Executive Director

About National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS)

Since 1929, the National Anti-Vivisection Society has been a respected leader in promoting greater compassion, respect, and justice for animals. Through educational and advocacy programs based on credible and compelling ethical, scientific and legal theory, NAVS is dedicated to ending the cruelty and waste of animal experiments. Together with the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), NAVS has implemented innovative programs that have spearheaded the development of smarter, human-relevant methods for scientific research, testing and education; assists students and educators with advanced learning tools to replace classroom dissection; empowers people to effect change with information to choose cruelty-free products and advocate on behalf of animals; supports programs for lawyers, judges and law students on relevant legal theories that provide greater protections for animals; provides critical support for animals in need of safe haven through our Animal Sanctuary Assistance Program (ASAP); and more.

Due to the generosity and dedication of our supporters, NAVS is in the enviable position to select a leader with a vision to expand and enhance its programs on behalf of animals and ethical science.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for fiscal and administrative management, determining program goals, and implementation, hiring and supervision of staff, messaging, and formulating the strategic plan of the National Anti-Vivisection Society. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Board Governance

Work with the six-member board to fulfill the organization’s mission; and assist the board in its administrative duties, including, but not limited to, the drafting and archiving of meeting minutes, resolutions, and action items.

Financial Performance and Viability

Develop sufficient resources and track expenses to ensure the financial health of the organization; oversee the internal accounting system; facilitate the audit process and the resulting documents (i.e. IRS Form 990, audit reports, and auditor’s letter to the board); coordinate grant applications and reporting to foundations and other funding sources; and assist with investment activities as directed by the board.

Organization Mission and Strategy

Work with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through effective programs, strategic planning and community outreach.

Organization Operations

Oversee and implement appropriate staffing and resources to ensure that NAVS meets all government, regulatory, accounting, and charity watchdog standards.

Communications

Lead messaging efforts that education, motivate, and acknowledge diverse audiences with compelling and credible messages.

Leadership

Honor NAVS mission to end the needless exploitation of animals used in science and education in a manner that reflects its core ethos of advancing ethical science and respect for animals through principled advocacy; compelling, credible messaging; and positive, solution-oriented programs.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Create a board approved annual budget – currently at over $4.3 million and periodically report to the board on its revenue and expenses to date, including, but not limited to, grants to the International Foundation for Ethical Research, International Institute for Animal Law, sanctuaries, and mission affiliated organizations.
• Support administrative policies and procedures for the operation of the nonprofit, including but not limited to, actions needed to maintain NAVS’ status as a 501(c)(3) organization, all other federal and state mandated requirements, and charity watchdog organizations.
• Maintain employment policies that ensure fairness, and a positive and safe work environment.
• Ensure that NAVS has an expert and compelling leader, ideally the Executive Director, to serve as the NAVS’ primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media and the public.
• Ensure that all persons speaking on behalf of NAVS through publications, social media, conferences, etc. are credible, truthful, and effective.
• Develop and maintain personal relationships, communications, and cooperative efforts with like-minded advocates and others in the educational, scientific, government and media fields, including her/his active presence and participation at significant scientific, educational, and government sponsored conferences.
• Enhance and expand the relationship that NAVS has with the International Foundation for Ethical Research, including funding and human resources as deemed advisable by the board of directors of NAVS and IFER.
• Hire, supervise, collaborate and support the organization’s thirteen (13) local and remote staff.
• Support the Board’s president and committees as requested.
• Oversee marketing, development, and other communications efforts.
• Review and approve contracts for services as appropriate.
• Duties include travel both nationally and internationally on average 3-5 times per year.
• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• A proven track record of excellence in supervising a substantial number of staff members and leading an organization, preferably in the nonprofit sector, ideally with experience that is tailored to NAVS’ mission.
• Significant experience on working with a board of directors and building strong partnerships with stakeholders is preferred.
• Polished communication skills with the ability to articulate the organization’s message and mission to a broad range of constituents and the public.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative, self-confident; able to lead and drive consensus and to work with individuals with diverging opinions.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and maturity – able to handle delicate topics and issues.

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITMENT

The Batten Group and National Anti-Vivisection Society are equal opportunity employers committee to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Under this agreement, candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.