Description

Job Summary

Ready to lead and shape public policy that reduces food insecurity across Oklahoma? In this changemaker role, you serve as the organization’s lead on public policy strategy and external advocacy, translating community experience and organizational insight into clear, evidence-based policy priorities while building strong relationships with elected officials and partners. You balance research, communication and coalition work to help decision-makers understand how public systems impact access to food and economic stability. What success looks like in the first 6–12 months includes establishing engaged statewide advocacy networks, documenting and aligning policy priorities across teams, strengthening policymaker understanding of hunger and food bank roles and delivering timely, accessible and accurate advocacy materials.

Day in the Life

Building Advocacy Networks

• Create and sustain a statewide group of advocates focused on policies that reduce food insecurity.
• Form and maintain coalitions to improve access to food and reduce poverty.
• Encourage coordination between private and public entities addressing food and economic insecurity.
• Represent the organization in policy-related groups, committees and advisory settings.
• Guide neighbor engagement and organizing efforts, including Magnify Oklahoma initiatives.

Communication and Education

• Inform and engage people in advocacy efforts connected to hunger and public policy.
• Build awareness and deepen understanding of food insecurity among partners, community members and policymakers.
• Educate partner agencies, lawmakers and the community on hunger drivers and policy solutions.
• Create educational materials on specific issues for legislators and policymakers.
• Work with media outlets to explain hunger issues and policy effects on food access.
• Educate elected officials on the role of food banks in addressing hunger.

Policy Advocacy and Research

• Maintain communication with state, federal and local elected officials and their staff.
• Monitor and track laws and regulations that affect food and economic security in Oklahoma.
• Review policies and rules to inform sound policy conclusions.
• Coordinate and support the board’s policy advisory function.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations that improve access to food and strengthen economic security.
• Coordinate policy focus areas and messaging with partner organizations.
• Educate policymakers and stakeholders through meetings and visits throughout Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.

Resource Optimization and Administration

• Prepare research materials that inform community understanding of hunger issues.
• Ensure internal teams communicate consistently about hunger and policy priorities.
• Write and edit issue briefs, speeches, reports and notes as needed.
• Manage the public policy budget and oversee advocacy-related grant funding.
• Provide direction and feedback to the Advocacy and Policy Specialist.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

How You Have Spent Your Time

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience.
• At least five years of experience working in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience with public policy, advocacy, coalition building and legislative activity.
• Experience managing a diverse workforce.

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database or CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license meeting organizational standards.
• Ability to explain complex policy topics clearly to varied audiences.
• Commitment to advancing the mission of ending hunger.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to complete required background check, motor vehicle record review, drug screening and physical assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

How You Have Spent Your Time

Experience working within state or local government environments.
Background in public policy affecting nutrition assistance or food systems.
Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations addressing community needs.
Familiarity with public funding structures and regulatory processes.
Experience communicating policy topics to public or community audiences.

Safety Sensitive Designation

This position is classified as Safety Sensitive under Oklahoma law. Employees in safety sensitive roles perform duties where even a momentary lapse in concentration could result in injury to themselves or others or cause environmental harm. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma cannot hire applicants who hold a medical marijuana card for safety sensitive positions.

Physical & Environmental Expectations

Work is primarily performed in an environmentally controlled office setting with minimal exposure to hazards. The role requires maintaining stationary positions for extended periods, safe vehicle operation, fine motor coordination and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. Occasional travel of up to 25 percent may be required, along with work outside of regular schedules based on business necessity, documented and compensated in accordance with applicable laws.

EEO & Accommodation Statement

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, the organization provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and employment. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at hr@rfbo.org.