Advocacy Coordinator

Advocacy Coordinator

Rosenthal Way - Cincinnati, OH 45204

Overview

Level: Experienced Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage: Up to 50% Category: Business Development

Description

The Advocacy Coordinator supports and advances Freestore Foodbank's public policy and advocacy priorities across a three-state, 20-county service area under the leadership of the VP of External Affairs. This role cultivates relationships with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels and monitors issues that impact food access, nutrition programs, and the root causes of hunger. The coordinator educates staff, board members, network partners, volunteers, and neighbors about key policy issues and effective engagement with elected officials. Additionally, the role mobilizes grassroots advocacy efforts, supports communications that elevate the food bank's policy agenda, and collects and amplifies neighbor stories to strengthen public understanding and influence policy change.

Essential Job Functions

Policy Strategy & Issue Monitoring

• Identify emerging policy issues related to hunger, nutrition, poverty, and root-cause systems, and coordinate communication of Freestore Foodbank's positions.
• Research relevant issues and policies that impact food insecurity, job training, stabilization programs, housing, benefits, and other root cause work.
• Collaborate with leadership, staff, advocates, and community partners to develop public policy priorities aligned with the organization's mission and strategic plan.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies that advance strategic priorities.

Government Relations & Coalition Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal, state, and local legislators, elected officials, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with regional, state, and national partnersincluding Feeding America and state associationson aligned advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Support and participate in meetings with elected officials and other influencers across the tri-state area.
• Organize events such as candidate forums, listening sessions, webinars, and other advocacy programming.
• Work with partner organizations to strengthen coalitions that advance anti-hunger and economic mobility policy initiatives.

Advocacy Coordination

• Lead Freestore Foodbank's advocacy activities, including:
• Developing and distributing email alerts and action opportunities.
• Creating written content for emails, social media, letters, articles, and advocacy briefs.
• Organizing advocacy campaigns such as call-in days, letter-writing efforts, and sign-on opportunities.

Grassroots Engagement

• Recruit, train, and coordinate advocacy volunteers, partner representatives, and community members.
• Prepare individuals to participate in storytelling, testimony, media interviews, and legislative visits.
• Deliver presentations on hunger, policy issues, and advocacy to volunteers, staff, board members, civic groups, and community organizations.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Storytelling

• Manage advocacy resources including fact sheets, policy briefs, and district-level hunger profiles.
• Maintain and update the advocacy-related website content and social media channels.
• Draft or support the development of op-eds, letters to the editor, and other public communications.
• Partner with teams across the food bank to:
• Coordinate site visits for elected officials at the foodbank, distribution sites, partner agencies, and school programs.
• Collect and curate neighbor stories and testimonials for use in advocacy and communications.
• Identify individuals for various advocacy opportunities.

Network & Partner Engagement

• Engage network partners and organizations across the 20-county service area to strengthen advocacy participation.
• Collaborate with community groups to build a sustained, inclusive movement to end hunger.

Data & Reporting

• Track advocacy activities, utilize Feeding America reporting tool, develop activity dashboard, and report impact.
• Maintain updated records of elected official contacts and stakeholder interactions.
• Track partner agency presence in legislative districts.
• Prepare reports for Feeding America (e.g., NAR, Advocacy Hall of Fame), grants, and internal requests.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government processes.
• Experience with advocacy, lobbying, or public policy preferred.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Administration, Communications, or related field.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse populations and collaborate across departments.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; strong Excel skills; basic data analysis capabilities.
• Experience with Salesforce, GIS tools, and digital platforms preferred.
• Valid driver's license: ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and represent the organization professionally.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands outlined below reflect what is required of an employee to effectively perform this job's essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standing: Up to 1/3 of time

Walking: Up to 1/3 of time

Sitting: Up to 1/3 of time

Talking: Up to 1/3 of time

Hearing: Choose an item.

Weight: Choose an item.