Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)

Location: Washington, DC (Onsite, with occasional work from home)
Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: $95,000 to $135,000
Sector: Animal Welfare / Advocacy
Website: awionline.org
Expected Start: January 4, 2027
Priority Deadline: October 9, 2026; applications accepted after as needed

 

About the Organization

 

Since 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute has worked to alleviate animal suffering caused by people, with a vision of a world where treatment of animals is rooted in dignity and compassion. AWI advances its mission through policy and legal advocacy, educational programs, litigation, research, and engagement with policymakers, scientists, industry, educators, NGOs, the media, and the public.

 

AWI is a national nonprofit with international reach, dedicating more than 90% of its budget to programs protecting animals in agriculture, commerce, homes and communities, research, and the wild. The team includes more than 35 staff and consultants at its Capitol Hill headquarters and remotely across the United States and Canada.

 

Position Summary

 

The Director of Operations ensures the smooth, effective, and efficient operation of the organization. The role combines management of others with hands-on work to maintain a well-functioning, collaborative, and reliable working environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about AWI's mission and committed to a healthy culture where employees feel engaged, included, valued, and equipped to do their work.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Budgeting and Finance

 

• Conduct or oversee accounting and payroll, including transactions, payments, and cash flow management

• Prepare and track work streams against budgets

• Manage annual financial and workers' compensation audits and prepare and file the annual Form 990

• Serve as liaison with investment advisors

• Manage state and federal lobbying registrations and reporting

 

Technology Support

 

• Provide front-line IT and helpdesk support for Office 365, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and related systems

• Manage the phone system, laptop lifecycle, and new employee tech setup

• Maintain reliable access to hardware, software, and user accounts

 

Facilities and Physical Plant

 

• Manage building and grounds maintenance, office spaces, and equipment

• Manage vendor services and office machine upkeep

• Ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained workplace

• Manage tenant relationships, leases, and building-use logistics for adjacent AWI-owned property leased to others

 

Supplies and Inventory

 

• Monitor office supplies and publication inventory

• Fulfill publication orders and internal supply needs

• Manage production and shipping of conference materials

 

Meetings and Events

 

• Manage operational resources for the Board of Directors, including board documents and advance distribution of board packets

• Support board meetings and staff gatherings with A/V, logistics, and catering

• Facilitate virtual and in-person meeting operations on request

 

Donor Relations and Development

 

• Assist with organizing and maintaining donor databases

• Assist with mail, calls, data entry, and visitor support

• Assist with donor relations and development efforts

• Assist with grant writing, giving programs, and bequest management

 

Qualifications

 

• At least 5 to 7 years of increasing responsibility in office management, nonprofit administration or operations, logistics, or similar settings

• Experience managing accounting and audit processes

• Experience managing internal IT operations, including coordinating external technical support, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 back-end administration

• Highly organized, able to set priorities in a fast-paced environment, and calm under pressure

• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and negotiation skills

• Team player who takes pride in behind-the-scenes operations and administrative support

• Strong time management with a record of meeting deadlines with high-quality work

• Ability to build trust through empathy, consistency, and candor

• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects and direction from multiple people

• Commitment to continuous learning and creative problem solving

• Knowledge of relevant trends, legal requirements, and operational technologies, applied to ensure compliance and best practices

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with accuracy in detail-oriented, data-driven work

• Experience creating environments where people feel safe raising concerns, giving feedback, and asking hard questions

• Commitment to a healthy work-life balance for all staff

• Bachelor's degree required

• Proficiency with standard office hardware and software, including spreadsheets, video conferencing, and Microsoft Office

 

Preferred Experience

 

• Supporting development and donor efforts

• Managing insurance requirements, policies, and coverage

• Bookkeeping and payroll

• Managing travel policies and practices

• Overseeing implementation of grant programs

 

Benefits

 

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal days, bereavement leave, paid holidays, and parental leave

• 401(k) with a 5% employer match

• Support for conferences and professional development

• Mental wellness support, including CareFirst Wellness and an Employee Assistance Program

• Pet-friendly office with on-site parking or DC Metro SmartBenefits

 

How to Apply

 

Email the following to jobs@awionline.org with "Director of Operations" in the subject line:

 

• A cover letter, written without AI tools, explaining your interest and qualifications and describing the level of responsibility and complexity in your previous work. The letter should also (1) identify one principal challenge you foresee in this role and how you would tackle it, and (2) describe your approach to ensuring smooth back-end operations in a fast-paced nonprofit advocacy organization

• A resume including your education and professional experience

• Three professional references

 

The first round of interviews will draw from applications received by October 9, 2026.

 

Equal Opportunity

 

AWI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates whose identities have been historically underrepresented in the animal welfare community.