Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) Policy Associate Job Oppritunity

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is searching for a Policy Associate to advance our efforts and campaigns for stronger food regulations and to advocate for evidence-based policies that make critical nutrition information more accessible through labeling. 

 

This is a 24-month, grant-funded, full-time position with a likelihood of extension. The Policy Associate is a member of the Regulatory Affairs team and reports to the Director of Regulatory Affairs, and works in collaboration with colleagues across the organization engaged in activities related to the labeling and regulatory campaigns. CSPI’s office is in Washington, DC but many of our staff work remotely at locations across the United States. The preferred location of this position is DC, but we welcome candidates available to work remotely across the country.

 

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. 

 

About CSPI

CSPI, your food and health watchdog, 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.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft letters, fact sheets, regulatory comments, and other written materials in support of food labeling initiatives.
• Implement data collection protocols for policy reports and other CSPI-led research publications.
• Conduct policy research, including tracking state and local food labeling bills, reviewing regulatory comments to dockets, and conducting literature reviews.
• Coordinate and support engagement with external partners and coalitions, including meetings for the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, National Allergen Quarterly Group Meetings, and other multistakeholder meetings.  
• Develop and implement systems and processes to increase productivity and enhance communication and coordination within the Regulatory Affairs Department and across the organization.
• Support the Regulatory Affairs Department by scheduling, planning for, and following up on internal and external meetings; and coordinating events.
• Update and maintain a hub of shared documents, databases, and resources for the Policy team.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would possess:

• Strong written communication skills, ability to produce high-quality written materials that are ready for public consumption with minimal editing. 
• Able to interpret a scientific study, identify key findings and limitations, and translate for various audiences (including colleagues, policymakers, journalists, and the public). 
• Proactive, highly organized, and detail oriented: keeps track of details and follows up. 
• Commitment to transparency, accuracy, and scientific rigor in work products. 
• Good at multitasking and adapting in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Interest in food labeling and regulatory policy. 
• Ability to work across teams in a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture.
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission and embracing of CSPI’s core values (described below).
• Ability to take initiative, exercise good judgment, and use diplomacy and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, word, PowerPoint) and research databases, such as PubMed. 
• Interest in nutrition, public health, or public policy.
• Experience working for a non-profit organization or academic institution preferred. 

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 $65,000, 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. We also offer ½ day Fridays through December 31, 2023.

 

To Apply

Please utilize CSPI's Paylocity Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to apply for the position. You are required to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, priority to applications submitted by September 17. 

 

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.