Virginia State Director – State Affairs

• Develop and execute state-specific strategies to advance the organization’s legislative and programmatic goals
• Advance public policy priorities through direct lobbying
• Influence and build relationships with agency officials, lawmakers, executives, and staff
• Manage and direct policy reform through each stage of the process
• Build and engage a diverse coalition of stakeholders in support of the strategic plan and public policy goals
• Develop state-specific strategy with program teams and internal stakeholders and implement the plan in Virginia
• Pass public policy, defend against attacks to weaken animal protection laws, and work on priority issues
• Serve as a spokesperson with government officials, key stakeholders, and the media
• Seek media opportunities to advance public policy goals and increase public awareness
• Comply with internal, local, and statewide lobbying regulations
• Manage the state’s budget
• Update and maintain social media sites with organizational-priority information
• Provide guidance, training, and support for local investigators and enforcement officials, including hands-on assistance when appropriate
• Occasionally work with the Humane World Action Fund on State PAC work or political activity
• Perform other assigned duties and responsibilities
• Operate from a home office under the supervision of the Regional Director; travel extensively across Virginia with occasional out-of-state travel

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or a related field, or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in animal protection/advocacy work or other related experience required
• Legislative/lobbying experience strongly preferred
• Volunteer management experience preferred
• Grassroots advocacy and political campaigning experience is a plus
• Strong knowledge of and interest in the animal welfare movement preferred
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the legislative and political process, particularly at the state level
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and be flexible with regard to workload and assignments
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders across diverse political, cultural, socioeconomic spectrums; uphold organizational values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to analyze and manage problems in advancing legislative strategy and effectively provide solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook); comfortable learning new technological platforms as introduced by the organization
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member in a team environment
• Must live within a one-hour commute from Richmond, Virginia
• Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing legislative strategies, managing policy reform, and engaging diverse stakeholders to advance animal protection goals.

Proficient in public policy advocacy, communication, and compliance with lobbying regulations.

• Highest-signal resume keywords
• Legislative Experience
• Lobbying Skills
• Animal Protection Advocacy
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Management
• Hard Skills
• Public Policy Development
• Legislative Strategy
• Grassroots Advocacy
• Political Campaigning
• Budget Management
• Soft Skills
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Flexibility
• Industry Keywords
• Animal Welfare Movement
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Lobbying Regulations
• Coalition Building
• Public Awareness Campaigns
• Tools & Technologies
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media Management
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