Location: Hybrid possible - DC Metro Area + Remote
Type: Full Time (Remote & In Office)
Categories:
Executive Director/CEO
Salary Details:
The Pet Advocacy Network offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
The Pet Advocacy Network is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead our evolving organization in championing pets and responsible pet professionals with expertise and integrity. The CEO will guide the implementation of the new 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, strengthen our advocacy impact, grow support and resources, and enhance operational excellence.
The organization is at a critical juncture requiring strategic leadership to evaluate its current structure and re-envision its future. This represents an opportunity to strategically reassess how the organization can achieve long-term success rather than simply continuing the existing model. The ideal candidate will have experience in change management and strategic planning to navigate this pivotal period of transformation. This position reports directly to the Executive Board.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Focus on strategic vision, providing strategic direction and oversight for the organization's messaging, lobbyists, and staff working on multiple issues
Implement and evolve the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan to achieve our vision of expanded opportunities for pet companionship and respect for responsible pet care professionals
Provide thought leadership on critical issues facing the pet care community
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to refine organizational priorities and direction
Take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing upcoming issues affecting the pet industry
Represent the organization as its primary spokesperson with industry stakeholders, media, etc.
Ensure goals with primary funders are achieved and maintained
Government Relations & Advocacy
Set direction and oversee the organization’s primary focus - championing policy priorities at the federal and state levels
Secure and maintain funding commitments for advocacy efforts and regularly assess the effectiveness of advocacy investments
Strategically direct and manage professional lobbyists and advocacy staff, evaluating relationships and strategy on an ongoing basis to improve standing with lawmakers and regulators at the federal and state levels
Strengthen influence with key decision-makers in government and regulatory agencies
Evaluate and articulate key legislative priorities for the responsible pet care community
Develop strategies to advance or defeat legislation that directly impacts the availability of live pets
Integrate communications effectively into the government affairs strategy
Oversee the development of policy positions related to increasing opportunities available to the pet industry as a whole and live animal sales
Coordinate with industry associations on other advocacy areas including regulatory expertise (non-pet ownership issues), legislative monitoring (non-pet ownership issues), positive PR, and unified industry voice
Organizational Development & Management
Accelerate operational excellence to improve outcomes
Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff
Implement governance improvements and maximize organizational functionality
Ensure financial sustainability and grow diverse revenue streams
Ensure the organization prioritizes its efforts effectively for maximum impact
Industry & Community Engagement
Enhance relationships with core constituencies and drive opportunities to increase collaboration with key partners
Expand the Network of Advocates to increase resources and reach
Drive membership growth across all segments of the pet industry, with personal focus on large company relationships
Increase community interactions and foster collaboration among stakeholders
Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and diversify funding sources
Communicate regularly with the pet industry about the issues being addressed, their current status, and—using plain language—how these issues affect their business
Develop ongoing fundraising processes through opportunities created by the Network of Advocates
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience
Demonstrated success in association management
Experience working with boards of directors and diverse stakeholders
Background in or familiarity with the pet industry preferred
Experience in change management and organizational transformation
Knowledge & Skills
Strong financial management and business acumen
Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, develop high-performing teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives
Proven fundraising and revenue generation experience
Thorough understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
Personal Characteristics
Passion for the responsible pet care community and animal welfare
Commitment to our core values: Pets, Integrity, Expertise, Collaboration, and Leadership
Strategic and innovative thinker who can translate vision into action
Collaborative leadership style with ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
Ambitious and goal-oriented leader possessing a winning mindset
Strong diplomatic skills and a persuasive negotiator
Ability to approach industry partnerships with openness to feedback and ongoing dialogue
Transparent communication style and ability to work effectively with industry leaders and the Executive Committee
APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Search Advisor Elisa Pratt at elisa@brewerprattsolutions.com, detailing their interest in the position and how their experience aligns with the Pet Advocacy Network's mission and strategic priorities.
The Pet Advocacy Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our passion for championing pets and responsible pet professionals.
The Pet Advocacy Network (formerly the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) is the leading advocate for the responsible pet care community, representing a diverse ecosystem of pet-centric businesses and industry associations who navigate federal, state, and local laws and regulations every day. For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting pets, pet owners, and pet businesses through advocacy and collaboration with government agencies and other NGOs to ensure pet health and wellness and advance the human-animal bond.