Application Guide
How to Apply for https://weanimals.org/work-with-us/join-our-team/interim-executive-director-18-month-contract-parental-leave-coverage/
at We Animals
🏢 About We Animals
We Animals is a unique nonprofit dedicated to exposing animal exploitation through powerful imagery and visual storytelling. Working here means contributing to a mission that drives global change for animals, with a small, passionate team and a strong founder-led vision.
About This Role
As Interim Executive Director, you'll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight during a parental leave, ensuring the organization stays on track with its mission and strategic goals. This is a high-impact, temporary leadership role where you'll work closely with the Board and Founder to maintain momentum and ensure a smooth transition.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking in with remote team members across time zones, followed by reviewing financial reports or meeting with the Board. You might spend part of your day on strategic planning for upcoming campaigns, and end the day with a call with the Founder to align on priorities. It's a mix of leadership, management, and operational oversight, all while ensuring the organization stays on mission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who We Animals Is Looking For
- Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, ideally as an ED or in a senior management role with P&L responsibility.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and sustainability planning.
- Excellent people management skills, with experience leading remote teams and fostering a positive culture.
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, including board governance and founder dynamics.
📝 Tips for Applying to We Animals
Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience in nonprofits, especially interim or transitional roles.
In your cover letter, explicitly address your approach to supporting a smooth transition and maintaining momentum during a leave.
Demonstrate your understanding of We Animals' mission and how your skills align with their unique visual storytelling approach.
Mention your availability to start on November 9, 2026, and your ability to work with Eastern Time overlap.
If you have experience with Canadian nonprofits or remote work across time zones, highlight that.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your proven ability to step into leadership roles quickly and drive results.', 'Your experience in financial sustainability and operational oversight.', 'Your collaborative approach to working with boards and founders, especially in mission-driven organizations.', "Your commitment to animal advocacy and alignment with We Animals' mission."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review We Animals' website, especially their 'Our Work' and 'Impact' pages, to understand their projects and achievements.
- → Read recent news or interviews about We Animals and its founder, Jo-Anne McArthur, to grasp the organization's voice and priorities.
- → Look into their financials if available (e.g., annual reports) to understand their scale and funding sources.
- → Check their social media to see current campaigns and how they engage their audience.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't ignore the specific start date and contract length; make sure you're available for the full term.
- Avoid generic cover letters; show you've researched We Animals and understand their unique niche.
- Don't underestimate the importance of remote work and time zone overlap; emphasize your ability to work with Eastern Time.
📅 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!