Description

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and the Texas Humane Network (the “Organizations”). The ED is responsible for leading the Organizations’ strategic visions, overseeing legislative advocacy efforts, overseeing educational and training programs, and ensuring financial sustainability. This role requires a high-energy leader who can strategize on legislative efforts to meet the organization’s priorities, navigate the Texas Legislature, build diverse coalitions, and mobilize grassroots supporters (for THLN) and strategically identify and create educational and training opportunities to ensure statewide enforcement of the laws and promote the humane treatment of animals (for Texas Humane Network).

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legislative Advocacy & Public Policy (THLN)

• Brainstorm and create a short-list of priority legislation for the biennial legislative agenda, in conjunction with lobbyist(s), the Legislative Director and Board Legislative Committee.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and "face" of THLN at conferences and conventions.
• Meet with stakeholders to discuss potential partnerships and THLN’s vision for the next legislative session.
• Manage and coordinate with contract lobbyist(s) to track bills, testify at hearings, and influence policy.
• Maintain bipartisan relationships with lawmakers, staffers, and state agencies.

2. Training and Educational Activities (Texas Humane Network)

• Strategize on the best methods to ensure Texas animal laws are followed throughout the state
• In conjunction with the Program Director, brainstorm and create lists of statewide law enforcement, animal control, prosecutor, judiciary, veterinarian, and other trainings
• Meet with stakeholders to discuss potential partnerships and Texas Humane Network’s vision for enforcing existing laws
• Develop tools for evaluating the results of training and educational endeavors
• Oversee preparation of educational materials, including the Animal Cruelty Handbook and animal law inserts for law enforcement notebooks, etc.

3. Strategic Leadership & Governance (both organizations)

• In partnership with the Board, begin to develop long-range strategic plans to advance animal welfare in Texas.
• Provide regular reporting to the Board on organizational health, legislative progress, training results, and financial status.
• Ensure the Organizations operate in strict compliance with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations regarding lobbying and political activity.

4. Fundraising & Development (both organizations)

• Diversify and grow revenue streams, including major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Oversee the planning and execution of signature fundraising events.
• Cultivate a donor stewardship program to increase long-term sustainability.
• In conjunction with the Board, hire a part-time Development Director to assist with the above tasks.

5. Communications & Grassroots Mobilization (both organizations)

• Oversee digital marketing, social media, and PR strategies to raise awareness of animal cruelty issues and THLN’s activities.
• Cultivate THLN’s statewide "grassroots army" for "Action Alerts" during critical legislative sessions.
• Represent THLN in media interviews, town halls, and animal welfare conferences.

6. People Management & Team Leadership (both organizations)

The ED provides direct supervision and mentorship to professional staff. The ED is responsible for fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture that prevents burnout and maximizes the unique strengths of each role:

• Legislative Director (THLN): Partner with this role to translate policy goals into bill language and navigate the complexities of the Texas Capitol.
• Program Director (Texas Humane Network): Partner with this role to identify and schedule training opportunities for law enforcement, animal control, prosecutor, judiciary, veterinarian, and other trainings to ensure proper enforcement of animal laws statewide.
• Development Director: With Board approval, create and disseminate a job description for this role and conduct interviews. When the individual is hired, partner with this role to develop strategies for donor engagement, stewardship, and development, as well as other fundraising efforts.
• Grassroots Coordinator: Guide the strategy for mobilizing thousands of volunteers across Texas chapters to ensure local voices reach their specific legislators.
• Marketing & Social Media Manager: Ensure brand consistency and oversee the "storytelling" aspect of THLN’s mission to keep the public engaged and informed.
• Office Manager: Oversee administrative efficiency, financial record-keeping, and the day-to-day operations that keep the organization running smoothly.

Management Core Competencies:

• Talent Development: Ability to recruit, retain, and mentor a small but highly specialized team.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in managing high-pressure situations, particularly during the biennial 140-day legislative session.
• Performance Management: Setting clear, measurable KPIs for each staff member and conducting regular performance reviews.
• Remote/Hybrid Coordination: Since staff may be spread across Texas, the ED must be proficient in managing remote workflows and maintaining team cohesion through digital tools.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MPA, or related advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years in executive leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or political environment.
• Understanding of the Texas Legislative process and the political landscape of Texas.
• Exceptional public speaking and persuasive writing skills.
• A demonstrated passion for animal welfare and the protection of animals through the law.