Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Director

at Faunalytics

🏢 About Faunalytics

Faunalytics is a unique nonprofit that works behind the scenes to help animal advocates be as effective as possible by providing rigorous research and data. It's a financially stable, well-established organization where you can influence the entire animal protection movement indirectly but powerfully. The opportunity to lead such a respected research hub at a pivotal transition makes this an exceptional career move for a mission-driven executive.

About This Role

As Executive Director, you will be the chief executive, chief fundraiser, strategy lead, and primary ambassador for Faunalytics. You'll set the strategic vision, cultivate major donors, present research findings to advocates, and ensure operational accountability. This role is impactful because you'll shape how animal advocacy organizations use data to save more animals, and you'll lead Faunalytics into its next chapter after seven years of growth under the outgoing ED.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with major donors to secure funding, reviewing research findings with the team, preparing a presentation for an advocacy conference, and working with the board on strategic priorities. You'll balance external relationship-building with internal operational oversight, ensuring Faunalytics remains a trusted resource for the movement.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Faunalytics

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Faunalytics Is Looking For

  • Proven executive leadership in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, with experience reporting to a board and managing a team.
  • Demonstrated success in major donor fundraising and donor cultivation, ideally within the animal protection or adjacent social justice movements.
  • Strong public presence and communication skills, comfortable presenting research to diverse audiences and serving as the external voice of an organization.
  • Deep commitment to Faunalytics' mission and understanding of how research and data can empower effective animal advocacy, even if not directly working with animals.

📝 Tips for Applying to Faunalytics

1

Read the outgoing ED Brooke Haggerty's blog post about the transition and reference it in your application to show you've done your homework on Faunalytics' current position and culture.

2

Highlight specific examples of major donor fundraising success, including amounts raised and relationships built, as this is a core responsibility.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with Faunalytics' research and how it's used by advocates; mention specific studies or reports that resonate with you.

4

Emphasize your ability to be both a strategic visionary and an operational executor, as the role balances high-level strategy with hands-on leadership.

5

Connect your personal values to Faunalytics' behind-the-scenes approach to helping animals, showing you understand and appreciate indirect impact.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

1. Your vision for Faunalytics' next chapter and how you'll build on its strong foundation. 2. Concrete examples of your fundraising success, especially with major donors. 3. Your experience as a public ambassador and relationship-builder within the animal protection movement. 4. Your understanding of how research and data drive effective advocacy, and your commitment to Faunalytics' mission.

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Faunalytics' website, especially their research studies, blog, and annual reports, to understand their work and impact.
  • → Read Brooke Haggerty's transition blog post and any other communications about the leadership change to understand the context and expectations.
  • → Research the animal protection movement's key players and how Faunalytics collaborates with them; identify potential donors and partners.
  • → Look into Faunalytics' financial health and funding sources through public documents like Form 990s to understand the fundraising landscape.
Visit Faunalytics's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach fundraising from major donors who are passionate about direct animal rescue but may not immediately see the value of research?
2 Describe your experience working with a board of directors and how you would ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing ED.
3 What is your vision for Faunalytics' role in the animal protection movement over the next 3-5 years?
4 How would you balance the need for rigorous, unbiased research with the practical needs of advocates on the ground?
5 Tell us about a time you had to make a tough strategic decision that impacted your organization's direction.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on direct animal rescue experience and not demonstrating an understanding of how research and data support advocacy.
  • Underestimating the fundraising responsibility; not providing specific examples of major donor cultivation and success.
  • Being vague about your leadership philosophy and vision; failing to articulate how you would lead Faunalytics specifically.

📅 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 Faunalytics!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →