WATAUGA HUMANE SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Position Summary:
The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for ensuring that WHS meets its mission, which is to promote animal welfare by providing services to improve the lives of companion animals and the people who love them.
The ED provides the leadership necessary to sustain, elevate, and manage all WHS activities. The responsibilities include directing staff and activities related to administration, financial management, board support, fundraising and development, communications, and public relations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Administration
- Develop and implement effective systems, policies and procedures to enhance the organization's ability to pursue its mission and goals.
- Supervise the administrative staff and the Director of Operations and Animal Welfare, creating a positive work atmosphere emphasizing efficiency, professional growth, positive thinking, and creative problem-solving.
- Establish sound working relationships with community groups and organizations.
- Oversee document management, data collection, and records retention.
- Negotiate, sign, and manage agreements and contracts on behalf of the organization.
- Maintain a positive working relationship with Watauga County officials.
- Oversee selecting and applying secure and appropriate information technology.
- Manage human resources, payroll, and accounting policies and functions.
- Establish financial controls to ensure the organization’s financial health and adherence to requirements for maintaining nonprofit status.
- Work with the Finance Committee to develop and manage the annual budget for board approval including creating reports and conducting analyses and projections.
- Oversee the annual financial audit process.
- Manage revenue generating operations.
- Serve ex officio on the Board of Directors and all committees.
- Provide support for meeting preparation, information sharing, documentation, and procedural matters.
- Work with the board and committees to ensure decisions and actions align with plans and priorities.
- Participate in training and orienting board members.
- Assist in identifying potential board and committee members.
Fund Development/Donor Management
- Provide leadership, planning and coordination for WHS development. Implement strategies to raise funds and develop relationships with donors, prospective donors, and local partners.
- Enhance the WHS public image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
- Cultivate relationships with nonprofits and collaborate as appropriate.
- Seek funding from foundations and corporations as unsolicited grants, solicited grants and/or sponsorships.
- Develop and oversee major fundraising events and appeals.
- Work with the board and committees to develop strategies to recruit new donors, maintain positive relationships with current donors and acquire major gifts.
Marketing & Communication
- Convey WHS brand to members, businesses, donors, and the public.
- Ensure engaging, brand-positive content in all forms of media.
- Act as primary spokesperson for the organization.
- Raise community awareness about issues affecting homeless pets through community outreach and education.
Qualifications
- Experience working in a nonprofit organization
- Strong commitment to the WHS mission and vision.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Work experience demonstrating positive results and career advancement.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in fundraising and donor relations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent planning and research skills.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities. Experience in managing and creating budgets as well as accounting for nonprofits.
- Ability to take initiative and work as a responsible and self-managed leader.
- Ability to function as part of a team.
- Experience supervising and encouraging growth among staff.
- Ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures.
- Proficiency in office productivity software and ability to learn new software applications.
Position open until filled
How to Apply Email cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references to: Paula Katers, paulak@wataugahumane.org