Senior Regulatory Specialist, Federal Affairs

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, is seeking a Senior Regulatory Specialist, Federal Affairs for its affiliate Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF). In this position you will encourage the development, implementation and proper enforcement of regulations designed to bolster animal protection at the federal level.

You will be responsible for:

• Collaborates with program staff and the Animal Protection Law (APL) department on drafting comments and letters to agencies in response to open comment periods on all relevant agency action, to push for rulemakings, and to request enforcement and proper implementation of regulations;
• Drafts and reviews blogs, press releases, talking points and other media materials to disseminate the proper information on agency actions and rules;
• Collaborates with external coalition partners on comment drafting, messaging, and setting up necessary hill and agency meetings on regulatory priorities;
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with numerous federal agency officials in multiple federal agencies in order to discuss proposed regulations, implementation of legislation, and enforcement of laws that support the protection of animals;
• Strategizes with Federal Affairs, APL and program staff on potential new issues to place within the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the HSLF regulatory agenda, such as petitions for rulemakings as well as determining our stance and how to further our goals on new issues;
• Provides guidance to HSLF legislative staff on priorities to include within the Appropriations process, and meeting with Congressional offices as necessary to discuss why funding is needed or funding should be cut for certain regulatory programs;
• Discusses priority issues with HSUS donors and advocates who are interested in learning more about the process and historical background on issues;
• Acts as a liaison while tracking policies through the rulemaking process;
• Gathers necessary information on background issues which includes historical, scientific and legal research;
• Interacts with media regarding priority issues about the process and historical background;
• Performs other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Law degree required;
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience with the executive or legislative branch, or equivalent policy experience required;
• Knowledge of regulatory process and case law impacting federal regulations and policies is essential;
• Knowledge of the laws implemented by the federal agencies affecting animals is required;
• Ability to understand and interpret complex scientific data;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook);
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive;
• Ability to multitask and be flexible regarding workload and assignments;
• Ability to exercise judgment;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• 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;
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Please upload 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