Senior Director, Equine Protection

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Senior Director, Equine Protection for the Companion Animals department. In this position you will serve as the senior staff member and active campaigner on the development and implementation of policies and campaigns to end practices abusive to equines.  Responds to requests for assistance and advice to solve equine welfare problems Works with humane organizations, equine rescues, horse industry, and veterinary and professional groups to advance common equine protection goals through public policy.  Represents the HSUS at public meetings and events, conducts media interviews and serves as a subject matter expert on equine welfare issues.    

Responsibilities:
• Developing and directing the overall strategy for the organization’s Equine Protection campaigns. This includes providing leadership and guidance through strategic planning in the creation and implementation of the team’s and department’s campaigns, programs, policy efforts, field projects, and publications;
• Maintaining existing and developing new relationships with horse industry groups and professionals. Working with industry groups and professionals in the animal protection, veterinary and rescue communities to build coalitions to advance common goals;
• Managing the Equine Protection team of the Companion Animals department to ensure that staff achieve their goals, including providing staff with guidance and advice, training, performance management, leadership development, and career development;
• Maintaining existing and developing new relationships with and lobby members of Congress and their staff (both remotely and in Washington);
• Serving as spokesperson for the HSUS on equine campaigns/issues and represents the HSUS at regional, state, and local conferences or workshops;
• Working with government agencies such as the USDA to increase the protection and care of equines;
• Identifying domestic equine welfare issues requiring the attention of the HSUS and advising HSUS senior management and the board on corporate policy on equine issues;
• Maintaining existing and developing new relationships with donors. Participating in the planning of and representing Equine Protection at fundraising events;
• Liaising with Animal Care Centers, State Affairs and other department staff on equine care/policy issues;
• Developing and managing the budget for the team;
• Performs other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.
 
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Master’s degree in political science or public policy with a focus on equines or equivalent work experience required;
• A minimum of seven (7) years of policy and program development experience required;
• Management experience in a related field, which has included management and leadership responsibilities for staff, strategy development and execution, and fiscal and budget accountabilities, preferably in the animal welfare arena required;
• Superior knowledge of horse transportation issues, eventing, dressage, racing, slaughter, and carriage horses required;
• Leadership ability in work setting. Flexible, willing to learn, and anticipates the needs of self and staff;
• Ability to set a positive tone for employees during their day;
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive;
• Ability to manage issues requiring problem resolution and conflict management with excellent interpersonal and intervention skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Knowledge of business operations, including effective budget development and management processes;
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred. 

DC Metro Area- Remote Eligible

To ensure your cover letter is considered, please submit your resume and cover letter as one document. 

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