Program Manager, Scientific and Educational Initiatives

Program Manager, Scientific and Educational Initiatives

• 444 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654
• Full Time, Exempt

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite 3 days per week)
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: Director of Science
Salary Range: $58,656-$60,000

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) seeks a passionate and proactive Program Manager to advance our mission to end the use of animals in science through innovative grantmaking, education, advocacy, and awareness-building initiatives.

This position plays a key role in supporting and implementing NAVS’ Science Program, including the Biology Education Advancement Program (BioLEAP) and related Classroom Grants, humane education initiatives, NAVS’ Humane Science Award, as well as collaborative work with our sister organization, the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER).

The Program Manager will work closely with colleagues across the organization and with external partners to strengthen and expand our impact in promoting humane science and advancing a cohesive education-to-research pipeline.

The ideal candidate will bring strong program and communications expertise, comfort presenting to audiences of all sizes, and the creativity and curiosity to support NAVS’ evolving science programs to meet the changing landscape of animal research alternatives.

Program Management & Grantmaking

• Oversee day-to-day BioLEAP operations, including management of educational resources, website updates, academic outreach, application and review processes, grantee communication, budget tracking, and reporting.
• Manage end-to-end administration of NAVS’ classroom grants, and support the IFER fellowship grant cycle through coordination, communication, and reporting.
• Support NAVS and IFER award activities through application coordination, review logistics, and conference participation as appropriate.
• Collect, analyze, and report on program data and impact metrics to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Serve as a backup Program Officer for NAVS’ Sanctuary Program as needed.
• Achieve annual performance metrics tied to program impact, awareness, and engagement.

Education, Awareness & Advocacy

• Design and implement educational initiatives that inspire students, educators, and the public to embrace humane science.
• Create and deliver compelling content, presentations, and materials to increase awareness of NAVS’ mission and programs.
• Represent NAVS at conferences, schools, and partner events (estimated 4-6 times per year).
• Support advocacy and policy initiatives by collaborating with Director, Policy & Advocacy, drafting communications, and engaging key stakeholders.

Collaboration & External Relations

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with educators, academic institutions, researchers, and advocacy partners.
• Collaborate regularly with NAVS’ Advancement, Advocacy, Science, and Digital teams to maximize program visibility and impact.
• Contribute to strategic planning discussions and cross-departmental initiatives.

General & Administrative

• Prepare reports, presentations, and materials for NAVS leadership, funders, and external audiences.
• Support organization-wide initiatives and events as needed.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, education, public policy, communications, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in program management, grant administration, advocacy, or nonprofit operations; strong candidates with fewer years of experience but significant scientific or humane education expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; confident public speaker and presenter.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and budgets effectively.
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across departments.
• Familiarity with animal welfare, biomedical research alternatives, or humane education is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM or grant management platforms.
• Willingness to travel (estimated 4-6 times per year).

• Deep passion for NAVS’ mission and humane science.
• Strategic, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• Strong…