Colorado Nonprofit Association

CBEH Policy Director

Join our Q&A! We will be holding a live webinar on Friday, February 21, 2025, MST. The live webinar is entirely optional, and will not have any impact on applications, interviews, or candidate selections. This is intended to provide an opportunity for potential candidates to gain a brief understanding of the organization, the position, and to ask questions of the Hiring Lead about the position. Participant names will not be shared at any point during the webinar. The Zoom Webinar will be held on the following date:

Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 PM MST. Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81604505174

If you are unable to attend the scheduled webinar, check out our Blueprint Policy Director Q&A document here. This document will be updated after the live webinar and will include a link to the webinar.

Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, February 24, 2025.

Overview

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger (Blueprint) is working to create a Colorado where everyone can access the food they choose, where they want it, and when they need it. As we work towards food justice, or food as a human right, the Blueprint remains committed to its core values of equity, collaboration, transparency, authentically remaining accountable to communities, and acknowledging commodification of food as a root cause of hunger. The four commitments that drive our ongoing work are:

• Convening stakeholders around shared priorities;
• Supporting local solutions to local problems;
• Strengthening resources and building capacity; and
• Championing bold policy change.

The Blueprint has activated a number of open committees that act as think tanks around shared work to end hunger in Colorado, and we continuously achieve success through projects that work collaboratively to complete time-bound tasks that move us towards food sovereignty.

Trailhead Institute

Trailhead Institute (Trailhead) is a public health institute whose mission is to advance innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. As the fiscal sponsor of the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Trailhead provides administrative oversight for Blueprint staff who will work most closely with members of the Blueprint. As an employee of Trailhead, the Policy Director will help to further the organization’s mission, to build a regenerative organization that actively works to reverse historical inequities within public health and within our organization, and to operate in accordance with our organizational drivers of collaboration, capacity, and justice. This person will ensure that a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and equity is incorporated throughout all components of their work.

Position Summary

The Policy Director plays a key role within the Blueprint, supervising the Policy and Community Justice Team (3 total FTE). As Policy Director, this role is responsible for overseeing the Blueprint’s state and federal policy priorities, administrative advocacy and community justice framework. This position will report to the co-Executive Director of Community and work in collaboration with internal and external teams and partners.

This position will work a hybrid-remote schedule, with a statewide focus on Colorado communities, based out of our office in downtown Denver.

Responsibilities

Supervision and Thought Leadership

• Guide the Policy and Community Justice Team, composed of Policy Manager, Community Justice Manager and Community Justice Coordinator.
• Oversee any funding streams linked to policy and community justice work in collaboration with Blueprint Development Director.
• Participation and presence at local and national conferences, utilizing their expertise and uplifting the role of the Blueprint in anti-hunger and food systems work.
• Policy and Administrative Advocacy
• Act as the primary point of contact and facilitate the Blueprint’s State Policy Committee, coordinating among state and local anti-hunger advocates.
• Create and manage Blueprint’s state legislative platform each year; Ensuring alignment of state policy priorities with Blueprint’s commitments and values.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the Blueprint and contract lobbyists at the Colorado State Capitol.
• Build and maintain relationships with Colorado state legislators, partner organizations, state departments and the Governor’s Office.
• Create and manage Blueprint’s administrative advocacy priorities, with a focus on health-related social needs alignment across multi-sector partners.
• Provide support and alignment with the Policy Manager and their work on the Blueprint’s federal policy priorities. Support relationships with Congressional delegates and national partners as identified with Policy Manager.
• Co-facilitate Federal Policy Committee.
• Support Policy Manager with management of Policy Engage (or other applicable legislative tracking tools) to monitor policy action and opportunities.

Community Engagement

• Work closely with the Community Justice Manager to ensure that policy priorities resonate with the needs and concerns of local communities and coalitions across Colorado.
• Guide the Blueprint’s provisions of technical support through training sessions, education resources, and convenings to enhance the policy literacy and ability of community members based on their unique needs and interests.
• Provide support for the Policy Manager in overseeing the Blueprint’s Advocacy Leadership Academy.
• Provide thought-partnership on Blueprint’s Community Resiliency Initiative technical assistance grant through the Colorado Trust.

Skills

Supervision and Thought Leadership

• Provides strategic vision and thought leadership to advance bold, community-driven policy initiatives that promote food justice and equity.
• Guides and empowers a dynamic team of three staff members, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.
• Demonstrates an inclusive and transparent leadership style, ensuring alignment with organizational values and strategic priorities.
• Cultivates innovation by identifying emerging trends and opportunities in the policy landscape, positioning the organization as a leader in food systems advocacy.
• Builds a learning culture within the team, encouraging continuous improvement and reflection to strengthen collective impact.

Policy and Administrative Advocacy

• Background in policy and administrative advocacy, preferred in the context of food access and justice initiatives.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal programs including but not limited to: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), The National School Lunch Program, Older Americans Act (OAA), and Medicaid (Health First Colorado).
• Knowledge of the Colorado State Departments responsible for administering these programs is a plus.
• Familiarity with legislative and rule making processes and the ability to translate policy goals into actionable advocacy strategies.

Facilitation

• Proficient in facilitating diverse groups, ensuring inclusive participation, and fostering constructive dialogue.
• Ability to lead effective meetings and workshops that encourage collaboration and engagement, even on complicated technical topics.

Collaborator Relationship Management

• Proven skills in creating and maintaining healthy, communicative relationships with a wide array of collaborators, including community members, advocacy groups, government officials, and national partners.
• Ability to navigate and balance relationships with collaborators who may have varying experiences, priorities, and power.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Drive and Slack, with an aptitude to learn new computer applications and platforms.
• Experience with legislative tracking technologies preferred.

Communications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to ensure inclusive and accessible communications for all.
• Ability to navigate oppressive systems and engage collaborators who may unknowingly benefit from them, while building inclusive partnerships to develop accessible policy and program concepts that align with and advance our values.
• Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with an ability to resolve issues directly as they arise through the practice of ethical communication.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and effective completion of tasks and deliverables.
• Experience in coordinating projects with participation from diverse collaborators, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Demonstrates a collaborative spirit, actively engaging with team members, collaborators, and community partners to foster a unified approach to food justice policy work.

Commitment to Community Resilience & Food Systems

• Passion for improving community resilience and food systems through inclusive and collaborative policy and systems change.
• Understanding of the principles of food access, food justice, and food sovereignty preferred.
• Experience working with diverse community needs, experiences and expertise.
• Alignment with the Blueprint’s vision, mission, and values.

Key Characteristics

Adaptability

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, emerging policy priorities, and evolving community needs.
• Openness to exploring innovative tools and technologies that can enhance the efficiency and impact of food sovereignty efforts.

Cultural Competence

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Ability to navigate and respect cultural nuances and diversity in the advocacy landscape for food justice and food sovereignty.
• Exhibits cultural competency, recognizing and respecting the diversity of communities affected by hunger.

Collaborative Team Player

• Prioritizes collective success over individual recognition, contributing to a positive and inclusive team dynamic.

Dedication to Mission

• Advocates for policies and practices that genuinely reflect the realities of those experiencing hunger, embodying a commitment to creating meaningful, positive change.
• Holds a deep commitment to addressing hunger as a core mission, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving lasting impact.
• Values the broader mission of the Blueprint above personal accolades, aligning personal dedication with the higher purpose of food sovereignty for all

Don’t check off every box in the requirements and skills listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

This is a full-time position with office facilities available in Denver, CO. This is a hybrid-remote position with a requirement that candidates live in Colorado and are able to commute to the Colorado State Capitol with ease. All business is conducted in Mountain Time.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $94,500 – $109,200. Trailhead Institute offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation and sick time (prorated for part-time employees), health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, a free RTD EcoPass, and a 401k with a 100% employer match up to 10% of compensation.

The salary for this position is provided by limited-term funding. If the funding ends, the position may be discontinued, and there is no guarantee for future employment with Trailhead Institute.

License and Proof of Insurance Requirement

If you will be using a personal vehicle to drive yourself for Trailhead Institute business, you must provide a valid driver license and proof of insurance. While access to reliable transportation is a must, having a driver’s license and/or personal vehicle is not a requirement for employment with Trailhead Institute.

Interview Us

Before you apply for this position, consider attending our Q&A Webinar to ask questions about this position and ensure that Trailhead is the right fit for you. We will be holding a live webinar on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 PM MST. The live webinar is entirely optional, and will not have any impact on applications, interviews, or candidate selections. This is intended to provide an opportunity for potential candidates to gain a brief understanding of the organization, the position, and to ask questions of the Hiring Lead about the position. Participant names will not be shared at any point during the webinar. The Zoom Webinar will be held on the following date:

• Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 PM MST. Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81604505174

If you are unable to attend the scheduled webinar, check out our Blueprint Policy Director Q&A document here. This document will be updated after the live webinar and will include a link to the webinar recording.

Priority will be given to applications received by February 24, 2025.

To Apply

Please apply online: https://trailheadinstitute.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ You will be asked to upload your resume and job references. You will be given the opportunity to complete 5 questions in lieu of a cover letter.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but full consideration will be given to applications completed and received before February 24, 2025. Only electronic submissions are accepted.

This position includes working with vulnerable populations, and fiscal management; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.

Trailhead Institute is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, sex, race, color, veteran status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or national origin. Trailhead Institute welcomes applications from all communities, educational backgrounds and life experiences.

This position includes work with youth and/or vulnerable populations and fiscal management; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.