Community Outreach Assistant

PETA

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Norfolk, Virginia

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Community Outreach Assistant will implement projects to educate the public on animal welfare and assist in legislative efforts to protect animals. The role also involves networking with officials, conducting fieldwork, and performing animal care tasks.

Qualifications

You have a degree in a related field or equivalent experience, along with demonstrated effective public-speaking, exceptional written and verbal communication, and strong research skills. You are able to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and exercise independent judgment while maintaining superior organizational skills and attention to detail.

Must Have Skills for ATS

public-speaking

research

organizational skills

attention to detail

euthanasia certification

vegan lifestyle

driver's license

Job Description

Description

Position Objective: 

To assist PETA's actions to effect change for animals—including dogs kept chained and/or penned outdoors, and free-roaming, abandoned cats—via community networking, social media outreach, and local and state legislation

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist with the development and implementation of various projects designed to educate citizens and officials about the detrimental effects of keeping dogs outdoors

• Assist and motivate individuals regarding the initiation of legislative efforts on behalf of chained dogs

• Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with officials and legislators in jurisdictions that have passed or are considering or trying to pass legislation restricting or banning chaining 

• Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with veterinary and canine-behavior experts and animal control personnel who can testify to the humane and public-safety advantages of chaining bans or restrictions

• Research and pursue networking opportunities (e.g., annual conferences, receptions, training, and education opportunities) to advance PETA's outreach efforts 

• Network with other animal protection organizations to increase outreach efforts 

• Assist with straw and doghouse deliveries, fieldwork, and other departmental tasks, including animal care and feeding

• Provide input on PETA's Web pages dedicated to educating and motivating the public on working to restrict and/or ban the chaining of dogs

• Liaise with the PETA Foundation's Legal Department regarding legislative efforts and lobbying activities

• Travel when necessary

• Exercise sound judgment and confidentiality at all times

• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated effective public-speaking abilities 

• Proven exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Proven exceptional research skills

• Excellent decision-making skills and the proven ability to take initiative and exercise independent judgment

• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines 

• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

• Willingness to obtain euthanasia certification (on-the-job training will be provided)

• Professional appearance and adherence to a healthy vegan lifestyle 

• Willingness and ability to travel within and outside the U.S.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis

• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record

• Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues 

• Commitment to the objectives of the organization 

Application Deadline: 

Applications for this position will be accepted until May 12, 2026.

We may fill this job opening before the deadline if we find a qualified candidate.

PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) entities have more than 10.4 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.
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