Senior Policy Specialist

Senior Policy Specialist Remote in the United States Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free. As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us! We currently seek a senior policy specialist to join our US Government Affairs and Public Policy team. You will do invaluable work: • In this role you will help research, draft, and advance legislation and policies that remove animals from the food system and reduce the suffering of animals used for food. • This role involves both direct lobbying and essential administrative tasks such as bill tracking, analysis, and managing internal communications requests related to external policy work • Stay abreast of current events and political developments and think creatively about how Mercy For Animals’ policy initiatives relate to and may impact them • Draft persuasive letters, other correspondence, fact sheets, op-eds, grassroots action alerts, and testimony • Expand support for Mercy For Animals’ policy priorities through coalitions comprising organizations and associations with varied but intersectional interests, including groups not traditionally associated with animal protection • Foster bipartisan relationships with individuals, institutions, and organizations to positively influence and gain support for Mercy For Animals’ policy initiatives • Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures • Perform any other duties assigned Your qualifications will take our US Government Affairs and Public Policy team to the next level: • At least one year’s government affairs or public policy experience, including reviewing and researching legislation and working with policymakers to advance a legislative agenda • Exceptional organizational skills and strong ability to multitask • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills that include keen attention to detail • Ability to distill complicated bills, regulations, and information into simple, compelling recommendations • Creative, solution-oriented, outside-the-box thinking to achieve incremental change • Knowledge of state and municipal legislative processes • Ability to work independently and as an effective team member • Willingness to travel approximately two – six times a year for work • Commitment to the mission and values of the organization • Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles About Your Team Leader Your team leader Alex, the Senior State Policy Manager, joined Mercy For Animals in January 2021. In her role, she oversees the organization’s state and local policy initiatives throughout the U.S. She is also an attorney and an active member of the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee. Outside of work, your team leader enjoys spending time with her family and rescued companion animals and exploring new interests, such as community theater. Your team leader values compassion, determination, creative and strategic thinking, and inclusivity. Compensation and Benefits Earn an annual salary of $63,000 – $65,000 USD, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and 401(k) retirement plan, with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3.5% of your annual earnings. This position’s classification as exempt or non-exempt will vary based on state and local wage-and-hour laws, including applicable minimum salary thresholds. Classification will be finalized in accordance with the employee’s primary work location and non-exempt status would be eligible for overtime. Application Details We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. To ensure fairness in the hiring process, we request that all applicants refrain from submitting materials that are generated entirely by artificial intelligence tools. We recognize that such tools can be useful in refining tone, grammar, and clarity, but please ensure that your materials reflect your personal experience, qualifications, and authentic voice. Our Commitment to You Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. In addition, please let us know if you have a reasonable accommodation request at any point within the hiring process. Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system. By submitting your information, you are indicating that you have read our Privacy Policy and accept its terms. Tagged as: advocacy and outreach, animal rights, legislation, nonprofit, policy, research, writing and editing Apply tot his job