How to apply for Associate Executive Director, Factory Farming Advocacy

About New Roots Institute

New Roots Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about the harms of factory farming and empowering them to advocate for systemic change. What sets it apart is its dual focus on youth leadership development and movement-wide collaboration, aiming to build a grassroots base that can effectively challenge industrial animal agriculture. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values veganism, anti-speciesism, and strategic philanthropy to create lasting impact.

About the role

As Associate Executive Director, you will be the driving force behind New Roots Institute's strategy, fundraising, and public presence, with a clear path to Executive Director. You'll lead efforts to secure six- and seven-figure gifts, cultivate relationships with major donors and partners, and represent the organization within the anti-factory-farming movement. This role is pivotal in scaling the organization's impact and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with major donors to discuss funding opportunities, collaborating with the Managing Director on strategic planning, and representing New Roots Institute at a movement conference or coalition meeting. You could also spend time mentoring youth activists, reviewing fundraising metrics, and preparing for upcoming travel. The role blends high-level strategy, relationship management, and hands-on advocacy.

Who New Roots Institute is looking for

• Proven track record in securing six- and seven-figure gifts from major donors, with experience in revenue forecasting and stewardship systems.
• Deep knowledge of factory farming interventions, effective altruism principles, and youth leadership development, ideally with personal vegan and anti-speciesist values.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a public spokesperson and relationship-builder with donors, board members, and movement partners.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership on organizational strategy, culture-building, and navigating transitions, with willingness to travel monthly and work flexible hours.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of major gifts you've secured (six or seven figures) and describe your process for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors.
• Demonstrate your commitment to veganism and anti-speciesism by weaving personal values and lifestyle into your application materials.
• Show familiarity with effective altruism and its application to factory farming advocacy; mention key organizations, interventions, or research that inform your approach.
• Emphasize any experience with youth leadership development or educational programs, as this is a core part of New Roots Institute's mission.
• Address your willingness to travel monthly and work unconventional hours; provide examples of how you've managed similar demands in past roles.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your proven ability to secure major gifts and build robust fundraising systems, with concrete results.', "Your deep alignment with New Roots Institute's mission, including personal vegan and anti-speciesist values.", "Your vision for the organization's growth and how you would leverage your network and expertise to advance the anti-factory-farming movement.", 'Your experience collaborating with senior leadership and boards, particularly during transitions or periods of growth.']

Research before applying

• Explore New Roots Institute's website, annual reports, and recent campaigns to understand their programs, impact, and funding needs.
• Research the anti-factory-farming movement, including key players, current interventions, and debates within effective altruism about animal advocacy.
• Investigate New Roots Institute's leadership team, board members, and major funders to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
• Look into recent news or publications about factory farming and youth activism to speak knowledgeably about the landscape.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you walk us through a successful major gift solicitation you led, from identification to close? What was your strategy?
• How do you incorporate effective altruism principles into fundraising and advocacy work?
• Describe your experience with youth leadership development. How would you integrate that into New Roots Institute's programs?
• What is your approach to building and maintaining relationships with board members, donors, and movement partners?
• How would you handle the transition from Associate Executive Director to Executive Director? What steps would you take to ensure a smooth handover?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on generic fundraising experience without connecting it to the specific context of factory farming advocacy and effective altruism.
• Neglecting to demonstrate personal alignment with vegan and anti-speciesist values, which are non-negotiable for this role.
• Underestimating the importance of youth leadership development; failing to show how you would engage and empower young advocates.