Director, Farm Animal Legislation

Director Of Farm Animal LegislationThe Director of Farm Animal Legislation will drive the ASPCA's policy agenda to reform the animal agriculture system and help better the lives of farm animals the largest category of animals on earth who experience extreme cruelty. The ideal candidate for this role is an effective, determined, and resourceful advocate with strong experience in collaboration who is passionate about working to fix our broken food system and improve conditions for farm animals.The majority of the more than 10 billion animals farmed for food each year in the U.S. currently live in grossly inhumane conditions. The ASPCA identifies and supports legislative and regulatory policies that diminish the number of animals suffering in factory farms and reduce the negative consequences to people, animals, and the environment associated with industrial animal agriculture. As our society focuses on the need for reforms, there are enormous challenges and opportunities for change-making.The Director of Farm Animal Legislation will lead the ASPCA's farm animal welfare legislative campaigns, identify and capitalize on opportunities to reach the ASPCA's farm animal policy goals in agriculture-related legislative, regulatory, and policy work. The Director will contribute to compelling public messaging and education campaigns to highlight the need for farm welfare reforms. The Director will report to the Senior Director of Federal Affairs, working closely with Farm Animal Welfare and Legal Advocacy Teams to develop, strategize, coordinate, lobby for, manage, and implement legislative and regulatory policies. This position will also work with the Vice President of State Affairs on any state-related strategies.Compensation: Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is $118,000 - $125,000 annually.Benefits: At the ASPCA, you don't have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: affordable health coverage, flexible time off, competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, and robust professional development opportunities.Responsibilities: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: policy development/strategy/implementation, communication and outreach, and special projects. The Director will track, analyze, and research pending legislation related to animal welfare, identify and drive strategies to achieve the organization's farm animal welfare legislative and regulatory goals, build strong relationships with Congressional Offices and allied partners, lobby federal legislators and their staff to drive our policy agenda, and collaborate with federal affairs and cross departmental teams to establish blueprints for strategic planning.Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required. Juris doctor or graduate degree preferred. Three or more years of experience in a large non-profit, legislative office, or in a government agency that focused on government affairs functions required. Three or more years of experience in federal legislative work required. Experience with farm animal welfare and food policy issues, highly preferred. Experience with animal protection issues a plus. Experience in state legislative work a plus.Qualifications: Knowledge of legal analysis, interpretation, and significance of legislative proposals. Knowledge of the federal legislative process, committee structure, leadership positions, House and Senate procedures, and political trends on the Hill. Knowledge of administrative law, agency structures, authorities, and policies. Knowledge and ability to aid in the drafting of complex legislation and regulatory policies. Knowledge of animal welfare issues, laws, and regulations. Ability to articulate and summarize issues and speak extemporaneously. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. Highly organized with acute attention to detail. Strong writing and media skills. Ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, delegate, supervise others, manage time, and address time sensitive projects in a professional and responsible manner. Commitment to work for animal protection. Intensely driven to see positive change for animals. Willingness and ability to travel nationally when needed. Displays enthusiasm for teamwork and high levels of energy and tenacity.