DC Policy Associate

Policy Associate:

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) led efforts to win passage of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (to improve school food), Food Safety Modernization Act, Menu Labeling, and Food Allergen Consumer Protection Act. The Policy Associate will join our team’s work to restrict the use of harmful food additives; reduce risk from foodborne pathogens; help stop deceptive ads and labels; ensure biotech crops and animals are safe for humans and the environment; and reduce the amounts of sodium and added sugars in food.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Assist with policy initiatives such as food labeling, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, additives, sodium reduction, and dietary supplements.

· Provide policy, analytical and project support to CSPI’s Biotechnology Director.

· Work with the Executive Director on emerging issues for CSPI work.

· Research, organize, and execute policy strategies to achieve public health goals.

· Draft and edit reports, fact sheets, regulatory and public-facing petitions, comments, speeches, freedom of information act requests, and administrative appeals to attain program goals.

· Work with health and consumer organization partners and mobilize support for policy priorities.

· Work with congressional offices, state attorneys general, and agencies, such as FDA, FTC, CDC, and USDA, to achieve public policy goals.

· Represent CSPI at meetings, conferences, public hearings, and coalition meetings.

· Assist with other program-related projects as needed.

Qualifications:

· Demonstrated commitment to public-interest and/or public health advocacy.

· Advanced degree required (e.g., MPH, MPP, JD).
At least 3 years of legislative, public policy, and/or regulatory experience in food/nutrition/health/science.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret and translate legal, financial, policy, regulatory and scientific documents.

· Superlative writing, research, and verbal communications skills.

· Excellent judgment and consistent professionalism, with the ability to take responsibility for multiple projects and deadlines.

· Intellectual agility and the ability to operate on deadlines and as part of a rigorous and fast-paced team.

· Ability to engage internal and external stakeholders in a credible, professional manner.

· Strong oral and presentation skills, and comfortable with public speaking.

· Proficiency with MSOffice applications, social media, advocacy tools and other web-based applications.

· Ability to work additional hours as needed.

CSPI is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens' interests before governmental bodies, and serves as a watchdog over industry. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter (NAH), the nation's largest‑circulation nutrition newsletter. CSPI is supported by the subscribers to NAH, donors, and foundation grants.

To Apply Please email your application materials, which should include a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, and résumé to hr@cspinet.org. Include “PA-comfood” in the subject line.