Executive Director (Interim/Permanent)

Overview

The Humane Society of the Black Hills is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, care, and humane treatment of animals. We strive to reduce animal suffering through education, advocacy, adoption, and veterinary services. As the organization’s highest-ranking leader, the Executive Director will guide the Humane Society of the Black Hills' strategic direction, operations, fundraising, and public outreach to fulfill our mission of ensuring the safety, well-being, and respect of all animals.

Job Summary

The Humane Society of the Black Hills seeks a compassionate and visionary leader to serve as our next Executive Director. This role involves strategic planning, community outreach, fundraising, operations, and staff management, all with the goal of advancing the welfare of animals and promoting humane values. We are looking for a dynamic individual with proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for animal advocacy.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and provide visionary leadership while overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, government entities, and the broader community. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, results-driven leader who combines a passion for animal welfare with nonprofit management expertise, financial acumen, and a strong commitment to advocacy.

Responsibilities

As the Executive Director of the Humane Society of the Black Hills, you will be responsible for executing the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring operational efficiency, managing financial resources, developing community partnerships, and advocating for animal welfare policies. Key responsibilities include:

1. Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Vision and Strategy: Develop, lead, and communicate the organization’s long-term vision and strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Board of Directors. Ensure alignment with the mission and core values of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
• Board Relations: Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop policy, implement governance best practices, and establish accountability. Provide regular updates on progress, challenges, and financial health. The Executive Director must uphold the official Bylaws and Policy Manual of the Society.
• Team Management: Oversee the recruitment, development, and performance of each department and the management team. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee the shelter's operations to ensure all programs, including intake and adoptions, spay/neuter initiatives, education, animal control, and community outreach, run efficiently and align with the mission.

2. Financial Management and Fundraising

• Budgeting: Develop and oversee the organization’s budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee. Ensure financial resources are managed responsibly and in accordance with best nonprofit financial practices.
• Fundraising: Design and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization in conjunction with the Fundraising Committee and appropriate staff. This includes securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, grant writing, and organizing fundraising events.
• Resource Allocation: Make data-driven decisions regarding the allocation of financial, human, and material resources to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Donor Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Ensure donor communications are timely, transparent, and reflect the impact of contributions on animal welfare.

3. Advocacy and Public Relations

• Community Outreach: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Humane Society of the Black Hills, representing the organization at public events, media appearances, and community meetings. Build and strengthen partnerships with local governments, other nonprofits, and the general public.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for local, state, and national policies that promote animal welfare and combat animal cruelty. Build coalitions with other animal welfare organizations to drive legislative change.
• Public Awareness: Implement effective marketing, communications, and public relations campaigns to raise awareness of animal welfare issues, the organization’s mission, and its programs. Leverage both traditional and digital platforms to enhance visibility.
• Educational Programs: Support the development of educational programs that engage the community in animal welfare initiatives, including humane education in schools and public forums.

4. Shelter Operations and Animal Welfare

• Animal Care Standards: Ensure that the organization maintains the highest standards of animal care and safety. Oversee the development and implementation of animal intake, care, adoption, and rehabilitation programs.
• Adoption Services: Lead efforts to increase adoption rates and reduce euthanasia through innovative programs and partnerships.
• Facility Management: Ensure that shelter facilities are properly maintained, functional, and meet all regulatory standards.
• Crisis Management: Develop and oversee emergency response protocols for the shelter, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or other emergencies that impact the wellbeing of the animals in care.

5. Staff and Volunteer Management

• Staff Development: Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of a dedicated and compassionate staff. Promote a positive work environment that supports professional development, teamwork, and employee engagement.
• Volunteer Program: Oversee the volunteer program to ensure meaningful engagement with community members who wish to contribute their time to the organization. Foster an inclusive and rewarding experience for volunteers.
• Human Resources Management: Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. Promote a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusivity among staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Key Qualifications

To effectively lead the Humane Society of the Black Hills, the Executive Director should bring a combination of leadership, management, and animal welfare experience. Core qualifications include:

1. Experience

• Nonprofit Leadership: A minimum of 3 years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, with a track record of successfully managing organizations, teams, and budgets.
• Animal Welfare Expertise: Experience working in animal welfare, shelter management, or veterinary services is highly preferred. Knowledge of industry best practices, regulations, and challenges related to animal care and shelter operations.
• Fundraising and Donor Relations: Proven success in raising significant funds through major gifts, grants, capital campaigns, and community events is preferred. Ability to engage and retain high-level donors and sponsors.
• Advocacy and Public Relations: Strong experience in public advocacy, policy change, and community engagement. Demonstrated ability to serve as the face of an organization and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.

2. Skills

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a diverse staff, volunteers, and external partners. A collaborative, mission-driven approach to leadership is essential.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to set and execute a strategic vision while managing the day-today operations of a dynamic organization.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. Experience overseeing complex budgets for nonprofit organizations.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal. Able to build strong relationships and convey the organization’s mission and impact to a wide audience.
• Crisis Management: Ability to manage complex challenges, from public relations issues to on-site emergencies involving animals, and to implement solutions quickly.

3. Personal Characteristics

• Passion for Animal Welfare: Deep commitment to the protection, well-being, and humane treatment of animals. A leader who exemplifies compassion and advocacy for animal rights.
• Visionary Leadership: A proactive and forward-thinking leader who can inspire others and navigate the complex landscape of nonprofit management and animal welfare.
• Integrity and Accountability: A person of high integrity who is transparent, ethical, and accountable to the staff, the Board of Directors, and the community.

4. Education and Other

• A degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification in animal welfare, nonprofit leadership, or related fields is a plus.
• Must have an insurable valid driver’s license.
• Ability to be vaccinated with pre-exposure rabies.
• Basic knowledge of labor laws, OSHA requirements and human resources related laws. Work Environment Work environment may have exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, pathogenic substances, animal attacks or animal bites. The noise level in the work environment can be very loud. This position is required to be available after hours and weekends as necessary.

How to Apply

If you are ready to make a difference and lead a dedicated team toward a brighter future for animals in our community, we invite you to apply by emailing a letter of interest with two or more references and a CV/resume to the Board President-elect, Dr. Jamin Hübner, at jaminhubner@gmail.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $78,000