Northwest Harvest is Hiring! PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR/CENTRAL & EASTERN WASHINGTON

POSITION TITLE: PUBLIC POLICY COORDINATOR/CENTRAL & EASTERN WASHINGTON
NORMAL WORK WEEK: Non-Exempt, FTE, normally M-F, but travel and special events required
LOCATION: Spokane Warehouse
REPORTS TO: Public Policy Manager
 REVISED DATE: October 2013

Implements grassroots organizing plan for Northwest Harvest (NWH) partner programs with focus in central and eastern Washington. In addition to public policy and advocacy, works with all three Hunger Response Network department managers to implement all departmental activities, including partner program communication and technical assistance with our statewide network of over 360 food banks, meal programs, and high need schools; the Three Squares program that addresses childhood hunger; and annual focus group project.

Time Breakdown

•   60% Public Policy
  
•   30% Partner Programs
  
•   10% Three Squares
  
  Primary Duties
  General
  

•   confers regularly by telephone, email, written correspondence, and face to face with representatives of partner programs primarily served by the Yakima and Spokane warehouses, and other agencies regarding the implementation of NWH’s advocacy program and grassroots mobilization work plan, programs, events, and agency policies;
  
•   proofreads NWH Advocacy Updates before emailing, maintains advocacy email database and contributes to Partner Program Newsletter, edits materials for accuracy, appearance, readability, and style; and;
  
•   takes notes, types, edits, and files all meeting minutes and documentation;
  
•   maintains current content for the NWH website, including advocacy updates, updated and current partner
  information, and non-profit and grant resources for central and eastern WA resources;
  
•   assesses advocacy, physical and organizational capacity and training needs for central and eastern Washington partner programs and creates and disseminates training materials to alleviate those needs;
  
•   maintains good communication with all warehouse staff in carrying out partner program, Three Squares and other food program needs;
  
•   performs other duties as assigned;
  

Advocacy

•   attends Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition, Western Regional Anti-Hunger Consortium, and Food Research Action Center meetings when appropriate, coordinates logistics, attendance and prepares materials for Hunger Action Day when necessary;
  
•   schedules legislative appointments for Public Policy Manager and partner programs in central and eastern Washington;
  
•   contributes information to advocacy alerts, fact sheets, and other legislative visit materials;
  
•   assists in coordinating and tracking actions taken by partner programs in support of NWH’s programs and
  policy advocacy;
  
•   assists in coordinating logistics for the Advocacy Mobilization Team;
  
•   effectively communicates NWH’s policy advocacy work at coalition meetings and other settings;
  
•   and assists in coalition building in areas identified through the Northwest Harvest Strategic Plan focus.
  
  Partner Programs
  
  •   coordinates logistics and communications for the Annual Conference, Regional Meetings, and Focus Group meetings; and implements new events such as Van Tours and educational conference calls for central and eastern Washington programs;
    
  •   updates and tracks annual membership materials, including renewals for existing partner program contracts and applications from potential new partner programs;
    
  •   represents NWH by completing site visits, food safety inspections, and maintaining ServSafe Certification;
    
  •   represents NWH at central and eastern Washington coalition meetings;
    
  •   assesses training needs of local programs and, where appropriate, assists in developing training resources to meet the needs, including launching a quarterly training phone call;
    
  •   and produces statistical information for the NWH board and staff.
    
    Three Squares
    
  •   assists with monitoring of inventory and distribution of Three Squares food to schools;
    
  •   monitors and negotiates with school sites as assigned and under the supervision of the Three Square Program Manager;
    
  •   communicates regularly with staff at the schools served by the Yakima and Spokane warehouses, especially regarding reports and deliveries.
    

Qualifications: Employee in this position will possess: excellent organizational skills; close attention to detail; strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite; valid driver’s license, valid food workers card, the ability to communicate well by telephone, in person and in writing; self-motivation, with an ability to problem solve and prioritize; commitment to teamwork with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively; and performs other related duties to support the work of the department as required. Desired qualifications include prior experience with direct service delivery and interest in addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty, and Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in social work or social sciences, at least 3 years’ experience as a grassroots organizer for campaigns that work on anti-poverty and social justice issues preferred; or at least five year’s work experience in the anti-hunger arena.

To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications for this position to publicpolicy@northwestharvest.org please put “Public Policy Coord – Eastern/Central WA” in the subject of the email. This posting closes on Friday, November 8, 2013. Please understand that due to the high volume of applicants, phone call inquiries will not be able to be returned.
Northwest Harvest is an equal opportunity employer and we are striving to build a staff that more closely reflects the population we serve.

Our Mission Statement
The mission of Northwest Harvest is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while working to eliminate hunger.

Our Vision Statement
The vision of Northwest Harvest is that ample nutritious food is available to everyone in Washington State.

Northwest Harvest Core Values

•   Embrace diversity
  
•   Passionate about our work
  
•   Practice careful stewardship of resources
  
•   Hold ourselves accountable
  
•   Foster collaboration in addressing the issues of hunger
  
•   Respect and honor the dignity of every person
  
  Northwest Harvest Employment Philosophy
  

•   We value loyalty and service in our employees.
  
•   We will promote fairness and equity in employment practices and compensation.
  
•   We want to motivate and incent employees to perform consistently at their highest level and as needed by
  the Agency.
  
•   We want a collaborative/team culture where each member works toward the common goal of fulfilling our mission.
  
•   We will strive to have a diverse workforce.
  
•   We will strive to balance the needs of the employee with the needs of the Agency.