How to apply for Executive Director

About Faunalytics

Faunalytics is a unique research organization that provides data, analysis, and strategic guidance to help animal advocates make evidence-based decisions. It stands out for its commitment to rigorous research and its focus on effective animal welfare advocacy, making it a pivotal player in the animal protection movement. Working here means contributing to a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making that directly impacts advocacy outcomes.

About the role

As Executive Director, you will lead a research-focused animal protection organization, overseeing strategy, fundraising, and a small team. You will serve as the chief fundraiser and external ambassador, cultivating major donor relationships and representing Faunalytics at conferences and movement convenings. Additionally, you will lead strategic planning, oversee the research agenda in partnership with the Research Director, and directly supervise four senior staff members, fostering a culture of learning and sustainable work practices.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with the Research Director to discuss ongoing projects, reviewing financial reports with the operations team, and preparing for a major donor meeting. You might also spend time drafting a strategic plan, representing Faunalytics at a conference, or supervising senior staff to ensure alignment with organizational goals. The role balances internal leadership with external ambassadorship, requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

Who Faunalytics is looking for

• Has 5+ years of experience in animal advocacy, with a deep understanding of the movement's dynamics and key players.
• Demonstrates proven major gift fundraising experience at the $1M+ level, including cultivating and soliciting high-net-worth donors.
• Possesses financial acumen to oversee a $1.5M budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Shows exceptional communication skills and a willingness to travel nationally or internationally 4–5 times annually to represent the organization.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your major gift fundraising successes, specifically detailing your role in securing gifts of $1M or more and the strategies you used to cultivate those donors.
• Demonstrate your familiarity with Faunalytics' research and how you have used data to inform advocacy decisions in your previous roles.
• Emphasize your experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership, particularly in small, research-focused nonprofits.
• Show your commitment to evidence-based decision-making by referencing specific instances where you applied research to improve outcomes.
• Address your willingness and ability to travel 4–5 times a year for conferences and donor meetings, and provide examples of how you've effectively represented an organization externally.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your proven track record in major gift fundraising at the $1M+ level, including specific campaigns or donors you've secured. 2) Your experience in the animal advocacy movement and how you've used research to drive strategy. 3) Your leadership style and how you've fostered a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making in previous roles. 4) Your vision for Faunalytics and how you would advance its mission through strategic planning and external ambassadorship.

Research before applying

• Review Faunalytics' recent research reports and studies to understand their methodology and key findings, and be prepared to discuss how you would build on this work.
• Research the animal advocacy movement's current landscape, including major organizations, funders, and emerging issues, to demonstrate your understanding of the context in which Faunalytics operates.
• Learn about Faunalytics' funding history and major donors (if publicly available) to understand the fundraising landscape and potential opportunities.
• Investigate the backgrounds of the current staff, board members, and Research Director to understand the organizational dynamics and how you would collaborate with them.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach cultivating a major donor who is new to Faunalytics and the animal advocacy movement?
• Describe a time when you used research to inform a strategic decision in an advocacy context. What was the outcome?
• What is your experience in managing a budget of $1.5M or more, and how do you ensure financial sustainability?
• How would you work with the Research Director to set and execute the research agenda while balancing donor interests and movement needs?
• What strategies would you use to foster a culture of learning and sustainable work practices among a small, senior team?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid focusing too much on general leadership experience without highlighting specific major gift fundraising achievements at the $1M+ level.
• Avoid showing a lack of familiarity with Faunalytics' research or the animal advocacy movement's evidence-based approach.
• Avoid neglecting to mention your willingness to travel and represent the organization externally, as this is a key requirement.