Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

at Pet Sustainability Coalition

🏢 About Pet Sustainability Coalition

Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) is the leading nonprofit driving sustainability across the global pet industry, uniquely convening competitors and fostering collaboration. Working here means shaping an entire industry's environmental and social impact while being part of a mission-driven team that values innovation and measurable results.

About This Role

As CEO, you will be PSC's chief strategist and ambassador, responsible for expanding global influence, deepening member engagement, and accelerating industry-wide sustainability transformation. This role offers the chance to lead a high-impact organization at a pivotal time when sustainability is a key driver of business success.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the leadership team to review progress on strategic initiatives, followed by a call with a potential corporate partner to discuss membership and collaboration opportunities. Later, you might join a board committee meeting to finalize the annual budget, then prepare remarks for an upcoming industry conference. Throughout the day, you'll review sustainability benchmarks and engage with members via email or Slack to address their needs and gather feedback.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Pet Sustainability Coalition Is Looking For

  • Proven executive leadership experience in a mission-driven nonprofit or industry coalition, with a track record of scaling impact and revenue.
  • Deep understanding of sustainability issues (e.g., climate, circular economy, supply chain) and how they intersect with business strategy.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills to convene diverse stakeholders (competitors, regulators, NGOs) and drive collaborative action.
  • Strategic and operational acumen to oversee organizational growth, financial health, and team development in a remote setting.

📝 Tips for Applying to Pet Sustainability Coalition

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in advancing sustainability within an industry, especially through coalition-building or cross-sector partnerships.

2

In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the pet industry's unique dynamics (e.g., owner-pet bond, supply chain complexity) and how sustainability creates business value.

3

Prepare a one-page vision statement outlining your strategic priorities for PSC's next 3 years, focusing on member growth, program expansion, and measurable impact.

4

Showcase your experience with remote team management and virtual engagement strategies, as PSC operates remotely across the US.

5

Include metrics in your application: e.g., percentage of member growth, funds raised, or sustainability outcomes achieved under your leadership.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for sustainability and alignment with PSC's mission to transform the pet industry through collaboration.", 'Specific examples of leading organizational change, scaling impact, or building partnerships across competitive landscapes.', 'Your vision for PSC: how you will deepen member value, expand global reach, and ensure financial sustainability.', 'Your leadership style and how it fosters a culture of innovation, equity, and accountability in a remote environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review PSC's current programs (Accreditation, Benchmarking, Education) and recent impact reports to understand their value proposition.
  • → Study the pet industry's sustainability landscape: key players (e.g., Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina), regulatory trends (e.g., EU Green Deal), and consumer shifts.
  • → Analyze PSC's membership structure, funding sources, and any recent strategic plans or board communications available publicly.
  • → Understand PSC's competitors and collaborators, such as other industry sustainability coalitions (e.g., Sustainable Packaging Coalition) or pet industry associations.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach convening competitors (e.g., major pet brands) to collaborate on sustainability initiatives?
2 Describe a time you led a nonprofit through a strategic pivot or growth phase. What were the key challenges and results?
3 How do you measure the impact of sustainability programs beyond environmental metrics (e.g., business ROI, member retention)?
4 What is your experience with fundraising and diversifying revenue streams for a membership-based organization?
5 How would you engage a geographically dispersed team and maintain culture in a remote-first environment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference PSC's specific programs or the pet industry context.
  • Overemphasizing personal achievements without showing how you built consensus or drove collective action among diverse stakeholders.
  • Neglecting to address the remote work aspect: failing to mention experience with virtual leadership or distributed teams.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Pet Sustainability Coalition!

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