Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Animal Legal Defense Fund is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing internal operations, infrastructure, and organizational growth. The COO manages Human Resources, Technology, and Operations teams, ensuring effective functioning, strategic alignment, and a positive organizational culture.

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

Salary: Starting at $203,838 annually, with higher starting salaries for certain locations, and additional compensation details as specified.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Human Resources, Technology, and Operations teams, setting strategy, vision, and culture.
• Formulate policies and direct operational activities in partnership with department directors.
• Implement business objectives to optimize operations, resource allocation, and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Collaborate with CFO on shared services like Payroll.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders including the Board of Directors.
• Manage financial and budget activities for teams, monitor progress, and execute budget planning.
• Coordinate with leadership to discuss issues, resolve problems, and assess organizational risk.
• Drive a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Develop and implement practices supporting a healthy organizational culture.
• Build strong internal relationships across departments.
• Participate actively in leadership initiatives and organizational processes.
• Advise the Executive Director and Board on sustainability and strategic matters.
• Lead programs related to infrastructure, HR, Technology, and Operations, including change management.
• Ensure compliance with policies and maintain knowledge of trends in animal law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong leadership experience in a non-profit setting, preferably 10+ years in Administration/Operations, Human Resources, or Technology.
• 5+ years in a formal people leadership role, demonstrating inclusive leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• Understanding and commitment to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Empathetic interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to implement vision, think strategically, and exercise good judgment.
• Integrity and commitment to ethical work practices.
• Experience with software applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, internet browsers, and preferably Salesforce.
• Willingness to travel periodically for meetings, conferences, and other organizational events.

Benefits

• Starting annual salary of $203,838, with higher salaries for certain locations ($214,567 near Washington D.C., Cotati, CA, Los Angeles, $225,295 near New York City or San Francisco).
• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and vision insurance (employer paid).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA).
• 192 hours of PTO, 19 paid holidays.
• One-month paid sabbatical after 5 years.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• 401k plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.
• Flexible work schedules.
• One-time remote work allowance of $750.
• Annual professional development reimbursement up to $1,000.

Additional Information

• This is a U.S.-based position requiring verification of eligibility to work in the U.S.
• ALDF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
• All employment decisions are made without regard to protected categories.
• Events organized by ALDF are animal-product free.
• Application deadline is July 1, 2026, with rolling review.