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Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Government Affairs leads Edesia's U.S. and global advocacy efforts, reporting to the VP of Strategic Partnerships. This role develops and implements strategic advocacy initiatives to strengthen partnerships with U.S. government agencies, UN organizations, NGOs, international donors, and influencers in the food security space. By building relationships with key stakeholders, the Director will work to advance Edesia’s mission, influence policy changes, and secure sustainable support for global nutrition and food assistance programs.
Additionally, the Director will actively engage in critical conversations to increase Edesia's visibility and impact within the sector. The role includes a strategic sales component to secure funding commitments and expand the organization's donor base. Through advocacy, relationship management, and targeted outreach, the Director will ensure Edesia is positioned as a trusted partner and leader in addressing global food insecurity challenges.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
The Director of Government Affairs will be responsible for:
- Leading the development and execution of U.S. and global advocacy strategies to advance Edesia’s mission by increasing awareness and funding for preventing and treating malnutrition. Shape legislation, influence policy, and provide actionable insights to guide organizational priorities while advising the CEO on emerging trends.
- Developing strong relationships with U.S. Congress, UN agencies, USAID, advocacy groups, and NGOs to drive organizational goals. Collaborate with consultants and alliances to secure sustained USAID funding and champion preventive healthcare approaches.
- Strategizing and leading engagement activities—such as roundtables, Co-Dels, Staff-Dels, and webinars—to advance advocacy objectives. Collaborating with the Communications team to produce compelling advocacy materials, host VIP visits, and represent Edesia at key events to amplify visibility and influence.
- Proactively pursue high-impact partnerships, translating policy influence and stakeholder relationships into sustainable growth for Edesia’s products and services while positioning the organization as a trusted leader in preventing and addressing malnutrition.
- Monitoring global humanitarian, development, and nutrition trends to identify emerging opportunities, new markets, and partnerships. Build collaborative, pre-competitive relationships and gather actionable industry intelligence to strengthen Edesia’s position.
- Ensuring strict compliance with lobbying and regulatory standards while delivering timely risk assessments to the leadership team.
- Participating in field visits, as needed, to strengthen relationships and gather insights that inform advocacy efforts.
- Demonstrating commitment to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action programs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, public policy, public health, nutrition, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy, ideally in a relevant sector (e.g., public health, nutrition, international development).
- Demonstrated experience working with U.S. government (e.g. Congress, Administration), agencies (e.g., USAID, USDA) and/or international bodies (e.g., UNICEF, WFP) and strong understanding of their funding processes and programs.
- Established network within government and regulatory bodies, with proven success in securing funding and advancing advocacy goals.
- Strong understanding of legislative processes, with excellent communication, negotiation, and public representation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and experience in team management
- Strong analytical skills, able to synthesize and present complex information effectively.
- A proactive, adaptable approach suited to the dynamic policy environment.
PREFERRED:
- Based in the Washington, DC area, with the ability to spend up to 1 week per month in Rhode Island.
- If not based in DC, the ability to travel to DC and RI 1-2 times per month.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- General office environment. High utilization of office equipment, phones, computers, etc. Ability to work remotely, as needed or requested. Domestic/international travel may be required up to 30% of the time.
The requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply on our website: https://www.edesianutrition.org/