Director of Policy

The Director of Policy is a newly created full-time position located at the headquarters of the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) near Philadelphia. The Director of Policy will be a part of the leadership team of AAVS, working closely with the President, and playing a key role in determining science policy priorities in relation to the use of animals in research, testing, and education.

The Director of Policy will be hands-on, engaged in the production of position documents and reports, and a leader in program planning, including the development of campaigns and communications.

The Director of Policy will enjoy the support of AAVS’s community of staff, board, and members, who are fully committed to our mission of ending the use of animals in science. We accomplish that mission through education, advocacy, and the advancement of alternative methods. In addition, AAVS operates the Leaping Bunny Program which certifies cruelty-free cosmetic, personal care, and household product companies, as well as Animalearn, which works with educators to advance alternatives to dissection and other harmful uses of animals in education.

The person in this position will also have the opportunity to partner with AAVS’s affiliate, Alternatives Research & Development Foundation, which is a leader in supporting the development of non-animal methods.

Responsibilities

• Represent the organization and coordinate communication of our positions to key audiences in the scientific community, government, and the media (some travel required)   
• Work closely with the President to develop strategies to advance the organization’s positions, including the development and execution of campaigns
• Monitor developments in science policy and legislation, as they relate to animal use and alternatives
• Conduct research and write articles, reports, and opinion pieces about policy issues related to animal testing and alternatives
• Analyze and respond to scientific and policy documents
• Collaborate with our leadership team to respond to timely issues and plan future activities
• Build relationships with government, industry,and NGO stakeholders

Qualifications

Candidates for this position should be knowledgeable and passionate about ending the use of animals in science and promoting alternatives.      

Candidates should have an advanced degree in a related field (life sciences or an adjacent field a plus) and 5 to 10 years of relevant experience. 

Candidates should possess:

• A deep knowledge of the landscape of issues related to the use of animals in science, including familiarity with government agencies, laws, and regulations;
• A good understanding of the political and legislative process;
• An ability to comprehend and summarize technical, scientific information about animal testing and alternatives;  
• Excellent research, writing, and public presentation skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including in oral and written communications;
• A strong work ethic, including a commitment to completing projects by deadline, and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; and
• A collaborative spirit, and be a team player who enjoys working with a broad range of individuals, from consultants to interns and volunteers.

·     Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM

·     Friendly, professional, vegan workplace

·     PTO: 14 paid holidays/yr. plus vacation, sick, personal

·     Fully paid, high-quality health insurance and other insurances (after qualification)

·     401(k) match up to 7% (after qualification)

·     Generous education benefit (after qualification)

·     Moving expenses, if needed

Please send the following to officemgr@aavs.org with subject line:

“Attn: Director of Policy Position”:

o  Cover letter, highlighting your relevant education and experience and including discussion of how your values align with those of our organization

o  Resume

o  A writing sample on a relevant topic