Executive Search

Pet Advocacy Network Chief Executive Officer

About the Organization

The Pet Advocacy Network (formerly the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) is the leading advocate for the responsible pet care community, representing a diverse ecosystem of pet-centric businesses and industry associations who navigate federal, state, and local laws and regulations every day. For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting pets, pet owners, and pet businesses through advocacy and collaboration with government agencies and other NGOs to ensure pet health and wellness and advance the human-animal bond. 

 

Position Summary

The Pet Advocacy Network is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead our evolving organization in championing pets and responsible pet professionals with expertise and integrity. The CEO will guide the implementation of the new 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, strengthen our advocacy impact, grow support and resources, and enhance operational excellence. The organization is at a critical juncture requiring strategic leadership to evaluate its current structure and re-envision its future. This represents an opportunity to strategically reassess how the organization can achieve long-term success rather than simply continuing the existing model. The ideal candidate will have experience in change management and strategic planning to navigate this pivotal period of transformation.

 

This position is based in Alexandria, Virginia, and reports directly to the Executive Board.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

    • Focus on strategic vision, providing strategic direction and oversight for the organization’s messaging, lobbyists, and staff working on multiple issues 
    • Implement and evolve the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan to achieve our vision of expanded opportunities for pet companionship and respect for responsible pet care professionals 
    • Provide thought leadership on critical issues facing the pet care community
    • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to refine organizational priorities and direction
    • Take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing upcoming issues affecting the pet industry 
    • Represent the organization as its primary spokesperson with industry stakeholders, media, etc.
    • Ensure goals with primary funders are achieved and maintained

Government Relations & Advocacy 

    • Set direction and oversee the organization’s primary focus – championing policy priorities at the federal and state level
    • Secure and maintain funding commitments for advocacy efforts and regularly assess the effectiveness of advocacy investments 
    • Strategically direct and manage professional lobbyists and advocacy staff, evaluating relationships and strategy on an ongoing basis to improve standing with lawmakers and regulators at the federal and state levels 
    • Strengthen influence with key decision-makers in government and regulatory agencies
    • Evaluate and articulate key legislative priorities for the responsible pet care community
    • Develop strategies to advance or defeat legislation that directly impacts the availability of live pets 
    • Integrate communications effectively into the government affairs strategy
    • Oversee the development of policy positions related to increasing opportunities available to the pet industry as a whole and live animal sales
    • Coordinate with industry associations on other advocacy areas including regulatory expertise (non-pet ownership issues), legislative monitoring (non-pet ownership issues), positive PR, and unified industry voice

Organizational Development & Management 

    • Accelerate operational excellence to improve outcomes
    • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff
    • Implement governance improvements and maximize organizational functionality
    • Ensure financial sustainability and grow diverse revenue streams
    • Ensure the organization prioritizes its efforts effectively for maximum impact

Industry & Community Engagement

    • Enhance relationships with core constituencies and drive opportunities to increase collaboration with key partners
    • Expand the Network of Advocates to increase resources and reach
    • Drive membership growth across all segments of the pet industry, with personal focus on large company relationships
    • Increase community interactions and foster collaboration among stakeholders
    • Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue and diversify funding sources
    • Communicate regularly with the pet industry about the issues being addressed, their current status, and—using plain language—how these issues affect their business
    • Develop ongoing fundraising processes through opportunities created by the Network of Advocates 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

    • Bachelor’s degree preferred
    • Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience
    • Demonstrated success in association management
    • Experience working with boards of directors and diverse stakeholders
    • Background in or familiarity with the pet industry preferred
    • Experience in change management and organizational transformation

Knowledge & Skills

    • Strong financial management and business acumen
    • Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, develop high-performing teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives
    • Proven fundraising and revenue generation experience
    • Thorough understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes
    • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking

Personal Characteristics

    • Passion for the responsible pet care community and animal welfare
    • Commitment to our core values: Pets, Integrity, Expertise, Collaboration, and Leadership
    • Strategic and innovative thinker who can translate vision into action
    • Collaborative leadership style with ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
    • Ambitious and goal-oriented leader possessing a winning mindset
    • Strong diplomatic skills and a persuasive negotiator
    • Ability to approach industry partnerships with openness to feedback and ongoing dialogue
    • Transparent communication style and ability to work effectively with industry leaders and the Executive Committee  

Compensation & Benefits 

The Pet Advocacy Network offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.

 

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Search Advisor Elisa Pratt at elisa@brewerprattsolutions.com, detailing their interest in the position and how their experience aligns with the Pet Advocacy Network’s mission and strategic priorities.

 

The Pet Advocacy Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our passion for championing pets and responsible pet professionals.