This role can sit in Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Minneapolis, Richmond or New York. Preference is for Washington DC. This is not a fully remote position.

FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, is seeking a Vice President to serve as overall lead for the food & nutrition affairs strategic solution area for FoodMinds. The VP will work with agricultural commodities and food & beverage companies to provide senior counsel on the food and nutrition policy, regulatory and legislative environment and related business implications. This position has oversight and day-to-day responsibility for the overall client relationship, strategic direction, program planning, budgeting and staffing of several FoodMinds accounts they will manage. Responsibilities include business development to secure new clients as well as income retention and strong growth among existing clients. Furthermore, the right candidate will be expected to add value to the company by contributing to the culture and internal and external thought leadership and marketing aspects. The right candidate has proven ability to translate technical science and regulatory data and standards into actionable, multi-year programs, recommendations, education and communications for clients, health professionals and food policy stakeholders

Food and nutrition affairs is FoodMinds’ point of difference – a strong foundational knowledge and deep understanding of global and national food and nutrition policy and regulatory affairs, as well as the factors driving change in the food environment, is essential to succeeding in this role. This position requires having specific insights and knowledge in food-based dietary guidelines, front-of-pack nutrition and sustainability labeling, marketing restrictions, ultra-processed foods, high fat/sugar/salt (HFSS) nutrient reduction initiatives, and more. Knowledge of food safety and toxicology issues is also desirable.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• A visionary, passionate leader who is well-connected in the food and nutrition affairs space to lead an amazing team of experts while bringing in new business through the development of novel products and service offerings
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition, public health, public policy or a related discipline; equivalent working experience will be considered
• 12+ years of experience working in food and nutrition communications/strategy related to scientific affairs, policy, regulatory and/or public affairs
• Registered dietitian credential desired; legal/law background also desirable
• Communications agency experience strongly preferred
• Management experience that includes financial oversight and new business development
• Demonstration of current knowledge on legislative and regulatory actors and processes, both in Washington D.C. and internationally
• Strong relationships with thought leaders and organizations in government, trade associations, food and beverage companies, nutrition science and the public health sector
• Proven client relationship manager experience – acting as a thought leadership partner, business developer and strategic plan creator
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and occasionally operate office equipment
• Ability to travel as needed