The Center for Science in the Public Interest is searching for an Engagement Associate to work on cross-functional teams to build and maintain trusting relationships with leaders, organizations, coalitions, and networks. This position plays a critical role, working within and alongside diverse communities including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities, those with disabilities, and those living in rural and other under-resourced communities. This work includes community engagement and capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening the ability of under resourced organizations to engage in food policy advocacy and corporate campaigns. An ideal candidate for this position will center the leadership of those most impacted by health inequities, including those disproportionately targeted by unhealthy beverage and food marketing.

This position works alongside three other engagement associates on the Engagement Team, serving as a convener and connector to a variety of groups by supporting the development of existing and emerging relationships with public health organizations and community-based organizations. This position covers the Northeast Region: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The Engagement Associate reports to the Engagement and Capacity Building Manager, and is based remotely, preferably in the Northeast region or with ties to the Northeast.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with CSPI’s current and potential subgrantees through initiating meetings and calls, managing listservs, tracking action items from meetings, and coordinating with CSPI staff and technical assistance resources to serve the needs of each organization.
• Work with policy teams and coalition partners to identify and implement campaign goals and strategies. Keep CSPI staff informed of campaign developments through regular updates in internal meetings and highlighting areas for potential CSPI technical assistance or campaign strategy shifts when applicable.
• Strengthen CSPI’s external presence and reach by participating in local and state coalitions of public health and food system-oriented groups. Initiate contact with new partners in impacted communities to influence decision-makers and advance food and nutrition policies.
• Develop, implement, and measure the success of a variety of engagement and organizing strategies, including but not limited to event planning, meetings between community members and policymakers, convenings, webinars, and email engagement.
• Support CSPI’s Resource Hub to amplify our partners through the training and speaker series, uplift CSPI’s subgrantee partners, and develop additional resources as subgrantee needs arise.
• Coordinate efforts to build the capacity of under-resourced organizations to engage in policy advocacy and/or support community-building and engagement efforts of these groups in marginalized communities.
• Support internal capacity building to strengthen staff understanding around best practices in authentic community engagement and engaging diverse communities.
• Organize and participate in field activities as needed including press events, rallies, and hearings.
• Other organizational and programmatic support tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working in partnership with community-based organizations or grassroots organizing experience. Ideal candidates will have worked in and alongside BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other diverse communities, as well as have experience working in the Northeast region.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Demonstrated interest in equity, food systems, organizing, nutrition, public health, or public policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of public health or food systems, and social justice, and the ability to promote it throughout the work.
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s mission and work.
• Ability to work across teams in a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture.
• Comfortable taking initiative and working remotely. Strong research, communications, and writing skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Word and PowerPoint.

About CSPI

CSPI is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, put calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

CSPI’s office is in Washington, DC. We are open to candidates available to work in DC or remotely in the United States. As a public health organization, CSPI makes efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees and visitors we require all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible, and the vaccine is available to them. Proof of vaccination is required during the onboarding process.

CSPI on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We are not looking for everyone to think and look the same. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization.
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions.
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.

Compensation

The salary range is $58,000 to $60,000, based on experience. CSPI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 3 weeks of annual vacation leave; additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; excellent medical and dental insurance with CSPI paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums; and a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after one year of service.

To Apply

Please utilize CSPI's Paylocity Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to apply for the Engagement Associate position. You are required to submit a resume and cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest. The application deadline is July 19, 2023.

CSPI is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspective, and skills and encourage people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.