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**This position is open until filled**

Job Title: Public Affairs SNAP Advocacy (PASA) Specialist 
Salary: $59,000 - 64,000 Annually
Status: Full Time; Exempt; Temporary (7 Months Duration), Benefits Eligible

This position is temporary, beginning in December 2024 and lasting through the legislative session, which runs January through June 2025. There is a possibility this role could be extended, which will be known and communicated accordingly around February. 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Public Affairs SNAP Advocacy Specialist works within the Public Affairs Team and focuses on SNAP policy and advocacy. Reporting to the Public Affairs Manager, the PASA Specialist will lead all SNAP-related advocacy efforts for Minnesota’s Feeding America food banks, including building a plan to engage more SNAP-adjacent organizations in the legislative process. The PASA Specialist will identify opportunities for policy change through administrative changes and state and federal legislative processes, crafting legislation, engaging diverse stakeholders (community groups, coalitions, neighbors, and other community members). The PASA Specialist will also initiate related lobbying and advocacy efforts at the Minnesota State Capitol under the direction of the Public Affairs Manager. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify the major barriers preventing more eligible Minnesotans from enrolling in SNAP and provide an array of options to address them based on research, analysis, and engagement with peer states, food banks, and other thought leaders.
• Oversee SNAP-related legislative advocacy, including on both administrative and/or rulemaking changes or policy changes that would raise awareness of SNAP and increase Minnesota’s SNAP participation rates.
• Develop or deepen existing relationships with community-based organizations, emergency food programs, and other partners with expertise in SNAP outreach, enrollment, and/or SNAP rules and regulations to build grassroots advocacy capacity.
• Develop memos, reports, and presentations based on research and legal analysis to advise and educate internal staff, food banks, anti-hunger organizations and coalitions, policymakers, and the public on the impact of SNAP and recommended improvements.
• Work closely with the Second Harvest Heartland Neighbor Services, Care Center, and SNAP Outreach teams to ensure priorities are aligned.
• Work with Data and Analytics team to identify gaps in SNAP utilization across the state and help develop strategies to address those gaps.
• Communicate effectively through written work, oral engagement, and presentations about policies that improve access to healthy food and public programs.
• Represent Second Harvest Heartland in SNAP-related community collaboratives, meetings, workgroups, and taskforces as needed. 
• Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about program issues and trends, policies, legislation, regulations, and other matters affecting SNAP and Second Harvest Heartland.
• Support the Public Affairs Manager at the Capitol during the legislative session by attending meetings, taking notes, tracking bills, and other duties as assigned.

MUST HAVE:

• A combination of education and experience generally attained through a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in social work, advocacy, public affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both in oral and written form.

• The ability to work independently, take initiative, meet deadlines, and seek advice and guidance as appropriate while thriving in a fast-paced environment.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead project work and manage multiple issues and competing priorities and perspectives for win-win outcomes.  
• An understanding of how productive coalitions function and how effective partnerships can help drive desired policy change.
• Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued.
• Be familiar with and can analyze state and federal policy, laws, and regulations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office, Office 365, and the ability to learn other computer software programs.
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

NICE TO HAVE:

• Knowledge of and interest in non-profit organizations or government advocacy; experience related to hunger-relief.
• Prior SNAP or other public benefits enrollment and/or administration experience (professional or personal).  
• Previous experience working with state elected officials and/or state agencies.
• Knowledge of, experience with, and/or passion for the work of the emergency food relief system and anti-hunger policy at the state and/or federal level.

Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer.  
 

Benefits include: 9 paid holidays each calendar year, plus 4 extra well-being days, up to 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with the option to carry over up to 20 hours to the following calendar year, volunteer time off to serve community each calendar year, up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents, and more! Learn more about our benefits package here.  

Second Harvest Heartland believes no one should ever go hungry, as our region produces more than enough food for everyone. Helping hungry neighbors find their next meal—so they can thrive at work, in the classroom and in their communities—is what drives Second Harvest Heartland, its partners and supporters. Beyond feeding hungry neighbors, Second Harvest Heartland believes in the importance of our work to help sustain our environment.