Animal Welfare Policy Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

Lady Freethinker seeks a policy specialist to research and inform on animal protection laws and regulations at local, state, federal, and international levels and support changemaking public policy campaigns and lobbying strategies. This person will play a critical role in developing innovative methods of effecting change in the way animals are treated and viewed. Ideal candidates will have excellent research and writing skills, know how to communicate well, pay close attention to detail, organize their time and tasks well, and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct research and assessments on policy options and proposed legislation, including feasibility studies, SWOT analyses, and legislative environment analyses, to determine the probability of success
• Develop lobbying, education, and mobilization materials, such as model legislation, fact sheets, letters, alerts, blogs, and testimonies
• Draft regulatory comments and testimonies
• Summarize and communicate research findings to relevant teams and allied groups
• Track relevant local legislation and identify opportunities for new legislation to protect animals
• Assist in planning and executing LFT's policy agenda and campaign strategies.
• Conduct case studies of previous legislative campaigns, both successful and unsuccessful
• Lead legislative campaign development, evaluation, and implementation in partnership with local, state, and national animal protection groups
• Work with other groups, forming coalitions as needed to increase strength & influence to change policies.
• Leverage data to design, implement, and evaluate campaigns
• Develop post-campaign reports to inform future strategies

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated legislative knowledge & skills, including at least 2 years of experience directly working with public policy, government agencies, or legislators
• Demonstrated experience working on campaigns relating to animal welfare or social justice
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to effectively collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience developing compelling, high-quality creative content (text, image, and video) that advances strategic goals
• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and communications tools.
• Success in strategic thinking and planning
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate, taking initiative, staying focused, and being well-organized
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing LFT’s values, mission, and goals, with an understanding of animal welfare advocacy.

FT - 40 hours/week between the hours of 8 AM & 5 PM PST, M-F.

California applicants preferred.