State Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Promotes public policy objectives through direct lobbying efforts. Cultivates and strengthens relationships with agency officials, lawmakers, executives, and their staff to support the organization's goals. Oversees and directs policy reform through each phase of the process;

• Constructs and engages a broad coalition of stakeholders to support the organization’s strategic initiatives and public policy objectives in New Jersey;

• Formulates state-specific strategies in collaboration with program teams and other internal stakeholders, and executes the plan in New Jersey, which encompasses passing public policy, defending animal protection laws against challenges, and addressing priority issues within the state;

• Acts as the spokesperson for the organization with government officials, key stakeholders, and the media. Actively seeks media opportunities to promote public policy objectives and enhance public awareness of priority issues;

• Adheres to internal, local, and statewide lobbying regulations, manages the state budget, and updates and maintains social media platforms with information pertaining to organizational priorities;

• Collaborates with organizational experts to provide guidance, training, and support for local investigators and enforcement officials, offering hands-on assistance as necessary;

• Occasionally collaborates with the Humane World Action Fund to execute State PAC work or political activities;

• Undertakes additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience is required;

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in animal protection/advocacy or related fields is required;

• Legislative/lobbying experience is strongly preferred;

• Experience in volunteer management is preferred;

• Background in grassroots advocacy and political campaigning is advantageous;

• Strong knowledge of and interest in the animal welfare movement is preferred;

• In-depth understanding of the legislative and political processes, particularly at the state level;

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while remaining flexible with workload and assignments;

• Capability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders across various political, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, while upholding the organization’s values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; possesses high energy, is self-motivated, and proactive;

• Outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to analyze and tackle problems in advancing legislative strategy and effectively provide solutions;

• Strong interpersonal abilities;

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); comfortable with learning new technological platforms introduced by the organization;

• Detail-oriented and committed to excellence, demonstrated through the delivery of high-quality and timely outcomes;

• Capable of working independently as well as being an effective team member in a collaborative environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching

• Generous paid time off policy

• Opportunities for professional development and training

• Flexible work schedule options