Policy Manager

World Animal Protection; New York (NY); Remote; USD 88,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement savings plan

12 paid holidays

Wellness days

Volunteer leave

Life insurance

Pawternity leave

Flexible work hours

Travel opportunities

Job summary

World Animal Protection is seeking a Policy Manager to lead policy initiatives and oversee tactical delivery across local and state bills protecting wild animals used in the pet trade. The role combines policy research, lobbying, and grassroots organizing on a full-time remote basis, with up to 30% travel and a grant-funded one-year term.

The ideal candidate has at least three years in public policy, strong research and writing skills, and experience advancing bills in city councils or state

Qualifications

• Three+ years in public policy or legislative work.
• Experience in lobbying and grassroots campaigns is a plus.
• Strong research and persuasive writing skills; excellent networking ability.

Responsibilities

• Advance legislation and policy to reduce or end use of wild animals in the pet trade.
• Manage contract lobbyists, build coalitions, and organize grassroots groups.
• Research and analyze state and local legislation and draft policy materials such as testimony and fact sheets.
• Manage assigned project budgets.

Skills

Campaign delivery

Project execution

Budget management

Financial tracking

Campaign materials development

Quality assurance

Project coordination

Portfolio tracking

Job description

Policy Manager

Application Deadline: 19 November 2026

Department: Strategy and Impact

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Country Office - USA

Compensation: $88,115 - $95,560 / year

Description

World Animal Protection works as one cohesive global organisation, with teams and partners operating across priority geographies to deliver our mission through strong collaboration and connected delivery.

The Policy Manager leads the implementation and tactical delivery of strategic policy initiatives that advance local and state bills protecting wild animals exploited in the pet trade. This role combines policy research, direct and indirect lobbying engagement, and grassroots organizing.

Ideal candidates have at least three years of public policy experience, demonstrated success advancing bills in city councils or state legislatures, strong research and writing skills, excellent networking and relationship-building abilities, familiarity with state and municipal legislative processes, and a clear commitment to animal protection. Grassroots advocacy and political campaigning experience is a plus.

This is a full-time remote position with a preference for candidates living on the West Coast. Up to 30% of travel is required. This is a grant-funded role that is confirmed for one year only, with the possibility of extension for a second year.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance legislation and policy aimed at reducing and ending the use of wild animals in the pet trade.
• Manage contract lobbyists, build coalitions, and organize grassroots groups to support and introduce legislation.
• Research and analyze state and local legislation, and draft persuasive policy materials, including testimony and fact sheets.
• Manage assigned project budgets.

Core Skills and Behaviours

Technical Skills:

• Campaign delivery and project execution
• Budget management and financial tracking
• Campaign materials development and quality assurance
• Project coordination and portfolio tracking

Relationship Skills & Behaviours:

• Cross-functional collaboration
• Stakeholder engagement and representation
• Relationship building across cultures
• Team facilitation and coordination

Transferable Skills:

• Project planning and delivery discipline
• Analytical thinking and progress evaluation
• Communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability in global environments

We would love to hear from you if you bring:

• Demonstrated success with direct lobbying and securing the successful drafting and passage of new bills
• Proven experience coordinating and delivering successful and impactful policy campaigns
• Leadership qualities with the ability to facilitate and inspire multi-functional and multicultural teams and build strong constructive relationships across the organization at all levels
• Demonstrated experience of relationship-building and representing an organization to external stakeholders (including partners, coalitions, networks, media donors, as relevant)
• Experience developing and managing budgets and meeting deadlines
• Proficiency in English (additional languages valued) with verbal, written and presentation skills and can constructively engage external and internal stakeholders for joint delivery of work
• A passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to the aims and values of World Animal Protection

Desirable, but not essential, requirements:

• Project management knowledge and experience
• Experience of working in a matrix environment, across multiple projects in an international NGO environment
• Experience of working in different countries and cultures, with flexibility to undertake international travel
• Experience supporting organizational growth strategies such as fundraising and increasing supporters

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including.

• Help saving for your retirement - join our 403(b) retirement savings plan and we'll match contributions up to 3% of your salary.
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Opportunity to flex public holidays to an alternate day that better suits an employee and their beliefs.
• Wellness Days - accrue one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 64 hours per year, with the ability to carry over up to 64 hours into the next calendar year.
• 2 global Wellbeing midyear closure days
• Flexibility - the opportunity to choose start times that align with both business needs and your work-life balance, ensuring the right fit for both the job holder and the role requirements
• Life Insurance - all World Animal Protection employees receive employer-paid life insurance coverage of 2 times annual salary, up to a maximum benefit of $300,000.
• Volunteer Leave - 2 days per year to volunteer for a cause of your choice.
• A range of leave and support benefits to assist employees during important life moments. This includes benefits such as Bereavement Leave, Companion Animal Bereavement Leave, Disability, Pregnancy-related leave, Parental Leave, and Pawternity Leave.
• Long Service Milestones to celebrate a 10-year anniversary (and every subsequent 5 years) with a bonus day off and employee recognition.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

To achieve our aim of making World Animal Protection a Diverse and Inclusive employer, we particularly welcome applications from individuals of traditionally under-represented communities and backgrounds.

Our values and behaviours

• Global: We make decisions & act with a global mindset
• Diverse and Inclusive: We actively encourage and promote diversity, ensure all voices are heard and included and are committed to equal opportunities for all
• Collaborative: We work together and co-create to achieve lasting change
• Agile: We make change happen in a fast-moving world
• Growing People: We continually learn and develop
• Accountable: We are role models. We take responsibility for our actions and encourage others to do the same
• Courageous: We push boundaries, take risks and set ambitious targets