Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate Vice President, Philanthropy
at The Humane League
🏢 About The Humane League
The Humane League is a global nonprofit that runs programs to reduce farmed animal suffering, using advocacy, corporate campaigns, and public education. It's a fast-paced, results-driven organization with a strong focus on measurable impact for animals. Working here means joining a passionate, mission-aligned team that values innovation and bold action in the animal advocacy space.
About This Role
As Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, you'll lead major gifts fundraising and donor relations strategy, generating over half of The Humane League's annual revenue. You'll manage a high-capacity donor portfolio, secure six- to seven-figure gifts for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, and design capital campaign operations. This role is pivotal in scaling the organization's fundraising to fuel its global animal advocacy programs.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with major donors to cultivate relationships, reviewing gift agreements, and strategizing with your team on pipeline development. You could also be preparing for a board meeting, analyzing campaign metrics, or coaching a philanthropy manager on a solicitation approach. Expect a mix of high-level strategy and hands-on donor interaction, all in service of reducing animal suffering.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Humane League Is Looking For
- 9+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with at least 3 years managing major gifts programs that raise $5M+ annually.
- Proven track record of securing six- to seven-figure gifts from high-capacity donors, including experience with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.
- 3+ years of staff leadership, with the ability to coach and inspire a team of up to 12 philanthropy professionals across major gifts, mid-level, and planned giving.
- Strategic thinker with experience designing and executing capital campaign operations, including feasibility assessments, case development, and board engagement.
- Deep commitment to animal advocacy and alignment with The Humane League's mission to reduce farmed animal suffering.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Humane League
Highlight specific examples of six- to seven-figure gifts you've personally secured, including the donor type and the impact of the gift.
Demonstrate experience with both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) fundraising, as The Humane League operates both entities and this is a key requirement.
Quantify your team leadership experience: mention the size of teams you've managed, how you've coached them, and the results they achieved.
Show familiarity with capital campaign operations, from feasibility studies to board engagement, as this role involves designing and executing campaign strategy.
Explicitly connect your fundraising philosophy to animal advocacy; The Humane League wants candidates who are passionate about the mission, not just the job.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, emphasize your direct experience raising $5M+ annually through major gifts and your success securing six- to seven-figure gifts. Highlight your leadership of teams up to 12 people and your ability to coach across major gifts, mid-level, and planned giving. Discuss your experience with capital campaign operations, including feasibility assessments and board engagement. Finally, articulate why you are personally committed to animal advocacy and how you would bring that passion to The Humane League.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Research The Humane League's major campaigns and recent victories to understand their impact and funding needs.
- → Understand the difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) fundraising and how The Humane League uses both entities to achieve its mission.
- → Review The Humane League's annual reports and financial statements to understand their revenue sources and growth trajectory.
- → Explore the animal advocacy landscape and key players to contextualize The Humane League's approach and competitive positioning.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention animal advocacy or The Humane League's specific mission; they want mission-driven candidates.
- Don't downplay your frontline fundraising experience; this role requires hands-on major gifts work, not just management.
- Avoid neglecting to mention 501(c)(4) experience if you have it; it's a key differentiator for this role.
- Don't focus solely on past achievements without connecting them to how you would drive results at The Humane League.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Humane League!