Public Policy Engagement Manager

The Good Food Institute • Washington, DC, US • $98k - $103k / year • 4w ago

Maximize the impact of GFI’s dynamic Policy and Government Relations team

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

How You Will Make a Difference

In this multifaceted role, you will lead a team in driving implementation of public policy and government relations initiatives through effective project management, workflow optimization, advocacy content creation, and stakeholder engagement. The Public Policy Engagement Manager will be responsible for:

Team development and project management to drive policy implementation (50%)

Directly managing team members–currently the Policy Specialist, Policy Coordinator, and Policy Associate–and assisting in hiring, training, and developing team members across the department with a focus on policy impact and professional growth.
Leading the team’s project management efforts, working closely with the Policy Coordinator; ensuring projects are well-coordinated and moving forward efficiently.
Encouraging and facilitating effective use of tools like Salesforce and Asana to share information freely, manage projects effectively, and maximize impact (training provided).
Proposing workflow improvements to enhance the Policy team’s effectiveness.
Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our team culture and policy work.

Advocacy resource and content creation (30%)

Leading resource development and content creation efforts to enable in-house and outside lobbyists to directly advocate for GFI policy goals.
Working with the team to ensure compliance with lobbying reporting requirements and other recordkeeping systems.

Coalition building, direct advocacy, and stakeholder engagement (20%)

Cultivating and maintaining external coalitions to advance GFI’s policy agenda.
Building sustained contact and partnerships with critical external entities to ensure a whole-of-government approach to advancing alternative proteins.
Developing and maintaining strong internal relationships between the Policy and Government Relations department with other GFI departments and ensuring regular contributions to GFI’s monthly and annual reports build awareness of policy initiatives.
Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

An ideal candidate for the Public Policy Engagement Manager position will have experience that reflects the following:

Experience: Minimum five years of experience managing and leading projects to achieve organizational goals with at least two years of policy experience, preferably in government or at a nonprofit or political advocacy organization.
Management: At least two years of experience managing and developing team members.
Leadership: Ability to mentor and inspire team members and provide stability through periods of team expansion. Experience improving and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Communication: Excellent project management, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills. Strong ability to persuade. Detail oriented.
Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment and pivot to meet opportunities while advancing strategic priorities. Ability to problem-solve under pressure.
Inclusion: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
Alignment: Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based and other alternative proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief.
Values: A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.

The most highly qualified candidate would also have:

Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Management, JD, or other relevant graduate degree.
Expertise in U.S. policy relevant to science and technology, infrastructure, global health, agriculture, renewable energy, climate, or food.
The ability to contribute to the diversity of ideas and backgrounds on the Policy and Government Relations team.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The Fine Print

Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Pepin Andrew Tuma, Director of Policy and Government Relations
Direct reports: Margaret Badding, Policy Specialist; Saira Weinzimmer, Coordinator; Sarah Backer, Policy Associate
Location: Policy Office, Farragut Square; Washington, D.C.; Hybrid (Monday/Thursday in office; Tues/Wed/Fri from home or office)
Relocation Benefit: A relocation stipend of up to $5,000 will be paid to cover the costs of relocation from at least 50 miles outside of the Washington, D.C. area.
Travel: Up to two weeks per year for organization retreats (reasonable accommodations for and exemptions from organization retreats considered on a case-by-case basis).
Benefits: Hybrid work schedule, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, lifestyle spending account, tax-free commuting with DC Metro Smart Benefits, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFIBenefits.
This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Salary: $98,384.00 - $103,303.20 (depending on experience and qualifications)