We’re Hiring a Food Security Policy Manager!

Position Title: Food Security Policy Manager

Reports to: Chief of Policy Staff

Position Summary: The Food Security Policy Manager, under the direction of the Chief of Policy Staff, leads a portfolio of food security-related policy research, community engagement and legislative advocacy for the organization. This portfolio includes leading the development of Missouri’s Rural Food Financing Program and supporting the creation of local policy councils in the Branson and Joplin areas. The Policy Manager supports recruitment, training, and maintenance of a robust, statewide Food Security Coalition composed of organizations working to ensure every Missourian has access to sufficient, nutritious food.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Policy, Advocacy and Organizing

• Serve as a food security policy expert for Empower Missouri, including keeping up-to-date on new data and policy recommendations.
• Research evidence-based best practices on our priority issues and produce content that may be used on our communication platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key policymakers
• Lead the creation of Missouri’s first food systems charter, the road map for future investment through the state’s food financing initiative, which will be launched in Fall 2027.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of Missouri’s Regional Food Access Partnership, a statewide coalition of individuals working to build a coordinated food system that collaborates across sectors, fosters innovation, and strengthens every Missourian’s ability to access healthy food 
• Lead research, planning, community engagement and advocacy on food security campaigns as assigned
• Support communities across the state in establishing Local Policy Councils, beginning with Branson and Joplin
• Represent Empower Missouri at appropriate meetings or events related to food security

Organizational Stewardship

• Contribute to grant-writing and grant-reporting processes for proposals related to food security and collaborates on additional grants as requested.
• Assist with fundraising & donor stewardship as requested
• Serve as a spokesperson to the media on issues related to food security
• Support key organizational events, including our Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit and Week of Action
• Supervise interns
• Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Passion for advancing food security policy in Missouri
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Strong coalition building and coalition management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as needed
• Strong research and writing skills
• Demonstrated skills in meeting facilitation
• Basic event planning knowledge

Desired Education and Experience:

• Strong candidates will possess significant knowledge of food security issues in Missouri and have professional experience working on food security-related topics. 
• Experience in working on policy advocacy is preferred, but not required. We will train the right candidate on the policy advocacy elements of the job as needed. 
• Empower Missouri is open to a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. Competency, passion, and experience are more important than formal education, although we certainly welcome those with formal education credentials to apply.

Salary Range and Benefits:

$55,000- $65,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Position comes with annual opportunities for merit-based and cost-of-living raises; health, life, dental and vision insurance; generous PTO policy, paid holidays, and retirement plan.

Location of Position:

This position can be based anywhere in Missouri, with anticipated 35% travel in-state. Candidates must be willing and able to travel frequently.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and list of three references to [email protected].  Priority application deadline is October 21, 2026.  Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.