Animals in Laboratories Policy Advisor

$70,000-$85,000 per year to start, plus generous benefits | Permanent, Full-Time | Washington, DC Based Preferred, Open to Remote | Expected Start: March 2025

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The Animal Welfare Institute – a DC-based national advocacy organization dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people – seeks to hire a Policy Advisor for our Animals in Laboratories Program who shares our vision of a world where treatment of animals is rooted in dignity and compassion.

About AWI: Working at AWI, you will join more than 30 highly motivated staff and consultants working in our headquarters in Washington, DC, and remotely across the United States and Canada. For 73 years, we have advanced our mission through strategically crafted political and legal advocacy, educational programs, litigation, research, and engagement with policymakers, scientists, industry, educators, other NGOs, the media, and the public. We are a national nonprofit dedicating more than 90 percent of our budget to programs and campaigns that protect animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. AWI is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to creating a culture that values differences and enables all employees to thrive.

Why this position matters: The Policy Advisor position presents an exciting opportunity to develop and help implement innovative legal, policy, and administrative measures to protect animals in laboratories at a national level. You will use a broad suite of advocacy tools to advance the program’s mission to ensure robust oversight and enforcement of laws and regulations governing the care and use of animals in research, testing, and teaching. AWI works to foster evidence-based improvements to the care and use of animals in research settings that are grounded in the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement); please refer to AWI’s Position Statement on research and testing with animals to ensure your alignment with the organization’s perspective. You will report to the Program’s Director/Senior Scientist, and work with other members of the program as an integral part of an experienced, high-performing, close-knit, and collaborative team.

You could be our next Policy Advisor if you have:

• A JD or advanced degree in public policy, governmental relations, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience with issues related to policy or oversight of animal use in laboratories is strongly preferred. We are willing to consider candidates with exceptional potential and alignment with AWI’s mission but with a varied duration of professional experience.
• Compassion for all species and a demonstrated interest in helping animals in research
• Firm understanding of the Animal Welfare Act, Health Research Extension Act (PHS Policy), 21st Century Cures Act, Freedom of Information Act, the US government appropriations process, and other relevant federal and state laws
• Knowledge of or a willingness to learn traditional and refined methods of housing and handling animals in research
• Understanding of or willingness to learn scientific principles relevant to the program’s activities, with a commitment to evidence-based practices
• Outstanding research, writing, and communication skills
• Excellent oral advocacy skills, including public speaking experience
• Strong problem-solving skills with a willingness to research solutions and learn new skills as needed
• Ability to follow directions, take initiative, think creatively, and switch contexts effectively
• Capacity to work under pressure, independently or in a team, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience in a detail-oriented role requiring strong organizational and project management skills
• Commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct
• Ability to work effectively with and understand the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to contributing positively to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture

What you'll be doing:

Your core work will focus on various aspects of policy related to animals in laboratories, including:

• Drafting comments, letters, or petitions to government or regulatory agencies regarding current and proposed changes to oversight of animal care standards
• Tracking media reports and federal data to find opportunities to protect animals through regulations and enforcement
• Working with whistleblowers to address issues reported to AWI
• Submitting FOIA and other public records requests, tracking responses, and communicating with agencies
• Writing articles for the AWI Quarterly magazine and content for the AWI website
• Researching and preparing reports and other materials to educate the public and influence policy on the welfare of animals in research
• Representing AWI at meetings and conferences, giving presentations, and openly challenging and raising questions as an audience member in various forums to ensure proper consideration of the welfare of animals
• Working with AWI’s communications staff to create and implement media strategies, draft op-eds and press releases, and produce other relevant literature and publications
• Working with AWI’s Government Affairs team to identify issues to be addressed by federal or state legislation or regulations
• Collaborating on occasion with other AWI teams on projects and campaigns of mutual interest
• Building strong relationships with government officials, legislators, and advocates
• Participating in training and professional development opportunities

Job Location: While we will consider exceptional candidates who want to work remotely elsewhere in the United States, it is preferred that the Website Administrator work out of AWI's DC office (located in a row of converted townhouses one block from the Eastern Market Metro) on a regular basis.

AWI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to employment practices that provide equal opportunities for all persons without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization, and encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the animal welfare movement.