Chief Executive Officer – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally, and PETA U.S. is the largest animal rights organization in the world. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: in laboratories, in the food industry, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of rodents, birds, and other animals who are often considered “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals. PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. PETA Foundation was founded in 1993 as an organization that helps PETA run, and includes departments like IT, Development, and Interactive Media. PETA and the PETA Foundation are two separate organizations but work very closely together. Looking for a career in animal rights? See our open positions here: http://www.peta.org/jobs.

Position Objective:

To oversee the effective functioning of all areas of PETA India’s work (PETA India prides itself on having creative, bold, inspiring, readily available and approachable, and knowledgeable senior staff members who lead in all areas by example and are ready to take a hands-on approach when needed.)

Term of Employment: Full-time

Reports To: Board of Directors

Location: Mumbai or Delhi (with regular travel to the other location and elsewhere)

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Oversee and take responsibility for the effective operation of PETA India
• Work with senior staff members from all of the organisation’s departments
• Apply a thorough knowledge of animal rights; animal protection laws; courts; veterinary affairs; government, corporate, and police functions; and PETA India’s campaigns to lead the organisation to greater victories for animal liberation
• Be creative while working with senior and other staff members to constantly develop ideas in order to encourage the public to lead lives free of cruelty to animals and win campaigns
• Work with senior and other staff in developing strategies for PETA India, in particular, to lead winning targeted campaigns against institutional and other forms of animal abuse
• Regularly hold meetings and personally meet with top-ranking government officials, corporate heads, lawyers, police personnel, and anyone else required to advance and achieve campaign goals
• Work closely with department managers and help them lead their teams and projects effectively
• Work with department managers to recruit, motivate, manage, and maintain staff in their departments
• Ensure top-quality responses and animal care by PETA India in all areas of its work
• Represent PETA India in an impressive, professional manner at a variety of forums, such as talks, media interviews, member meetings and events, and conferences
• Represent PETA India to all persons and agencies, including the public, NGOs, volunteers, veterinarians, government agencies, the police, courts, and others at all times in a professional manner
• Apply knowledge of the law and effective letter- and report-writing skills to suitably review or prepare documents in order to achieve positive outcomes for animals through government agencies and other stakeholders
• Use sound judgement and decisiveness in determining the best decisions for each matter, consulting with the founder and board of directors when necessary
• Ensure the smooth operation of highly effective administrative and finance systems
• Personally train and facilitate the training of staff
• Personally handle members and the public in a respectful manner
• Perform any other duties assigned by the board of directors

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution in a relevant field
• Minimum of 10 years of management experience
• A veterinary or legal degree is a plus
• Previous work experience with an NGO is a plus
• Thorough understanding of animal rights as well as of PETA India and its functions
• A clear understanding that PETA India regularly conducts bold, creative, and even controversial campaigns to garner much-needed attention for animal rights and enthusiasm to lead such visionary efforts
• Thorough knowledge of Indian animal protection laws and relevant police, corporate, and government structures
• Passion for animal rights and an animals-come-first attitude
• Willingness to work beyond regular work hours as needed, including participating in emergency responses and assisting other staff who work evenings and weekends
• Ability and willingness to travel independently and even extensively, as needed
• Ability to handle a heavy workload
• Exceptional organisational, management, time-management, and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to deal with staff, members of the public, and other stakeholders at all times in a professional manner
• Willingness to engage in and inclination for public speaking and interacting with the media
• Outgoing and personable manner with exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in Hindi and English
• Knowledge of other local Indian languages a plus
• Strong computer proficiency
• Compassionate, responsible, and self-driven
• Adherence to a vegan lifestyle
• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation
• Supportive position vis-à-vis PETA India’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for the group’s positions on issues in a professional manner

How to Apply:

To apply for a position with PETA India, please send your cover letter and CV here.