Advocacy & Public Policy Manager

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Fulfill, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has been dedicated to addressing hunger at the Jersey Shore since 1984. Our mission is to accelerate food security throughout Monmouth & Ocean Counties by leading a collaborative movement that connects people to food and related resources while also addressing systemic barriers to self-sufficiency and well-being. We envision a vibrant, resilient community that ensures our neighbors' food security needs are fulfilled.

Fulfill proudly works with a network of nearly 300 partners, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters, to provide 1.2 million meals per month to more than 100,000 families, children, seniors and veterans. Committed to more than just food distribution, Fulfill also offers connections to affordable healthcare options, Medicaid, SNAP and other services to help neighbors lead healthy lives with the food they need to thrive.

Headquartered in Neptune (where this position is based), with a satellite branch in Toms River (The B.E.A.T. Center), Fulfill is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Fulfill is seeking a dynamic Advocacy & Public Policy Manager to plan, develop, and effectively implement a nonpartisan advocacy program to support our mission to end hunger in Monmouth & Ocean Counties. In this pivotal role, you’ll be the driving force behind Fulfill’s advocacy strategy—building bridges across the political spectrum, amplifying the voices of our neighbors facing hunger, and championing policies that make a tangible difference. You’ll work with local, state, and federal leaders of all backgrounds, mobilize coalition partners and grassroots support, and ensure that Fulfill’s mission remains above politics and focused on solutions.

A new position reporting to the VP of Development and External Relations, the ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and relationship-builder with strategic acumen. Leveraging data and input from Fulfill’s charitable food assistance partner network and from neighbors facing hunger, you will work collaboratively with the public and private sectors to advance public policy and resources to address community needs and build food security.

Engage in Nonpartisan Policy Advocacy & Policy Analysis

• With input from Fulfill’s contract lobbyist, develop a government relations and advocacy strategy to build and deepen key relationships, as well as advance our food security priorities.
• Represent Fulfill and the broader issue of food security on policy- and issue-based task forces and coalitions.
• Serve as a liaison for county, state and federal government representatives and elected leaders, working in close partnership with Fulfill staff whose roles interface with government entities.
• Identify opportunities to involve Fulfill’s CEO, Board members, and subject matter experts in advocacy efforts—leveraging their voices and expertise to influence policy, open doors, and advance Fulfill’s mission.
• Monitor and analyze policy and legislation directly or indirectly affecting food and economic security of residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Fulfill’s constituents, partners or programs.
• Collaborate with other New Jersey food banks, Feeding America, state and national coalitions, and other partners to set policy priorities and develop internal and external messaging.
• Educate policy makers and other key influencers about the problem of hunger and its solutions through one-on-one meetings and site visits both in New Jersey and Washington, D.C.

Building Coalitions to Create Effective Advocacy Networks

• Develop a network of engaged advocates who can take action to influence policy and policymakers at all levels to reduce food insecurity in Fulfill’s service area.
• Develop, support and engage innovative partnerships to identify and increase assistance to underserved areas and populations.
• Foster collaboration between private and public sectors to address food and economic security.
• Serve as a representative of Fulfill among policy partners and in coalitions, committees and task forces as required.
• Partner with Fulfill’s Community Impact Team to build engagement in advocacy activities among Fulfill’s agency partners and other community partners.

Increase Public Awareness and Engagement

• Develop and implement a grassroots advocacy strategy, working with Fulfill’s Communications Specialist, integrating online and offline engagement tactics, including social media, web-based advocacy tools, and community forums.
• Educate Fulfill’s partner agency network, legislators, and the community about the problem of hunger and its solutions through one-on-one engagement, site visits and public presentations.
• Create issue-specific education pieces to inform legislators and other policymakers, using internal and external data as needed.
• Ensure the network is engaged to enable prompt response to legislative proposals.
• Working with the Communications Specialist and Fulfill’s contract PR firm, identify policy-related pitches/story opportunities, and engage with media as assigned to serve as a spokesperson on the policy dimensions of food insecurity and the role of Fulfill and our partners in addressing the issue.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and analyses of Fulfill’s impact to educate the community and various stakeholders about the issue of hunger.
• Work closely with Fulfill staff in multiple programs and departments to ensure consistent organizational messages on hunger issues.
• Write and edit fact sheets, speeches, policy briefs as appropriate.
• As a member of Fulfill’s Development & External Relations team, represent Fulfill at community events as needed; organize and conduct tours, meetings, and information sessions for stakeholders, including public officials and business leaders, engaging Fulfill leadership as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Strong written and verbal communications, project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical ability; ability to manage information from a number of different sources, draw conclusions, and formulate strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work across departments and with diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated ability to recommend, persuade and influence in communications with diverse audiences and to improve communications flow, execution and deliverables to internally and externally.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment
• At least 6 years’ experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, organizing, or lobbying experience and/or elected public service or related key staff support, with demonstrated success in advancing a legislative or policy agenda while managing multiple stakeholder relationships
• Understanding of and familiarity with issues of poverty and food security.
• Fluency in Spanish and the ability to translate written work to Spanish a plus
• Flexible work schedule to involve some nights and weekends
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office/O365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams) and Raisers Edge/NXT a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required for evening and weekend events
• Ability to travel that may include consecutive overnight stays, and traveling by car, bus, train and airplane.

Position Salary: $85k-$100k commensurate on experience. 

NJ passed a Pay Transparency Law which requires NJ based hiring to include a compensation range on each job posting. This compensation range is presented in good faith for candidates that are hired in these roles will be presented a salary within the range stated on the job posting.

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