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Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

San Diego, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$89,000–$99,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Management, Alliance/Partner Management, Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Business Administration, Business Strategy, Campaigns, Communication Skills, Corporate Policies, Data Entry, Database Administration, Database Report Tools, Driver's License, Environmental Impact, Funding, Fundraising, Government, Government Policies, Government Relations, Illustrating Ability, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Lobbying, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Tracking, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Recycling, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Risk Analysis, Set Goals, Strategic Analysis, Sustainability, Systems Maintenance, Team Player, Technical Strategy, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Willing to Travel, Work From Home, Writing Skills
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
2 days ago
 
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is currently hiring for a Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy at our Miramar location.

About the San Diego Food Bank
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing nutritious food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. For more information about the organization, please visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.

Our Mission:
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank Chapter provide nutritious food to people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger-related issues.

Did you know?
  • The San Diego Food Bank feeds approximately 400,000 people every month in partnership with 450 nonprofit community partners.
  • We are the fourth largest independent food bank in the country.
  • We distributed 52 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2024-2025; almost 45% of that food being fresh produce.
  • We have a 99% rating on Charity Navigator.

We are committed to innovation and sustainability to reduce our impact on the environment. We have 1,400 solar panels, we are LEED v4 Gold Certified, we have a 3,600 sq. ft composting and recycling center that houses our recycling and composting machine and received the 2020 Business Waste Reduction & Recycling award.

Position Purpose
The Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy works closely with the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy (DGAA) to advance the organization’s public policy, legislative, regulatory, budget, and government relations priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. The Manager monitors and analyzes policy developments, assesses opportunities and risks, develops recommendations, and supports the implementation of advocacy strategies that advance the organization’s mission and policy objectives.

The Manager builds and maintains relationships with elected officials, government agencies, coalition partners, and community stakeholders; represents the organization in advocacy, public affairs, and community engagement activities; and coordinates advocacy campaigns, government relations initiatives, and stakeholder engagement strategies. The position also provides strategic insights regarding political and stakeholder dynamics, collaborates across departments to advance organizational priorities, and oversees advocacy operations, reporting, and compliance activities to support an effective and impactful government affairs program.


Primary Responsibilities
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position. All duties are expected to be performed in accordance with existing company policy and procedure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Legislative, Regulatory, and Budget Analysis
  • Monitor federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and budget proposals affecting the organization and the communities it serves. Analyze policy developments and assess potential organizational impacts, opportunities, and risks.  Develop recommendations regarding legislative positions, advocacy strategies, funding opportunities, and stakeholder engagement. Prepare concise issue briefings, summaries, and recommendations for organizational leadership.
  • Identify emerging policy trends and proactively elevate issues requiring organizational attention.

Government Relations and Public Affairs 
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and key community stakeholders. Represent the organization at meetings, briefings, hearings, events, and public affairs activities. 
  • Develop recommendations and implementation plans to support government relations strategies that advance organizational priorities.  
  • Coordinate advocacy activities and engagement opportunities with policymakers and public officials, including but not limited to legislative visits, tours, presentations, talking points, etc.  
  • Collaborate with Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy, Communications, Development, Programs, and Executive leadership to support public affairs objectives.

Advocacy Strategy and Campaign Management
  • Assist in developing and implementing advocacy strategies that support organizational priorities. Develop campaign plans, timelines, stakeholder engagement strategies, and implementation approaches. Monitor progress toward established goals.
  • Recommend adjustments to advocacy tactics and engagement strategies based on changing conditions and emerging opportunities.
  • Support development of annual advocacy plans and policy priorities.

Coalition and Community Engagement 
  • Represent the organization in coalitions, collaborative partnerships, and community initiatives and position SDFB as the hunger-relief leader in San Diego County
  • Build and maintain relationships with nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and community stakeholders.  Assess coalition opportunities and recommend engagement strategies that align with organizational priorities.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen the organization's visibility, influence, and leadership within the community.

Stakeholder Intelligence and Strategic Assessment 
  • Gather and assess information from stakeholders, partners, government officials, and community leaders.
  • Assess political, organizational, and stakeholder dynamics and adapt engagement strategies to effectively advance organizational objectives.  
  • Provide strategic insights and recommendations regarding relationship development and engagement opportunities.

Operations, Reporting, and Administrative Management
  • Maintain advocacy tracking systems, databases, and reporting tools.
  • Track legislative activity, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy outcomes.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, talking points and meeting summaries.
  • Support compliance with applicable lobbying, advocacy, and reporting requirements.
  • Assist with Board and executive leadership materials as assigned.

Ideal Candidate
The Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy should be a strategic thinker with an understanding of the legislative process and a proven track record of advancing policy agendas. 

The ideal candidate will have strong relationship-building skills, exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, and a commitment to the organization’s mission-driven work. They will demonstrate sound judgement, political awareness, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while effectively assessing opportunities, risks, and organizational implications. The Manager should also have at least 4-6 years of relevant experience in government affairs, policy analysis, or related fields, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex advocacy initiatives and work collaboratively across teams.

Education, Training and Experience
  • At least 4-6 years of progressive responsibility in government affairs, public policy, or a related field.
  • Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, and stakeholders at the regional and state level is highly preferred.
  • Prior experience in legislative tracking, advocacy campaigns, and coalition-building is a plus.
  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, government affairs, business administration, communications, or a related field. 
  • Minimum of (4) years in government, advocacy or related policy development. 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
  • Strong understanding of federal, state, and local legislative processes and timelines.
  • Ability to synthesize complex policy issues and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to gauge audience and context, tailoring strategy and approach to effectively meet the moment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare advocacy materials, reports, and presentations.
  • Strong interpersonal and networking skills to build and maintain relationships with government officials, stakeholders, and partners.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Ability to:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage advocacy initiatives, track legislation, and implement advocacy strategies.
  • Adept at bridging in-depth policy expertise with big-picture strategy, translating technical details into compelling, easy-to-understand narratives.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently, with a high level of initiative and accountability.
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex policy information and make strategic recommendations.
  • Ability to travel as needed for legislative visits and events.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements
  • Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation, as some local travel may be required.
  • Certification in fundraising (e.g., CFRE) is a plus but not required.
  • Completion of any relevant data entry, database management, or nonprofit development courses is desirable.
  • Willingness to undergo additional training in Raiser’s Edge NXT or other software tools as necessary.

Compensation
This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly, benefited position.
  • A market-level competitive salary is between $89,000 - $99,000 annually based on experience and qualifications. 
  • The compensation package includes a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: 403(b) plan with 200% employer matching; excellent health care coverage with free employee medical, dental and vision plans; company paid term life insurance; and a generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.

Work Schedule
  • The schedule for this position primarily follows a typical Monday through Friday structure, with standard working hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, flexibility is essential as occasional weekends or extended hours may be required based on meetings and events.
  • This position is a hybrid, combining remote work and in-office presence as needed. The schedule and flexibility for this role will be collaboratively determined between the employee and their manager. 
  • Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required within San Diego County and potentially to Sacramento or Washington, D.C. for advocacy purposes.

How to Apply
  • Interested and qualified candidates should apply below.
  • Submissions missing a resume will not be considered for the position.
  • Background check and drug test are required for the position before employment starts.

About the Company

J

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

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