Policy Associate

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) helped lead the effort for passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, a landmark law that got soda and most junk food out of schools and ensures that school meals provide more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less salt and saturated fat. Since then, we have been working to defend science-based school nutrition requirements, pass policies to allow all students to receive free school meals, and ensure schools have the tools they need to provide healthy, delicious meals.

This is a 12-month, grant-funded, full-time position with the possibility of extension. We are seeking a Policy Associate to join the Child Nutrition Programs team to focus on CSPI’s state school foods policy portfolio. This position will report to the Child Nutrition Campaign Manager, and the anticipated start date is mid-June 2026.

CSPI’s state school food policy priorities include increasing access to free school meals, requiring strong, evidence-based nutrition standards, and ensuring schools have the resources they need (e.g., sufficient reimbursement, equipment, infrastructure) and systems in place (e.g., training for staff, sufficient time for students to eat) for students to reap the benefits of nutritious school meals.

CSPI’s office is in Washington, DC, where we offer a hybrid work environment with staff free to work from home but available for occasional in-person meetings based on team needs. But many of our staff work remotely at locations across the US. We will consider DC-based or remote applicants within the US.

The ideal candidate would possess:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of lobbying, legislative, or policy experience are required.
• State policy experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced education in health policy or nutrition preferred (MS, MPP, MPH, or the equivalent—counts as two years of experience).
• School nutrition operations experience is preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of evidence-based food and nutrition recommendations for health.
• Experience working with a variety of diverse stakeholders credibly and professionally.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak effectively and persuasively.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent judgment and consistent professionalism, with the ability to take responsibility for multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-disciplinary team in a collegial manner.
• Interest in and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of public health and social justice, and the ability to promote it throughout the work.
• Proficiency with MSOffice applications, social media, advocacy tools, and other web-based applications.

Salary: The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000, based on relevant experience.

Tagged as: Government Affairs/Legislative/Policy