Virginia State Director

Humane World for Animals; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane World for Animals in Virginia seeks a State Director to lead the state affairs program from a home office near Richmond. Reporting to the Regional Director, you will develop and execute state-specific strategies to advance legislative and programmatic goals.

You will lobby directly with agencies and lawmakers, build diverse coalitions, serve as a spokesperson, manage the state budget, and guide local investigators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of progressive animal protection/advocacy experience.
• Legislative or lobbying experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the legislative process at the state level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and uphold DEI values.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Advance public policy priorities through direct lobbying and build relationships with lawmakers and agency officials.
• Develop and execute state-specific strategies to pass or defend legislation.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization with government officials, stakeholders, and media.
• Manage the state’s budget and maintain social media updates on priorities.
• Collaborate with experts and provide guidance/training to local investigators and enforcement officials.
• Support State PAC work when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking a State Director, Virginia for the State Affairs department. In this position you will be operating from a home office under the supervision of the Regional Director. You will be responsible for developing and executing state specific strategies to advance the organization’s legislative and programmatic goals.

You will be responsible for:

• Advances public policy priorities through direct lobbying. Influences and builds relationships with agency officials, lawmakers, executives and staff in support of the organization’s priorities, Manages and directs policy reform through each stage of the process;
• Builds and engages a diverse coalition of stakeholders in support of the organization’s strategic plan and public policy goals in assigned state;
• Develops state specific strategy with program teams and other internal stakeholders and implements the plan in assigned state which includes passing public policy, defending against attacks to weaken animal protection laws, and working on priority issues within assigned state;
• Serves as a spokesperson for the organization with government officials, key stakeholders and the media. Seeks out media opportunities to advance public policy goals and increase public awareness of priority issues;
• Complies with internal, local, and statewide lobbying regulations, manages the state’s budget, and updates and maintains social media sites with information regarding organizational priorities;
• In collaboration with organizational experts, provides guidance, training, and support for local investigators and enforcement officials, and provides hands-on assistance when appropriate;
• On occasion, works with the Humane World Action Fund to carry out State PAC work or political activity;
• Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or a related field, or equivalent work experience required;
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in animal protection/advocacy work or other related experience required;
• Legislative/lobbying experience strongly preferred;
• Grassroots advocacy and political campaigning experience is a plus;
• Strong knowledge of and interest in the animal welfare movement preferred;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the legislative and political process, particularly at the state level;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and be flexible with regard to workload and assignments;
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders across diverse political, cultural, socioeconomic spectrums; uphold organizational values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self‑motivated and proactive;
• Excellent organizational skills. The ability to analyze and manage problems in advancing legislative strategy and effectively provide solutions;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); comfortable learning new technological platforms as introduced by the organization;
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member in a team environment.

This is a full‑time remote position based from a home office in the state of Virginia. Candidates must live within a one‑hour commute from Richmond. Extensive travel across the state with occasional travel out of state required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE