Director of Government Affairs, U.S.

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek a director of government affairs, U.S., to join our government affairs and public policy (GAPP) team. In this role, you will advance Mercy For Animals’ mission and vision by developing and leading strategic government affairs efforts in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels of government. You will lead the U.S. GAPP team in driving legislation, regulations, and other government policies that erode support for industrial animal agriculture, reduce the suffering of animals in the food system, and build support for a plant-based food system.

You will do invaluable work:

• Lead efforts to strategize, research, and develop legislative and regulatory initiatives in the United States
• Oversee and manage the U.S. GAPP team, including guiding team members on policy design, legislative drafting, advocacy strategy, lobbying, and coalition building
• Oversee all U.S. lobbying at the local, state, and federal levels, supporting team members in their work with policymakers to advance Mercy For Animals’ policy initiatives 
• Review and draft legislative language, regulatory comments, policy briefs, campaign plans, press releases, donor reports, and other external and internal documents
• Manage the budget and annual operating plans for the U.S. GAPP department
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization by attending conferences and events, conducting press conferences, meeting with stakeholders in government, and participating in media interviews regarding any of the organization’s government affairs undertakings 
• Maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and existing and potential partners
• Support, empower, and coach U.S. GAPP team members to ensure they have the clarity, tools, and ownership to carry out their duties
• Communicate with and inspire members and supporters of the organization to take action and support policy initiatives
• Prepare program impact reports and grant reports to share our progress with donors and other key stakeholders
• Work with the legal affairs department to ensure that Mercy For Animals remains compliant with applicable laws relating to lobbying
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures, and ensure that the U.S. GAPP team is in full compliance 
• Perform any other duties assigned by team leader

Your qualifications will take our government affairs and public policy team to the next level:

• Five or more years of experience in government affairs or public policy, preferably with a focus on advocating legislative or regulatory reform
• Three or more years of leadership or management experience, preferably leading a government affairs team and preferably in a remote setting
• A proven track record in policy design and analysis—experience working for a government agency, legislative office, or equivalent desirable but not required
• Experience drafting legislative language or petitions for rulemaking or other regulatory comments 
• Exceptional writing and public-speaking skills
• Strong negotiation skills and experience mentoring junior team members in navigating challenging coalition dynamics 
• Outstanding interpersonal skills 
• Willingness and ability to travel (estimated six to eight trips per year)
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization
• Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

About Your Team Leader

AJ Albrecht is Mercy For Animals’ managing director for the United States and Canada and was previously the director of government affairs in the United States. AJ joined Mercy For Animals as the organization’s first government affairs hire in 2019 and grew the U.S. GAPP team to what it is today. A licensed attorney, AJ has a deep understanding of the law and legislative policy work. More importantly, she is an animal lover, environmentalist, and social justice activist and believes we will not create a just and sustainable food system without an intersectional and inclusive movement.

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an annual salary of $85,000–95,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3 percent of your annual salary.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.