Summary

The 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 ideal candidate is an effective, determined, and resourceful advocate with strong collaboration experience 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. 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. There are enormous challenges and opportunities for change-making as society focuses on reforms.

The Director of Farm Animal Legislation will lead the ASPCA’s farm animal welfare legislative campaigns, identify opportunities to reach the policy goals in agriculture-related legislative, regulatory, and policy work, and contribute to public messaging and education campaigns. The Director will report to the Senior Director of Federal Affairs and work closely with the 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 state-related strategies.

Compensation

The starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on factors including 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; staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range may be modified in the future.

• The target hiring range for this role is $118,000 - $125,000 annually

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support in the field.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Policy Development/Strategy/Implementation
• Track, analyze, and research pending legislation related to animal welfare
• Identify, devise, initiate, and drive strategies to achieve the organization’s farm animal welfare legislative and regulatory goals, in consultation with the VP of Federal Affairs
• Drive policy efforts with internal and external subject matter experts to advance ASPCA goals
• Build strong relationships with Congressional Offices and allied partners to advance policy goals
• Lobby federal legislators and their staff to drive the policy agenda, serving as the ASPCA’s main contact with Hill offices on this issue
• Direct and oversee research and draft advocacy materials, including letters, backgrounders, testimony, fact sheets, and other materials
• Research, develop, and work with Farm Animal Welfare and Legal Advocacy to draft legislation and regulations to strengthen legal protections for animals
• Work with Legal Advocacy colleagues to identify issues where legislative and regulatory work can be enhanced or supported through litigation and other legal strategies
• Collaborate with federal affairs and cross-departmental teams to establish blueprints for strategic planning and achievement of federal goals
• Initiate, coordinate, and participate in briefings, events, and panels to raise awareness and support priority issues
• Direct farm animal welfare policy work with a focus on federal strategies and collaborate with State Directors to advance complementary policies in priority states
• Participate in regular internal and external meetings with lobbyists, regulatory staff, Legislative Engagement, campaign colleagues, and interns
• Work with relevant staff on filing federal lobbying reports, as needed

• Communication and Outreach
• Lead regular conversations with colleagues and managers within the department regarding needed resources and updates related to policy reforms
• Collaborate with the Legislative Engagement team to create outreach plans and oversee implementation

• Public Communication
• Lead efforts with Farm Animal Welfare, Legal Advocacy, and media teams to devise communication strategies to support federal and state goals
• Coordinate with the communications team regarding planning, needs, tools, and goals for assigned issues and legislation
• Offer presentations, trainings, research projects, and updates on issues
• Attend workshops, briefings, conferences, and meetings as needed
• Represent the ASPCA professionally while advancing reforms

Special Projects

• Provide projects as needed for interns
• Participate in internal working groups to facilitate policy development and guidance to other departments
• Participate in planning for department involvement in national tradeshows and exhibits as needed

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and responsibility for outcomes
• Believes in Team and collaboration
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine possibilities
• Focuses on Impact and making change for animals

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Juris Doctor or graduate degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience in a large non-profit, legislative office, or a government agency focusing on government affairs
• 3+ years of federal legislative work required
• Experience with farm animal welfare and food policy issues preferred
• Animal protection experience a plus
• State legislative work a plus

Qualifications

• Knowledge of legal analysis and legislative proposals
• Knowledge of the federal legislative process and Hill procedures
• Knowledge of administrative law and agency policies
• Ability to aid in drafting 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 attention to detail
• Strong writing and media skills
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, delegate, supervise, and manage time
• Commitment to animal protection
• Driven to see positive change for animals
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally when needed
• Energetic and collaborative team player
• Willingness to travel up to 5% annually as needed

Stay Connected

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Language: English (Required)

Education and Work Experience: Bachelors, Doctorate: Law

Our EEO Policy: The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation to participate in the application process.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 to protect animals and is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with millions of supporters nationwide. The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City and operates programs and services nationwide in animal welfare, advocacy, and related fields.