US Director

We're recruiting for a dynamic US Director to lead Compassion in World Farming’s efforts to end factory farming and drive systemic change in food production and animal welfare. This role will shape and implement impactful programs across the US, while working closely with our global team to align strategies and achieve meaningful results.

About Us

Compassion in World Farming (Compassion) was founded in 1967 by a British farmer horrified by the development of intensive factory farming. Compassion has since become one of the leading farmed animal welfare advocates. We campaign peacefully to end all factory farming practices. In 2012, we established Compassion in World Farming Inc, (Compassion US.) Compassion US focuses on making positive change for farmed animals in the US, the epicenter of modern industrial agriculture. From corporate boardrooms to the halls of government to public campaigns, we work tirelessly to end factory farming and establish an innovative and resilient food system that is compassionate, fair, and regenerative for animals, people, and planet.

Our approach involves campaigning, advocacy, and engagement with policymakers at national, intergovernmental, and corporate levels, building a movement of individuals concerned about animal welfare and the health and sustainability of our food. We are driven by a passion for animal welfare and food system change, believing in a future where animals are treated with compassion and respect, and where sustainable farming practices prevail for a healthy planet.  

Our international headquarters are in Godalming (UK), with team members in 14 countries on four continents including the US, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Czechia, China, and a specialist policy office in Brussels 

Job Type: Full-time; Permanent

Location: Remote within the Northeastern United States

Salary: Up to $125,000 per annum (dependant upon skills and experience)

Closing Date: October 4, 2024

About the role

This exciting role role contributes to ending factory farming by directing Compassion in World Farming’s programs in the US for systemic change to food production and consumption and improved animal welfare. As part of this role you will be expected to integrate your work within the global strategy, and planning by HQ (based in the U.K.).

The US Director role leads and manages high-performing teams across our food business and campaign work within the US, and manages the US entity, on behalf of Compassion in World Farming International (CIWF).

As the US Director you'll have responsibility for driving forward our global mission to end factory farming in the US, developing and adapting our global campaign and food business programs for the US, as well as identifying US specific opportunities to impact change, including in fundraising. This will be delivered through direct activities in our programs of work on food business and campaigns and developing a high performing team to achieve these goals, whilst working in partnership across Compassion, to ensure integration of work within the US, to support international colleagues and HQ. An active and supportive role in our US fundraising programs is vital, working under the guidance, strategy and budget of our global fundraising directorate at HQ.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Drive Compassion’s corporate engagement, advocacy, and public campaigning work in the US for maximum impact.
• Influence, nurture, develop and expand relationships with key stakeholders' audiences, for example corporates, state and federal legislators, and intergovernmental agencies such as the UN, and other decision makers in the corporate, political, and public policy arenas relevant to achieving Compassion’s organizational objectives.
• Mobilize the broadest possible movement of supporters to achieve Compassion’s strategic objectives, regardless of personal dietary choices, to bring about change.
• Position CIWF as a leading organization in the field of animal welfare and ending factory farming in the US.
• Achieve measurable impact for animals whilst striving for a transition in the overall food system away from factory farming and meat-heavy diets toward regenerative, agroecological farming methods and reduced consumption of animal products in favor of plant-based, cellular, fermentation and other innovative alternatives to meat.
• Play an active and supportive role in fundraising from US-based donors, integrating our fundraising communications with campaigns, and helping to identify and engage grant-makers and philanthropists, working with our senior global fundraising team and US-based colleagues.
• Represent Compassion in World Farming US externally to key government and NGO stakeholders and public influencers.
• Lead on US campaign strategy and implementation of programs, and nurtures integration between US functions (campaigns, communications, food Business and fundraising) and Head Quarters.
• Develop Compassion as a recognized leader within the US farmed animal movement, and ensures the efficient running of CIWFI’s US branch within agreed budgets and policies.
• Support organizational fundraising from US donors, as guided by the Global Director of Fundraising and their US team.

Requirements

About you

Essential Position Requirements

• Director-level leadership with public mobilization skills on modest budgets.
• Proven campaigner and policy lobbyist; experience as a media spokesperson.
• Strong communicator with social media expertise.
• Leadership skills to motivate a small team for impactful outcomes.
• Experience engaging major donors and potential supporters.
• Knowledge of corporate sector change and financial management.
• Clear strategic vision with the ability to inspire and align teams.
• Strong English communication (written, oral, presentation) skills.
• Professionalism, calm under pressure, and commitment to openness and feedback.
• Experience working with high-level funders and donors.

Desirable Position Requirements

• Expertise in farm animal welfare, food business, legislation, and non-profit management.
• Strategic research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in another language, preferably Spanish.
• Knowledge of UN forums.
• Experience in the Farmed Animal Welfare and Food Systems space.

To Apply: 

If you are passionate about animal welfare and have the skills and experience to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter, outlining how you meet the Person Specification detailed in the job description. Please note that we reserve the right to commence interviews on a rolling programme. 

Benefits

Compassion in World Farming provides one of the strongest benefits packages in the animal protection movement, which includes:

• A comprehensive, nationwide health insurance plan that covers individuals, spouses, and families, with CIWF covering 70% of basic plan costs
• 20+ vacation days plus a winter holiday closure period to equal 25 days per year
• Nine federal holidays and two additional floating holidays
• Four weeks of sick leave
• Paid parental leave, comprised of 12 weeks paid and an additional 12 weeks unpaid
• A 403b retirement plan with a 2% employer base contribution
• A remote work environment with flexible schedules
• Monthly phone/internet stipend
• Professional development opportunities
• A welcoming and collaborative culture in a global organization spanning nine countries

Compassion in World Farming is an equal opportunity employer, and supports the facilitation of diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the animal protection movement. Compassion does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.