Senior Anti-Hunger Program Associate – SNAP

Position Available

Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the staff as a Senior Anti-Hunger Program Associate - SNAP.

Through advocacy, research, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance, public education, and program monitoring, the Senior Anti-Hunger Program Associate will be responsible for working to increase participation in and the quality of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Maryland, and to address related community food security issues. The Senior Anti-Hunger Program Associate will also work on nutrition issues related to hunger impacting a variety of residents with an emphasis on older adults, veterans, college students, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant populations.

Currently, MDHS is operating in a remote mode. Candidates must reside in the D.C./Maryland metro areas, as this position will require some in-person meetings. Some travel around the state will be required.

This position reports to the Director of Maryland Hunger Solutions.

Organizational Background

FRAC works to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To attain this mission, FRAC engages in research, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance and training, and an array of communications strategies. In partnership with hundreds of national, state, and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations, schools, and labor organizations, FRAC addresses hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

Founded in 2007 by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Maryland Hunger Solutions works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of individuals, children and families in Maryland. Maryland Hunger Solutions works with state and community partners to ensure that all eligible residents are connected to federal and state nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school meals programs; provide education about the stark reality of hunger’s existence in Maryland and the proven solutions to reduce food insecurity; and improve public policies to end food insecurity and poverty.

MDHS works to educate the public and policymakers about the extent of hunger and its impact on Maryland residents by forging workable solutions at the state and local level, tracking the performance of state and local agencies, identifying best practices and to engaging a network of partners to ensure federal nutrition programs are accessible to all those who are in need.

For more information on MDHS, please visit https://www.mdhungersolutions.org/

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to increase the participation in SNAP for families and individuals in the state of Maryland SNAP. This will include site visits, outreach, analysis and research, technical assistance, public education, collaboration, and the development of materials.
• Provide technical assistance and work effectively with multiple stakeholders, including officials from the state of Maryland (including the Governor’s Office, the Maryland State Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, and Department of Agriculture), city and county public officials, community groups, school administrators, teachers and other school personnel, child care providers, afterschool providers, health professionals, social service agencies, faith-based and community organizations, and farmers’ markets.
• Lead Maryland Hunger Solutions’ research, policy improvement, program implementation, and outreach efforts on SNAP, farmers market programs, and other programs as needed.
• Analyze policies and practices that foster or inhibit program participation and healthier nutrition in Maryland nutrition programs.
• Collect and report data on Maryland participation rates in federal nutrition programs and analyze community food security trends.
• Conduct outreach activities to increase participation in federal nutrition programs, with an emphasis on SNAP.
• Lead coalitions, including convening groups, developing strategies and supporting existing groups as needed.
• Provide training to partner organizations, public agencies, and interested individuals as appropriate.
• Assist in public education about federal nutrition programs and policies.

Skills and Qualifications

• Background in hunger and anti-poverty work preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Good conceptual, strategic thinking and creative skills.
• Proficient in writing clear and concise reports, emails, and documentation
• Experience in policy and advocacy working with legislators and government agency personnel.
• Exhibit empathy and sensitivity in communication with low-income families.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong team orientation and leadership experience.
• Ability to present and speak in public on behalf of the organization.
• Ability to utilize technology to work remotely.
• Experience with SNAP and/or other federal nutrition/benefit assistance programs (TANF, Medicaid, etc.).
• Ability to travel for local meetings, training and technical assistance opportunities and outreach events. (Parking/mileage reimbursement provided for required travel.
• Conversant in Spanish a plus

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $64,000 - $75,800. Generous leave, health and other benefits.

To Apply

This position is available immediately.

Click here to submit a resume, writing sample (not to exceed three pages), and cover letter providing a summary of accomplishments and experience.

Opening/Closing Dates:

The position is available immediately. It will close when filled. However, Maryland Hunger Solutions seeks to hire a qualified individual as soon as possible.

Maryland Hunger Solutions is especially interested in candidates with lived expertise with hunger or poverty and those with a commitment to racial equity and social justice who can contribute to the diversity of the organization.

Maryland Hunger Solutions is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Maryland Hunger Solutions is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin.