Executive Director

Who We Are:

The Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund (ALDLF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) organization whose mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legislative and political system. The Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund accomplishes this mission by working legislatures across the country to pass animal protection laws, support animal-friendly candidates, and empower grassroots advocates. Our goal is to create lasting change through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

Role Description:

The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial management of the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund, serving as the organization’s chief executive officer. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and key stakeholders to ensure the success of ALDLF’s mission and objectives. The Executive Director will be ALDLF’s sole full-time employee and thus responsible for implementing and advancing ALDLF’s advocacy efforts, fundraising, program development, and long-term sustainability. These efforts include designing and implementing a strategic program to increase animal protection legislation and cultivating animal-friendly candidates while growing ALDLF’s presence in legislatures nationwide and at the federal level.

How You Will Make a Difference:

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction to the organization in accordance with ALDLF’s mission and goals established in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve ALDLF’s advocacy objectives and policy goals.
• Oversee the development and execution of strategic plans, organizational goals, and priorities.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that promotes collaboration, transparency, and excellence.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to ALDLF’s Board of Directors, ensuring that the Board is well-informed and able to make effective decisions.
• Work with the ALDLF Board to establish governance policies and provide guidance on legal and financial matters.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the ALDLF Board on organizational progress, issues, and challenges.
• Support and assist in the recruitment and development of ALDLF Board members.

Advocacy & Public Relations:

• Represent ALDLF in public, governmental, and media settings.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with government agencies, policymakers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance ALDLF’s advocacy initiatives.
• Oversee the development of ALDLF’s public relations and communications strategies to ensure a consistent and effective message.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, ensuring the effective promotion of ALDLF’s mission, goals, and initiatives.

Fundraising & Financial Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with ALDLF’s goals, including grants, individual donations, events, and other revenue-generating activities.
• Oversee the preparation and management of ALDLF’s budget, ensuring the organization’s financial health and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor revenue and expenses to ensure that ALDLF operates within budget constraints.
• Work closely with the Board to ensure ALDLF’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.

Operational & Program Management:

• Oversee ALDLF’s day-to-day operations, including management of resources and priorities, program development, and organizational administration.
• Ensure that programs are aligned with ALDLF’s mission and objectives, and that they are effectively implemented and evaluated.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to a 501(c)(4) organization, including IRS regulations and lobbying laws.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to minimize organizational risks.
• Monitor and address any risks to the ALDLF’s reputation or legal standing.

We Are Looking for Candidates With:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required (e.g., Public Administration, Political Science, Nonprofit Management), with a Juris Doctorate degree highly preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in legislative affairs, policy advocacy, and/or animal protection law.
• In-depth knowledge of 501(c)(4) regulations and advocacy/lobbying practices.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and make effective decisions.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate ALDLF’s mission and vision to external stakeholders.
• The ability to establish and maintain working relationships with government agencies, community leaders, and ALDLF supporters.
• Familiarity with financial management, budgeting, and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, ALDLF Board members, and organizational partners.
• An understanding and demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund.
• The ability to exercise good judgment.
• A commitment to working with integrity and professionalism.

The application deadline for this position is August 4, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to apply early as we may make a decision before the deadline closes

Additional information:

This is a U.S. based position. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

The Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of persons from diverse backgrounds and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and in which all legal rights of our employees are recognized and protected. ALDLF conducts all internal and external operations, programs, and employment-related decision making (including hiring decisions) without regard to actual or perceived race, ancestry, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, disability or medical condition (including physical, intellectual, or psychiatric), sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, age, or other protected category, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.

We Offer Competitive Compensation with Excellent Benefits, Including:

• A starting annual salary of $120,000 for most geographic locations.

­ For candidates located within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati, CA, and Los Angeles, the starting pay is $126,315.79.

­ For candidates located within 25 miles of New York City and San Francisco, the starting pay is $132,631.58

­ To ensure salary equity, we do not negotiate salary outside of the published starting rates. Rates are determined by role, using set geographical factors.

• Comprehensive health care, dental, life, and vision benefits (100% employer paid); Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) also are available.
• Generous paid time-off provisions:

­ 192 hours of PTO

­ 17 paid holidays

­ 1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment

• 401k plan with a 5% employer contribution after one year of employment.
• Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a core value for the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund.