Government Relations Manager- Missouri

About Operation Food Search: 

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 40 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.  

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.? 

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives. 

Our Goals are to: 

1. Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals, and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network. 
2. Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget. 
3. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities. 

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

Position Summary: 

The Government Relations Manager will work closely with the Director of Government and Community Relations to monitor and craft compelling responses to federal, state, and local legislation that impacts food access and other relevant poverty issues with a special emphasis on Missouri. Experience in community engagement, analysis of legislation, and working with a diverse group of people and communities. Able to work independently and meet deadlines. 

Essential Functions: 

Research:

• Provide research and data support to the Director of Government & Community Relations to develop and implement OFS’s strategic policy agenda. 
• Conduct research to inform organizational strategy on priority and emerging policy issues, including the federal safety net and poverty legislative policies, specifically in Missouri.  
• Analyze federal and state data to inform responses for bi-state legislation that impacts food access and justice issues.  

Legislation 

• Familiarity with civic processes or advocacy campaigns, with openness to deepening legislative knowledge. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects with attention to detail, timelines, and stakeholder coordination.  
• Resourceful self-starter that adapts quickly to new policy landscapes. 

Collaboration and Development 

• Strong relationship-building skills across diverse communities, with a collaborative spirit and growth mindset. 
• Contribute to the development of legislative testimonies, fact sheets, policy briefs, and white papers. 
• Identify and foster opportunities for OFS to collaboratively advance policy and program goals with community organizations, agencies, elected officials, and other bi-state coalitions. 
• Collaborate with other OFS programs/departments, including projects where appropriate.
  

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience in public administration, political science, communications, outreach or community engagement or other relevant fields.  
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in government, public policy or community organization required. 
• Experience as a legislative aide; government experience with an elected official or local cabinet/department head is a plus. 
• Background in government, communications, or community organizing is a plus; formal policy experience is not required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communications skills required, with public presentation experience required. 
• Willingness to learn data interpretation and policy framing with support from Director & team. 
• Passion for the OFS mission and commitment to racial and health equity. 

Special Requirements: 

• Travel regularly across Missouri for advocacy and relationship-building; expected at the Capitol biweekly during session (Jeff City–based) or at least twice monthly (STL-based), with additional in-district meetings for community and legislative engagement year-round. Travel required throughout Missouri footprint for meetings, events, and conferences. 
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events, after-hours or weekend activities. 
• Occasional travel to Headquarters for meetings, events or conferences 
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: 

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions 
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors 

Benefits – FT Positions 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage 
• HRA and FSA 
• Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP)  
• 401(k) retirement plan 
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays 
• Short and long-term disability income 
• Company paid long-term disability income 
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Employee assistance program 
• Wellness support 
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified 

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132 

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.