The National WIC Association (NWA), the nonprofit education arm and advocacy voice of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), has an immediate opening for a WIC Advocacy Manager/Senior Manager.
The Association is a high-impact non-profit member organization that represents more than 2,000 service provider agencies that offer quality nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health care and other social referral services to at-risk women and young children in over 10,000 WIC clinics nationwide.
The WIC Advocacy Manager/Senior Manager is responsible for leading state WIC legislative tracking and advocacy, grassroots advocacy on federal legislation, and engaging in direct federal advocacy as part of the public policy team. The role involves managing an active coalition of national, state, and local WIC advocates and allies, engaging NWA members (WIC staff) in federal and state advocacy work, and contributing to NWA’s direct federal advocacy efforts to protect and strengthen WIC. Key tasks and responsibilities may also pivot based on need and changes in the policy environment. A successful candidate will be experienced in advocacy and policy development, understand federal and state legislative processes, and skilled at communicating policy information to audiences without professional policy experience. The WIC Advocacy Manager/Senior Manager will be joining a small, passionate, and highly-collaborative public policy team.
The WIC Advocacy Manager/Senior Manager is responsible for:
Leading NWA’s state WIC policy work, including tracking key legislation, leading a coalition of partners on state WIC work, and advocating for key priorities at the state level. This may involve registering as a lobbyist in some states.
Developing and implementing strategies to empower State and local WIC staff, State and local partners, WIC participants, and allies to advocate on behalf of pro-WIC policies and practices. This includes developing and implementing strategic grassroots advocacy engagement tools and platforms, and managing a large, nationwide coalition of WIC advocates.
Contributing to NWA’s federal WIC advocacy, which may include attending Hill visits, participating in coalitions, and drafting policy positions and supporting materials.
Playing a key role in organizing and executing NWA’s National Policy Conference – and other policy educational opportunities and events, both virtually and in-person, as appropriate. This includes participating in organizing “Hill Day” events for NWA members.
Collaborating with NWA’s Communications Team to ensure ongoing policy and advocacy updates for member newsletters and other communication platforms, as needed.
Tracking and responding to administrative actions that impact WIC.
Engaging WIC participants in advocacy work, including by working with NWA’s Participant Advisory Council.
Participating in planning and staffing NWA conferences, including attending planning meetings, organizing sessions, assisting onsite conference support, etc.
Traveling, as appropriate, to attend meetings or other events to represent NWA and WIC priorities.
Pursuing and managing grant funding to support advocacy work as appropriate.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements*
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years of field experience in public policy related to health, public health, or nutrition. A Master’s degree with major study in nutrition, public health, public policy, or closely allied field may substitute for two years of work experience.
Experience managing grassroots advocacy initiatives.
Experience facilitating groups of diverse stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Strong sense of initiative.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Commitment to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into work.
Spanish language skills a plus.
*At NWA, we appreciate that individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can make meaningful contributions to our team. If you believe you can make a meaningful contribution to this role, we encourage you to apply for this position even if your background does not exactly align with these requirements.
Salary Range:
$78,000-$103,000
NWA full-time staff must be based in the DC metro area, which includes Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We currently have a hybrid work environment with the expectation of 32 hours per month in the physical office at 1099 14th Street, NW Washington, DC. At NWA, we value equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in all that we do, and encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply for this position.
NWA provides competitive benefits, including hybrid work, tuition reimbursement program, ongoing professional development opportunities in addition to generous health care plans, dental and vision coverage, flex spending account, dependant care flex spending account, basic term life insurance, long term disability insurance, paid time off, free gym access, a company-matched 403b retirement program, employee assistance program, cell phone and internet stipend, and more.
To apply, please click here. No phone solicitation accepted.