Junior Leadership Collective

Joining the JLC is a meaningful way to make a difference — for animals, for your community, and for yourself. As a member, you’ll represent Animal Friends and collaborate with passionate peers, our dedicated staff and leaders from our Board of Directors and Ambassadors Council.

As part of the JLC, you’ll:

• Help change — and save — the lives of homeless animals while strengthening the animal-human bond in our region.
• Build lasting friendships and professional connections with like-minded animal advocates.
• Be part of one of the region’s most respected nonprofits, where compassion, collaboration and community come together to change lives.
• Put your time, talent and creativity to work making the world better for animals and the people who love them.
• Grow as a leader and gain hands-on experience that can open doors to future nonprofit or board opportunities.
• Gain insight into the innovative ways Animal Friends is addressing animal welfare issues — and experience firsthand what it truly means to “Think Outside the Cage.”

We’re looking for members who are ready to roll up their sleeves, get involved and have fun while making a difference.

JLC members are expected to:

• Attend at least three of four quarterly meetings (held at Animal Friends’ campus in the North Hills, with virtual options available).
• Educate themselves on the various community engagement programs as well as shelter and rescue operations at Animal Friends.
• Serve on at least one event committee.
• Fulfill a $1,000 annual "give or get" commitment through personal giving, peer-to-peer fundraising or sponsorship support.
• Volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per year with Animal Friends and JLC activities, including events and committee work.
• Leverage their networks to support events and outreach.
• Share and promote JLC and Animal Friends events on social media.
• Participate in community engagement and fundraising efforts.

Term Commitment: Members serve a one-year term. Each member may reapply on November 1 if they wish to continue for consecutive terms.

We welcome passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an impact for animals in our community.

Ideal candidates:

• Are 21–50 years old (or simply young at heart!)
• Live in or near Pittsburgh and the Tri-State area — although supporters from outside the region are welcome if they can participate.
• Share Animal Friends’ mission and values.
• Enjoy meeting people, building networks and rallying others around a great cause.
• Have participated in events, volunteering or fundraising — or are excited to get started.
• Are motivated leaders and emerging changemakers in their careers or communities.