Fully Remote Position
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the nation's preeminent legal advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to protecting animals through the legal system.
Founded in 1979 by attorneys from the then emerging field of animal law, ALDF advances legal protections for animals through litigation, legislative advocacy, criminal justice support, regulatory reform, public education, and legal scholarship. Guided by its vision of a world where the lives and interests of animals are recognized, respected, and protected within the legal system, ALDF has become one of the most influential voices in animal protection law.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will guide strategic integration across ALDF's programs, cultivate major donors and foundation relationships, build partnerships with allied organizations and institutions, support effective governance, and represent the organization through media engagement, public speaking, and thought leadership. The next leader will have the opportunity to build on ALDF's strong foundation and recent successes while positioning the organization for even greater impact in the years ahead.
ALDF is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader with significant senior nonprofit leadership experience and a demonstrated passion for animal protection and legal advocacy. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in strategic planning, operations, financial management, fundraising, and team leadership, along with a proven ability to lead a national organization and engage diverse stakeholders.
The salary range for this position is $235,000-$250,000. Benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; wellness leave; holiday benefits; and participation in a 401(k)-retirement plan.
If you are interested in this position, please apply to Kittleman & Associates, LLC. For best consideration, candidates should submit a current resume and letter of introduction by August 7, 2026.
For additional information about the Animal Legal Defense Fund, visit www.aldf.org.
ALDF - Executive Director Position Guide
Skills Required
- Significant senior nonprofit leadership experience
- Demonstrated passion for animal protection and legal advocacy
- Expertise in strategic planning, operations, and financial management
- Proven ability in major donor and foundation fundraising
- Experience building partnerships, supporting governance, and public representation/media engagement
What We Do
Kittleman & Associates is an executive search firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofit leadership. It helps nonprofit organizations identify and recruit CEOs and executive directors, combining customized search processes, analytics, sector expertise, and hands-on guidance from consultants with nonprofit leadership or board experience. The firm also advises clients on leadership transitions and succession, supporting organizations across a broad range of nonprofit sectors.
