Our Work

More than 38 million Americans lack reliable access to nutritious meals. Meanwhile, 108 billion pounds of food go uneaten in the U.S. - the equivalent of 40% of the country’s food supply. Rethink Food exists to bridge the gap between perfectly good food that goes to waste and the demand for meals that many of our food-insecure neighbors face. Through Rethink Certified, we partner with restaurants, kitchens, and corporations to provide nutritious, culturally celebrated meals to communities impacted by food insecurity - while using excess food whenever possible. Since 2017 Rethink Food has prepared 8 million meals for local communities utilizing 1.3 million pounds of excess food.

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Role Summary

The Senior Manager of Government Relations & Policy manages Rethink’s government relations, policy, and advocacy work across food equity and sustainability. This role helps Rethink strengthen its policy platforms and better advocate for a more equitable and resilient food system that increases quality food access for communities in need. The senior manager will interface with Rethink’s portfolio of government funders and partners at the city, state, and federal levels, serving as an external representative and helping set and advocate for the organization's policy priorities. This role will also help manage policy research and intern teams – co-developing and guiding projects that inform our understanding of the landscape, trends, and impacts of the emergency and ongoing food ecosystem in New York City and nationally regarding food security, food rescue, and food distribution. The senior manager reports to the Chief of Staff and will work closely with other members of the program, operations, finance, and engagement teams.

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Responsibilities

• Lead Rethink’s efforts to educate community leaders and government officials at the local, state, and federal levels about Rethink’s mission and impact.
• Grants management and stewardship.
• Represent Rethink on meetings, calls, and site visits with government offices and corporate and philanthropic partners.
• Contribute to government contract and grant processes, including research and identification of funding opportunities, drafting and submitting applications/proposals (including budget creation), tracking results, reporting, and stewardship.
• Monitor and track policy priorities and emerging trends in food systems policy (economic development, food, and sustainability) at the city, state, and federal levels.
• Create, refine, and disseminate Rethink’s public policy advocacy agenda to address gaps in the food system.
• Oversee policy research and academic projects that help inform our understanding of Rethink’s impact and how our work sits within the broader landscape and ecosystem of food security and sustainability.
• Coordinate sign-ons for legislation and advocacy, make calls to elected officials, and prepare and send letters and emails on behalf of the CEO.
• Develop presentations for hearings and meetings with community leaders and elected officials.
• Manage and track communications with city, state, and federal government officials.
• Attend and report on briefings, hearings, and coalition meetings.
• Manage all organizational monthly and annual lobbying filings.
• Work cross-departmentally within the organization to manage projects and stay informed on internal communications and program changes that affect funding applications.
• Support the management of associates and interns in the Executive Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Non-Profit management, or related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, non-profit management, or related field.
• Ability to think strategically and critically and consistently apply sound judgment and discretion.
• Excellent project management, time management, organization, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong team player who can work independently and collaborate with colleagues at all levels across departments and external stakeholders.
• Experience in representing organizations and building strong external relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must embrace the mission and core values of Rethink Food.

What you bring to the table: Commitment to embodying our values of -

Inventiveness: At our core, we are relentlessly curious about solving problems. As our name suggests, we’re a team of creative thinkers, but we’re also hands-on doers, challenging norms with humility to find practical solutions that can create lasting change.

Vulnerability: Guided by an “always be better” mindset, we are a team that intentionally reflects on what we are doing well and where we need to improve. We hold ourselves and each other accountable every day. No blame, no shame — we just want to be sure we’re always doing the right thing.

Thoughtfulness: Our vision for a nourished and thriving world starts with nourished and thriving individuals in each of our communities. Our work is centered on the needs of the people that bring our communities to life. We don’t pretend to have all of the answers. We are committed to listening and learning in order to identify and scale solutions that ensure stable and reliable access to healthy food for all so each and every community can thrive.

Kindness: At Rethink, we show up every day with empathy and compassion and believe everyone should be treated with dignity. Kindness goes a long way — we are all about just being kind

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $75k - $90k, depending on experience and education. We also offer a complete benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays, two weeks per year for an organization-wide office closure to recharge, a retirement plan with employer match, free daily nutritious lunch, a subscription to a mindfulness and meditation app through Headspace, and a progressive parental leave plan.

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How to Apply

While a degree, certification, and work experience are a plus, we recognize that other life and work experiences may also prepare you for this role. Additionally, research has shown that women and people from underrepresented groups may not apply for jobs if they do not meet 100% of the job qualifications. Please know that no candidate has 100% of the listed job qualifications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply for this position if you believe you can complete the responsibilities.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. However, we have an immediate need to fill the position. Please submit your application online.

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EEO Statement

Rethink Food is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.