Montana State Director, State Affairs

Humane World for Animals: Apply • Helena, MT

2d • $90,000 - $115,000 • Remote

About The Position

Humane World for Animals is seeking a State Director for Montana in its State Affairs department. The role develops and executes state-specific strategies to advance the organization’s legislative and programmatic goals. The position is based in a home office in Montana, reports to the Regional Director, and requires candidates to live within a one-hour commute from Helena. Extensive travel across Montana and occasional out-of-state travel are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least five years of progressive work experience in animal protection/advocacy or related experience.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the legislative and political process, particularly at the state level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and remain flexible with workload and assignments.
• Ability to work with stakeholders across diverse political, cultural, and socioeconomic spectrums and uphold organizational values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Comfort with a fast-paced environment and frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivation, and a proactive approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to analyze and manage problems in advancing legislative strategy and provide effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and willingness to learn new technological platforms.
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by delivering quality and timely outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member.
• Must live within a one-hour commute from Helena, Montana.
• Ability to travel extensively across the state and occasionally out of state.

Nice To Haves

• Legislative or lobbying experience.
• Volunteer management experience.
• Grassroots advocacy and political campaigning experience.
• Strong knowledge of and interest in the animal welfare movement.

Responsibilities

• Advance public policy priorities through direct lobbying and build relationships with agency officials, lawmakers, executives, and staff.
• Manage and direct policy reform through each stage of the process.
• Build and engage a diverse coalition of stakeholders in support of the organization’s strategic plan and public policy goals in Montana.
• Develop state-specific strategy with program teams and internal stakeholders, and implement it in Montana, including passing public policy, defending animal-protection laws, and working on priority issues.
• Serve as a spokesperson with government officials, stakeholders, and the media; seek media opportunities to advance policy goals and increase public awareness.
• Comply with internal, local, and statewide lobbying regulations; manage the state budget; and update and maintain social media sites with information about organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with organizational experts to provide guidance, training, and support for local investigators and enforcement officials, and provide hands-on assistance when appropriate.
• On occasion, work with the Humane World Action Fund on State PAC work or political activity.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior