Public Engagement Manager

Why this role is on the menu

As the policy landscape evolves, so does the need for Instacart to deepen its grassroots presence across key regions of the country. This role is focused on expanding our public engagement footprint in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and the South — connecting with shoppers, customers, and community members who care about issues like protecting the independence and flexibility of app-based workers, preserving access to online savings for customers, and improving access to food security programs. Imagine yourself building a network of Instacart advocates in new markets, leveraging digital tools to drive engagement and shape public opinion, surfacing proactive organizing opportunities before they become reactive scrambles, and showing up with speed and precision when policy windows open. This is a role for someone equally comfortable building relationships in person as they are running a sophisticated digital engagement program — and who thrives at the intersection of community organizing and public policy.

What you'll cook up in your first year

• A structured cohort of Instacart shopper and customer advocates is established across priority Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southern markets, with a consistent cadence of in-person and virtual touchpoints that build community, deepen relationships, and keep advocates informed and ready to act.
• Digital organizing levers — email, SMS, organic social, and other channels — are fully utilized to drive grassroots engagement, with clear benchmarks in place to measure performance and campaign learnings applied continuously to improve outcomes.
• Political and policy developments are monitored proactively, with strategic grassroots opportunities identified and surfaced to leadership before moments become reactive — not just executing on direction, but helping set it.
• Close collaboration with the Federal Affairs team results in targeted grassroots engagement with federal stakeholders, with shopper, customer, and community voices woven into federal advocacy efforts.
• Rapid response capacity is demonstrated through time-sensitive policy campaigns, with Instacart advocates mobilized quickly and effectively across multiple geographies.

Must-have pantry staples (Minimum Qualifications)

• 5+ years of experience in grassroots organizing, community engagement, digital strategy, political campaigns, or public affairs
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, develop, and deploy advocate networks at scale — aligning stakeholders' interests with organizational priorities and designing opportunities that deepen long-term engagement
• Subject matter expert on grassroots mobilization strategies, with the ability to provide briefings and recommendations to leadership
• Strong digital organizing skills — comfortable with CRM systems, advocacy platforms, email and SMS programs, and organic social engagement
• Metrics-driven mindset with experience tracking digital campaign performance and applying learnings for continuous improvement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Proactive self-starter who monitors political developments, identifies organizing opportunities, and leads with results 
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel regularly across the Midwest, the mid-Atlantic, and the South 

Optional garnishes (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with Quorum or similar CRM and advocacy platforms
• Background in gig economy, labor, food access or tech policy issues
• Experience supporting elected official or government affairs team engagement
• Familiarity with Slack, Google Workspace and AI tools