The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) works to improve the food environment for all Americans. CSPI led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school food, remove sugary drinks from children’s menus, and require calorie labeling on chain restaurant menus.  National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (to improve school food), Food Safety Modernization Act, and Food Allergen Consumer Protection Act. 

Unhealthy food and beverages are the leading contributors to death in the United States, contributing to over 600,000 premature deaths each year, primarily through heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.  The typical American diet is low in fruit, vegetables and whole grains and too high in sugar-sweetened beverages, red and processed meat, full-fat dairy, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat.  The ubiquity, amounts, and aggressive promotion of sugary drinks and unhealthy food in the food supply are hazardous to the public’s health. 

We are searching for an Engagement Manager to help develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive grassroots strategy to support national, state, and local policies and corporate campaigns.  A successful candidate will spark interest, build and strengthen partnerships, and mobilize organizations, health professionals, and the public to build momentum for food and nutrition policies, especially in historically disenfranchised communities that experience health disparities and are disproportionately targeted by unhealthy beverage and food marketing.  

This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams and members of senior leadership across the organization.  The Engagement Manager reports directly to the State and Local Operations Director and the position is located in CSPI’s Washington, DC office.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with the policy team and coalition partners to develop and manage grassroots advocacy to achieve multiyear campaign policy goals, under the direction of the State and Local Operations Director.
  • Lead, motivate and support a team of four organizers to implement grassroots outreach strategies. 
  • Build, strengthen and work with coalitions and organizations; support and build capacity and skills of state and community organizations through partnership, trainings, materials, and technical assistance; mobilize grassroots (including through digital advocacy platforms), and use social media and press outreach in coordination with the communications team in support of campaign goals.
  • Cultivate partnerships with communities of color, public health, social justice, anti-hunger, and other national, state, and local groups.
  • Represent CSPI at meetings, conferences, in coalitions and on partner committees, in testimony before state and local legislatures, and in the press.
  • Manage an active team of four organizers with clarity, grace, enthusiasm, and efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain internal planning and project management systems supporting outreach and campaign management, including systems for organizing and tracking partners and projects. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would possess:

  • At least 7 years of experience managing advocacy/policy grassroots organizing campaigns.
  • Staff management experience including ability to supervise, motivate and evaluate staff, and a strong commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture.
  • Extensive experience with innovative, effective campaigns and organizing.
  • Commitment and track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of public health and social justice and ability to promote it throughout the work and in the workplace.
  • Familiarity beyond food and nutrition allies with progressive voices, especially communities of color and historically marginalized groups.
  • A sense of mission and passion for public interest and public health advocacy.
  • Proven track record of building strong relationships with multiple stakeholders in a persuasive, credible, and professional manner.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking experience.  Ability to produce high quality written materials.
  • Excellent judgment and consistent professionalism, with the ability to take responsibility for multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Ability to work as part of cross-disciplinary teams in a collegial manner.
  • Proficiency with MSOffice applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Familiarity with social media and other web-based advocacy tools.
  • Ability to travel and work additional hours as needed.

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 “EngMgr-web” in the subject line.

CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment.  CSPI is an equal opportunity employer.  Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.