This position is remote and will be based within reasonable commuting distance to Columbia, SC. Some travel within SC and to NC is required.
ABOUT CFSA
CFSA is a member-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. CFSA’s mission is to help people grow and eat local, organic food. We do this by advocating for fair farm and food policies, training farmers on sustainable practices, building the systems that organic family farms need to thrive, and educating communities about local, organic farming. We support sustainable farming that is good for consumers, good for farmers and farm workers, and good for the land.
JOB SUMMARY
Work with CFSA’s policy team to develop advocacy goals, organize CFSA’s South Carolina members and allies to advocate for specific policy solutions to achieve those goals, educate state and federal policymakers on issues of importance to the local and organic food and farming community, spearhead and oversee grassroots communications campaigns in support of CFSA’s policy goals, and support CFSA’s organizational allies in South Carolina to demonstrate CFSA’s commitment to and impact on agriculture in South Carolina.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Advocacy (90%)
- Work with Policy Director to create and implement advocacy campaigns to strengthen local, organic food and farming policies at the state and federal levels, including government relations work with elected and appointed officials.
- Engage CFSA members and stakeholder communities in conversation and advocacy work across South Carolina virtually and in person.
- Develop and maintain relationships with policy-makers, agency staff, and key partners critical to the achievement of CFSA’s mission.
- Monitor state-level legislative and regulatory proposals and organize CFSA’s response to issues relevant to CFSA’s policy priorities and overall mission.
- Coordinate CFSA’s grassroots and grasstops response to federal policy issues among South Carolina members and allies.
- Identify and pursue, with assistance from other CFSA staff, funding opportunities to support policy initiatives.
- Participate in work planning with the policy team, provide input on grant and board reports, policy team check-ins, and staff meetings.
- Manage and comply with all certification and recordkeeping requirements placed on lobbyists by the state of South Carolina.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Five years of government relations experience (paid or unpaid)
- Or four years of government relations experience (paid or unpaid) and a BA.
- Or two years of government relations experience (paid or unpaid) and an advanced degree (for example, a J.D. or a master’s degree in public policy).
- Knowledge of the political and legislative environment in South Carolina.
- Volunteer or professional experience in legislative advocacy.
- Demonstrated success working on policy campaigns focused on legislative or administrative policymakers.
- Self-directed, organized, and capable of successful work outside of a traditional office structure.
- Proven ability to work well within a team, and with individuals, both internal and external, with diverse viewpoints.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Passion for CFSA’s mission and vision.
- Familiarity with food and/or agricultural policy at the state or federal levels; specific knowledge of the Carolinas’ food system preferred.
- Ability to analyze legislation and regulations in terms of their impact on CFSA’s members, including the ability to identify systemic problems and develop innovative solutions.
- Strong existing networks of farmers, policymakers, and/or agriculture leaders in South Carolina.
CFSA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color and women.
To apply for the SC Policy Coordinator Job, please submit:
- Your resume;
- Names and contact information for three professional references accompanied by a brief explanation of the professional relationship you and your reference share; and
- A cover letter that includes responses to the three questions below. We will enjoy reading fewer words than the limits allow.
- How has your education or work (paid or unpaid) prepared you to walk into the State House and advocate for CFSA’s members? (150-word max.)
- How did you acquire a working understanding of the legislative and political environment in South Carolina? (150-word max.)
- Describe an advocacy campaign you worked on, including your role in the work, the outcome, and how you believe your experience will inform your work at CFSA if you are hired. (250-word max.)
Applications for the SC Policy Coordinator Job are due by February 15, 2019. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2019.