Public Policy Analyst

Operation Food Search seeks a talented and experienced individual to support the organization’s policy platform aimed at decreasing child hunger and family food insecurity in Missouri. Reporting to the Director of Policy & Innovation, this individual will conduct research, analyze data, co-design strategy, and create content in support of policy efforts to protect and enhance food access for vulnerable populations in Missouri.

Organization Overview: In Missouri, 1 in 6 individuals struggles with hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity, including more than 241,000 children. Operation Food Search (OFS), a leading hunger relief organization, strengthens the safety net by empowering children and families with a range of innovative programs and services proven to reduce food insecurity and increase access to healthy and affordable food.

• Mission: To nourish and educate our neighbors in need to heal the hurt of hunger.
• Goals:  1) Meet the immediate need for food for children and families; 2) Empower long-term skills by teaching culinary skills and nutrition education; 3) Champion change through advocacy, service learning, and innovative demonstration projects.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Overview: The Public Policy Analyst will work in close collaboration with Operation Food Search’s Manager of Public Policy to monitor and craft compelling responses to local and state legislation impacting food access and nutrition. This position will not only be responsive in nature but will also proactively identify opportunities to modify existing institutional and state policies to improve food access and nutrition for Missourians.

• Provide research and data support to the Director of Policy & Innovation to implement OFS’s strategic advocacy plan.
• Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including the federal safety net and child nutrition programs.
• Analyze state and federal data sets at the state, county, and legislative district-level to inform responses to local and state legislation impacting food access and nutrition.
• Review and evaluate existing policies/programs and proposed legislation to determine their benefits and impact on food insecurity and food access in Missouri
• Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to illustrate impact of proposed and existing local and state policies.
• Contribute to the development of legislative testimony, issue fact sheets, policy briefs, and white papers for both internal and external audiences
• Assist in monitoring relevant local, state, and federal legislation
• Identify and foster opportunities for OFS to collaboratively advance policy and program goals with agencies and organizations including: the USDA, FRAC, state agencies, elected officials, and other state-wide non-profits, associations, and coalitions.
• Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including Nutrition Education, Fresh Rx, Community Nutrition, and Child Nutrition Programs, on projects where appropriate.

 Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate for this position will possess the following:

• Minimum five to seven years of relevant work experience in research, data analysis and public policy required. Master’s degree in social/public policy, public health, macro-level social work and/or nutrition required. Experience or knowledge of federal nutrition programs preferred.
• Passion for the OFS mission and a commitment to racial and health equity.
• Certification in Geographic Information Systems.
• Ability to develop sound, data-driven arguments to help federal, state, and local elected and government officials understand the link between hunger, education, health, and economic vitality.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience.

Special Requirements:

• Travel may be required for meetings and conferences.
• Flexibility in working hours during the legislative session, after-hours or weekend.
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Trina Ragain via email.  No phone calls please.
Trina.Ragain@OperationFoodSearch.org

Location: 1644 Lotsie Boulevard, Overland, MO 63132

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.