Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy (San Diego, CA)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

This is a regular full-time position