Managing Director, US/CA

 

Remote in the United States or Canada

 

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.
 

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

 

We currently seek a managing director to join our United States/Canada team. In this role, you will provide operational leadership, management and direct strategy for Mercy For Animals’ work in the United States and Canada to maximize Mercy For Animals’ impact and results in alignment with its global priorities and goals and theory of change.

 

You will do invaluable work:

• Lead the development and oversee the execution of Mercy For Animals’ programmatic work and strategy in the United States and Canada in alignment with global priorities, goals, strategy, vision and mission.  
• Proactively identify and explore new opportunities for the organization to maximize its impact and deliver on its mission and KPIs, including creating and developing programs, campaigns, projects, and partnerships.
• Lead the development and implementation of the biennial operating plan for the United States and Canada, including defined priorities and goals, budget distribution, and analysis of results and performance.
• Regularly evaluate the progress, impact, and budget outlined for each department, and partner with departmental leaders to develop action plans, effectively manage the budget, rethink approaches when necessary, remove barriers, and maximize results.
• Ensure compliance with operational and financial processes as well as all regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Mercy For Animals' other managing directors and global senior leadership to drive the vision and mission, effect strategy and operational excellence and monitor and report on metrics and KPIs.   
• Create executive reports and present them to the global senior leadership team.
• As a first level manager, act as a mentor and leader, supporting alignment among departments and ensuring high performance of each direct report and each team, ensure teams’ adoption and compliance with policies and procedures and lead the organizational culture.  
• Help develop Mercy For Animals’ brand and identity and position the organization as a leading voice for farmed animals in alignment with its international brand.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Act as a Mercy For Animals representative to strengthen its brand and communicate its vision, mission, and objectives.
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform any other duties assigned.

 

Your qualifications will take our campaigns and public engagement teams to the next level:

• Five or more years of executive management experience (professional experience in nonprofits or the animal protection movement helpful but not required)
• Well-rounded knowledge of and experience with farmed-animal welfare issues
• Proven ability to set and oversee successful execution of strategy 
• Experience building and managing interdisciplinary and intercultural teams
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills, such as emotional intelligence; active listening; assertive and persuasive communication; and ability to negotiate, inspire, build consensus, and effectively manage conflict
• Excellent organizational and delegation skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and achieve results
• Strong and effective leadership skills 
• Strong intrapersonal skills, such as resilience and stress and change management, as well as a growth mindset and a positive can-do attitude
• Willingness to travel domestically, with about 10–20 trips per year, including for leadership meetings, conferences, demonstrations, press conferences, and meetings with industry stakeholders (travel needs subject to change according to organizational expansion)
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization and ability to represent Mercy For Animals’ positions effectively
• Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

 

About Your Team Leader

Leah Garcés is the CEO and president of Mercy For Animals and author of TRANSFARMATION: The Movement to Free Us from Factory Farming and Grilled: Turning Adversaries into Allies to Change the Chicken Industry. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the animal protection movement, she has partnered with corporations, communities, and governments on her mission to build a better food system.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Earn an annual salary of around $130,000 - 145,000, depending on qualifications. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3% of your annual earnings.

 

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

 

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

 

Come as you are, and help us transform society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

 

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