Application Guide
How to Apply for International Programs Manager (Bilingual in English & Spanish)
at Global Strays
🏢 About Global Strays
Global Strays is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) international animal welfare nonprofit that addresses the root causes of animal suffering in underserved communities through spay/neuter, humane education, veterinary access, and local partnerships. What sets them apart is their commitment to cultural respect, accountability, and measurable impact, working alongside local professionals in Latin America and Africa. This is a chance to join a small, collaborative team where your ideas and contributions directly shape programs and mission.
About This Role
As the International Programs Manager, you will oversee and strengthen Global Strays' international animal welfare programs, managing staff and partner relationships while ensuring program accountability. You'll develop and maintain program management systems and help enhance their humane education program. This role is central to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of their work abroad, reporting directly to the President and playing a key part in the organization's continued development.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve checking in with local partners in Latin America, reviewing program reports, and updating management systems to track progress. You could also spend time developing materials for the humane education program or brainstorming with the President on strategic improvements. Expect a mix of virtual meetings, independent work, and collaborative problem-solving.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Global Strays Is Looking For
- Fluency in both English and Spanish, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
- Proven experience in international program management, preferably in animal welfare or a related nonprofit sector, including managing remote teams and partners.
- Strong systems-building skills, with the ability to develop and maintain program management tools, monitor impact, and ensure accountability.
- Passion for animal welfare and community-based work, with a commitment to cultural respect and sustainable change.
📝 Tips for Applying to Global Strays
Highlight your bilingual abilities explicitly, including any professional experience working in Spanish-speaking countries or with Spanish-speaking partners.
Demonstrate experience in program management systems: mention specific tools or methodologies you've used to track impact, manage budgets, or coordinate remote teams.
Show your understanding of Global Strays' approach by referencing their programs in Latin America and Africa, and how you would contribute to their humane education efforts.
Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively in a small team, providing examples of how you've taken initiative and worn multiple hats.
Tailor your cover letter to the contract nature of the role, expressing flexibility and commitment to the mission beyond just a job.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your bilingual proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills, with concrete examples of working in Spanish-speaking contexts.', 'Your experience in international program management, including managing staff, partners, and accountability systems.', "Your specific interest in animal welfare and humane education, and how you would enhance Global Strays' existing programs.", 'Your ability to thrive in a small, collaborative team and contribute ideas beyond your core responsibilities.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Global Strays' website, especially their programs in Latin America and Africa, to understand their approach and impact.
- → Research the communities where Global Strays operates to understand the cultural and economic contexts of their work.
- → Look into the founders and team members to understand the organization's values and working style.
- → Review any annual reports or impact statements to get a sense of their metrics and achievements.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not demonstrating genuine passion for animal welfare or international development; this role requires more than just program management skills.
- Overlooking the bilingual requirement by not providing evidence of Spanish fluency in your application materials.
- Failing to show adaptability to a small nonprofit environment; candidates who seem rigid or only comfortable in large corporate structures may not fit.
📅 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!