Public Affairs Neighbor Advocacy Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE 

Public Affairs Neighbor Advocacy Specialist

DEPARTMENT 

Public Affairs and External Relations

REPORTING TO 

Public Affairs Advocacy Manager

STATUS 

Salary 

HOURS

Full-time; 40 hours/week  

LOCATION 

Brooklyn Park, MN / Hybrid 

ABOUT SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND  

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 throughout the region while shining a light on food insecurity and its root causes and inspiring action at home and across the country. By utilizing new and better data, engaging and mobilizing partners, and advancing innovative solutions, we are on the leading edge of a new movement to address hunger and food insecurity in our communities.

If you’re ready to turn your passion into purpose, join us and help build a future where every neighbor has the food they need to thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY

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. Because these policy priorities are informed by the needs of neighbors experiencing food insecurity, a successful Neighbor Advocacy Specialist will be adept at listening to neighbors, distilling information, and helping to inform the work of the Second Harvest Heartland Public Affairs Team. Additionally, the Neighbor Advocacy Specialist will be responsible for collecting neighbor stories and other activities in service of our legislative advocacy efforts.

This role supports Second Harvest Heartland’s role as a convener in the hunger-relief advocacy sector. It requires the ability to work effectively with individuals and communities with barriers to accessing food resources and public benefit programs across the food bank’s 41-county service area in Minnesota. Additionally, this role will require collaboration with Second Harvest Heartland’s Neighbor Services and Community Engagement teams, along with relevant neighbor-facing agencies and other external organizations. 

This role requires the ability to engage neighbors in accessible, responsive ways and requires some travel and occasional work on evenings and weekends as needed.

DUTIES AND 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 together 
• 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, we make the best use of donor dollars, and we achieve results safely and reliably.
• We Lead with Our Hearts: We keep our neighbors, partners, and teams at the center of our work. We seek to understand and anticipate their needs.
• We are all in this Together: We collaborate, internally and externally. We communicate openly, seeking feedback and sharing knowledge.
• We Innovate: We seek out bold new ideas, we embrace change, and we commit to continuous improvement for ourselves and our work.
• We Believe our Differences Make us Stronger: We value inclusion and embrace the variety of backgrounds that make up our team and our community. Our different experiences and perspectives empower us to fulfill our mission

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver clear, concise, and effective oral and written communications. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office, Office 365 and the ability to learn other computer software programs. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of the workings of state and federal government, and effective advocacy practices.  
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team 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. All relevant experience including work, education, transferable skills, and military experience will be considered. 
• Ability to independently identify, analyze, and troubleshoot problems.  
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.  
• High-quality relational skills (exhibit objectivity, calmness, empathy, and helpfulness). 
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and communities with barriers to accessing food resources and public benefit programs. 
• Valid MN driver’s license, good driving record, current automobile insurance, and dependable transportation to conduct site visits and other events as needed. 
• Microsoft office programs and computer skills.   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

Second Harvest Heartland is an equal employment opportunity employer.