Food Policy Program Manager - City of Austin, Texas

The City of Austin is seeking an experienced Food Program Policy Manager to
provide strategic direction and leadership for the City on food issues,
including analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy development, coordination,
and tracking. Responsibilities include the identification of priorities,
establishment of goals, and implementation of actions to sustainably advance
our region’s food system. Work is performed under the direction of the Chief
Sustainability Officer and in collaboration with key City Departments involved
in food related issues and programs, including Health and Human Services,
Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, and Planning and Development
Review.

Key Responsibilities
Duties, functions, and responsibilities specific to this position include but
are not limited to the following:
•       Identify and prioritize food issues as part of managing and
implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for food, incorporating input from
internal and external stakeholders and goals from the Imagine Austin
Comprehensive Plan
•       Develop and maintain relations with key internal and external partners
and networks, coalitions, and organizations critical to the achievement of
food policy goals
•       Coordinate with the Sustainable Food Policy Board, an appointed
citizen advisory board
•       Advise and brief senior officials and executive management regarding
strategic direction and policy recommendations for food
•       Manage and coordinate the creation and implementation of food policies
across City departments and the community. Provide technical assistance on
food issues to Chief Sustainability Officer and other City leaders
•       Maintain community relations and foster community-wide initiatives and
cooperative partnerships
•       Review, evaluate and recommend revisions to City Code, regulations,
policies, procedures and acts as expert resource regarding federal, state and
local food policies, legislation, and trends

Qualifications
At a minimum, this position requires graduation from an accredited four year
college or university with major course work in a field related to
Environmental or Natural Science, Engineering, Public or Business
Administration, plus five years of experience in a field related to the job.
Master’s degree may substitute for experience up to two years.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Planning, Public
Administration, Public Health, Food Systems, Food Policy, Social Sciences,
Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture, or a related field, plus at least five
years of progressive leadership experience, project management, and research
and analytical experience in food systems or related work and at least two
years of demonstrated experience cultivating relationships with external
constituencies, including historically underserved and/or under-represented
populations.

In addition, candidates with the following qualifications are encouraged to
apply:
•       Knowledge of local, regional, and national food systems policy and
issues, including developing recommendations on policy options and programs
•       Experience leading collaborative policy development processes with
stakeholders of divergent viewpoints
•       Ability to work independently and exercise judgment within the context
of the City’s policies and procedures
•       Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to
interdepartmental teams
•       Strong community leadership experience with exemplary communication
and negotiation capabilities
•       Self-starter comfortable with advancing toward identified goals given
broad parameters and shifting circumstances
•       Ability to manage diverse projects and be flexible when priorities
changes
•       Experience with the political process of local government
•       Demonstrated analytical skills, facilitation skills, presentation
skills, and writing skills
•       Professional working proficiency in Spanish

Compensation & Benefits
The Food Policy Program Manager will receive a competitive salary, negotiable
depending on qualifications, and an excellent benefits package including:
•       Pension Plan, with the City of Austin Employee Retirement System
(vested after five years)
•       Health, dental, vision and life insurance (City pays employee coverage
only, employee pays dependent coverage), and numerous other benefits
•       Deferred compensation plan, for additional retirement savings

About Austin
Austin, Texas (pop. 842,000) is one of the country’s most economically strong,
high-profile “green” and culturally dynamic cities. Recently selected as the
“Best City for the Next Decade” (Kiplinger) and the “Top Creative Center” in
the United States (Entrepreneur.com), Austin is also Texas’ State Capital and
home to the University of Texas.

Austin City Government
•       The City of Austin is a progressive, dynamic, full-service municipal
organization operating under the City-Manager form of government.
•       Council appoints the City Manager, who serves as the chief
administrator and the Chief Operations Officer for the City organization. The
Chief Sustainability Officer reports to the City Manager through an Assistant
City Manager. The Food Policy Program Manager will report to the Chief
Sustainability Officer. This structure provides the opportunity to have
significant impact on the city as a whole.
•       The City’s vision is for Austin to be the “most livable community” and
the “best-managed city” in the country.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online by December 7, 2013 at the City of
Austin employment Web site: https://www.austincityjobs.org/postings/40504.

Inquiries related to this recruitment may be directed to:
Meta Kelly, Human Resources Consultant • Email: Meta.Kelly@austintexas.gov

THE CITY OF AUSTIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND VALUES DIVERSITY AT
ALL LEVELS OF ITS WORKFORCE.