Program Director, Animal Research and Testing

Program Director, Animal Research and Testing

Washington, DC, USA

Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The general salary range for this full-time position is $79,600 – 119,400. Salary offers will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, skills, training and education.

Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking a Program Director, Animal Research & Testing for the Animal Research Issues department. In this position you will develop and execute animal testing and research programs necessary to meet organization goals and priorities, and implement the campaign strategy to end animal testing and research and advance non-animal approaches in the U.S. This includes supporting and advancing policy changes to end animal experimentation and replace animal use with non-animal approaches.

• Leads federal policy efforts to end animal research and testing and advance non-animal approaches in collaboration with Humane World Action Fund and other departments to advance and respond to federal legislative and regulatory efforts related to animal research and testing.
• Oversees implementation of the strategic program plan related to the federal policy efforts to end animal research and testing and advance non-animal approaches and other efforts as assigned. Sets and helps carry out department goals.
• Responsible for collaboration on budgeting, communications, and creative strategies to advance federal policy related to ending animal research and testing and achieve the goals of the department while working closely, and aligning with, Humane World Action Fund, teams advancing state legislative efforts in the US, as well as the global team.
• Identifies and drives program areas of focus at the federal level and advises the Animal Research Issues Directors of Policy and Science and Vice President on these and other animal research and testing priorities.
• Develops relationships to expand partnerships with government agencies with the Action Fund, corporations, developers and other stakeholders; represents the Animal Research Issues department and organization in interactions with external entities through meetings, presentations, and conference attendance as it relates to animal research and testing federal program policy; remains current in the subject area of U.S. and international animal research and testing and connections to the industry.
• Oversees consultants, interns and volunteers as needed.
• Performs other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as science, public policy, or equivalent work experience required. Law degree or Master’s degree in public policy field preferred.
• A minimum of nine (9) years of relevant animal research and testing advocacy work, science or related experience required.
• Strong research and organizational skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and government data to make the case for ending animal research and testing and advancing non-animal approaches.
• Working knowledge in federal regulatory and legislative processes.
• Leadership ability in work setting. Flexible, willing to learn, and anticipates the needs of self and other staff.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of business operations, including effective budget development.
• Ability to multitask and to be flexible with workload and assignments.
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes.
• Willing and able to travel.
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred.

This is a hybrid US position in the DC Metro Area.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE