities
• Identify and catalogue compelling neighbor stories; train neighbors on the connection between their stories, advocacy, and ending hunger
• Closely track emerging issues impacting neighbors and synthesize findings into proposed policy solutions
• Craft and deliver advocacy communications for neighbors in collaboration with the Public Affairs Communications Specialist and Neighbor Services team
• Support neighbors engaging in direct advocacy at the State Capitol and in Washington, DC
• Develop and execute neighbor engagement events related to advocacy

Values

• We Deliver: We use our head and heart to make decisions, maximize donor dollars, and achieve results safely and reliably.
• We Lead with Our Hearts: We keep neighbors, partners, and teams at the center of our work and seek to understand their needs.
• We Are All in this Together: We collaborate internally and externally, communicate openly, and share knowledge.
• We Innovate: We seek bold new ideas, embrace change, and commit to continuous improvement.
• We Believe our Differences Make us Stronger: We value inclusion and embrace diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver clear, concise, and effective oral and written communications
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Office 365, and the ability to learn other software programs
• Knowledge of state and federal government workings and effective advocacy practices
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects
• 2+ years of professional work experience in community engagement or related areas
• Ability to independently identify, analyze, and troubleshoot problems
• High-quality relational skills (objectivity, calmness, empathy, and helpfulness)
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and communities facing barriers to accessing food resources and public benefit programs
• Valid MN driver’s license, good driving record, current automobile insurance, and dependable transportation for site visits and events

Qualifications

• Professional experience working in hunger relief, food access, and/or federal nutrition programs (desired)
• Fluency in English and another language commonly spoken in Minnesota, such as Spanish, Somali, or Hmong (desired)
• Experience working with and supporting individuals or communities with barriers to accessing food resources and public benefit programs (desired)

Schedule

Full-time; 40 hours/week. Occasional work on evenings and weekends as needed.

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN / Hybrid