This position is located within the Office of Planning (OP), Food Policy Division. OP has the lead responsibility for planning the long-term growth of the District of Columbia (D.C.) and provides the vision, framework and principles that guide land use change, growth, and development of an equitable and vibrant city. OP undertakes citywide and neighborhood planning and engagement; urban design and development review; historic preservation; mapping and data analysis; and serves as the official Census State Data Center. OP is the steward of the District’s Comprehensive Plan, which advances housing, economic recovery, racial equity, resilience, and coordination of public resources and civic infrastructure.

The Food Policy Division has a food policy team, led by the mayor-appointed D.C. Food Policy Director, that works to make the district’s food system more equitable, healthier, and sustainable. Through research, community engagement, and interagency collaboration, the Food Policy Division addresses challenges and develops solutions to build the local food economy, increases food access, food security, enhances environmental sustainability, and addresses racial inequity in the local food system. As part of this work, the food policy team oversees the D.C. Food Policy Council, a Mayoral board, and commission of the district government.

Duties and Responsibilities

This Policy Analyst is responsible for conducting research, data analysis, and policy development and analysis, centering their work on resident input and racial equity best practices. This position will organize public events, engage in public speaking and presentations, and interagency and intra-agency collaboration, with a heavy emphasis on relationship and trust building. This position will focus on making the communities of the district healthier, sustainable, and economically vibrant; enhancing District resident input in D.C. food policies and programs; and contribute to carrying out the mission of OP. This candidate will conduct research and analysis pertaining to food systems, including topics such as food security, food access, urban agriculture, entrepreneurship, workforce, sustainability, and health equity. Research methods will include, but are not limited to, collecting best practices from other states; analyzing legislation, regulation, and budget documents; conducting stakeholder interviews; and collaborating with partner agencies. They will compile, verify, and analyze data on demographics, government programs, budgets, stakeholder interviews, and challenges for residents and local businesses to use in the development of studies and projects.

The ideal candidate is expected to research best practices pertaining to food and related systems, drawing local, national, and international case studies and examples, as appropriate. Analyzes and distills best practice research into clear summaries and written products. Assist with the preparation of technical food policy reports, including scoping, writing, editing, and reviewing information. Provide strategic analyses of current and emerging trends and policies. Recommend new policy initiatives to supervisors and assists in advancing initiatives for OP.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, at least two (2) years of specialized experience equivalent to the next lowest grade level in the normal line of progression.

and/or

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a relevant bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, public administration, food systems, public health, economic development, or related field. At least 5 years of progressively responsible and professional level food systems and planning experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a master’s degree in food systems, urban planning, public policy, public health, or related fields plus 1 year or less of working experience. Demonstrated and applied knowledge of current topics, best practices and theory of food systems, urban planning, policy analysis and community engagement. Lived experience, professional experience, and education are all considered valuable. Experience in conducting research and writing, presenting, and gathering input from diverse groups, building productive relationships across sectors, and successful completion of complex, multi-step projects and initiatives. Preferred experience includes but is not limited to a proficient understanding of Geographic Information systems (GIS) mapping software, graphic and presentation software (InDesign, Canval). Poses demonstrated knowledge of current topics, best practices and theory of food systems, urban planning, policy analysis and community engagement.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office setting except for periodic outdoor surveys, site visits, and presentation to other entities. Considerable pressure to meet deadlines

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-301-12

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to union dues thru payroll deduction.

Duration of Appointment: Permanent

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment

Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.