Jobs at ASPCA

Senior Director, Farm Animal Welfare

Department: Anti-Cruelty Center
Division: Anti-Cruelty
Location: New York, NY

Job Summary:

The Senior Director of Farm Animal Welfare works to formulate and manage the strategic direction of the farm animal program tying together investigations, legislation, and awareness efforts. Specifically, this position is responsible for developing, executing, refining and maintaining activities in support of the ASPCA’s strategic plan related to the advancement of farm animal welfare.

Job Responsibilities:

Working collaboratively with other ASPCA teams such as Communications, Media, Government Relations, Humane Education, and Investigations and Field Response, provide strategic direction related to how the ASPCA can address issues related to farm animal cruelty.
Work with communications staff to present a cohesive and compelling message to the public regarding the ASPCA's farm animal welfare program.
Develop material and provide information to ASPCA teams for use in legislative initiatives, public education, and communication efforts.
Serve as the ASPCA expert on farm animal issues, monitoring external press and current trends, and recommend/draft ASPCA positions related to farm animal welfare that are aligned with our mission and organizational strategic focus.
Represent the ASPCA at professional and industry meetings, building rapport and partnerships with external agencies; attend animal welfare, producer, industry and government events and conferences.
Make recommendations to the Government Relations team on where targeted legislative improvements can be made to improve the lives of farm animals; provide input to GR related to drafting bill language; testify at hearings as requested.
Oversee any ASPCA grant funded farm animal research projects; provide grant and report management; identify, propose, monitor, and report on new projects.
Develop material for use in veterinary school curriculum working collaboratively with the ASPCA veterinary staff teaching at veterinary schools across the U.S.
Monitor existing farm animal welfare organizations' certification and labeling programs in the US and abroad to identify opportunities for strengthening standards of care, working with other ASPCA teams as appropriate.
Identify opportunities for regulatory change and work with the GR team to develop a plan for improving regulations in state and federal agencies.
Develop and maintain relationships with like-minded animal welfare organizations for potential joint efforts.
Develop relationships with farm animal/agricultural industry groups and producers where common goals can be identified; provide education on welfare-friendly systems.
Work collaboratively with the Field Investigations and Response (FIR) team to identify potential farms on which to focus investigation efforts. Assist the FIR team in investigations as needed, providing support and intelligence in all stages of an investigation and response.
Other duties as required.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required in a relevant field
Graduate Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience a plus

Experience:

At least 3-5 years of full-time experience working in farm animal welfare
Experience developing farm animal campaigns
Some experience working with farm animal industry groups
Experience dealing with government organizations and regulatory agencies
Experience working on a farm or experience investigating farms

Knowledge Requirements:

Knowledge of agricultural practices relating to farm animal welfare
Knowledge of farm animal laws and how to track pending legislation.
Understanding of current research relating to farm animal husbandry practices and welfare
Awareness of positions of animal welfare organizations, veterinary associations and industry groups on farm animal issues

Skills Requirements:

Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to influence positive outcomes
Ability to work independently and on teams
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and educational presentations
Excellent analytical, organizational and planning skills
Good problem solving abilities
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; make decisions and effectively lead multiple concurrent projects
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet

Additional Information:

Valid Driver’s License required
Frequent domestic travel
Location: New York, NY preferred, but not required

We encourage a candidate who demonstrates outstanding inter-personal communication and the ability to work in a team environment or independently, with a high degree of integrity and accountability.

Benefits:

Our generous benefit package includes the following for full-time employees and (if qualified, we offer domestic partner coverage!) Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Transit checks, Tuition Assistance Program, Training Seminars, EAP, 50% hospital discount, Vacation, Sick, Personal & Company Holiday time off.