Exempt Position | Reports to the Board of Directors

Executive Director


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

  • Position Title: Executive Director
  • Classification: Exempt Position
  • Reports To: Board of Directors
  • Salary: $60,000 - $90,000
  • Benefits: Healthcare Plan, Paid Time Off
  • Closing Date: Open until filled

To apply, please complete our Online Employment Application and attach your cover letter and resume.


Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of Fremont County (HSFC) and is responsible for the consistent achievement of the organization's mission, vision, and financial sustainability.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all shelter programs, municipal animal service contracts, community engagement efforts, and fundraising initiatives. The Director ensures humane care for animals, responsible stewardship of donor resources, regulatory compliance, and the continued advancement of HSFC as a high-performing open-admission shelter.

The Executive Director is accountable for measurable organizational performance, including lifesaving outcomes, financial sustainability, and maintaining strong community trust.


Organizational Leadership & Strategic Direction

  • Provide overall leadership, vision, and direction for the organization.
  • Ensure short and long-term strategic plans are developed and executed.
  • Sustain and build upon HSFC's established record of high performance within an open-admission framework.
  • Evaluate organizational performance and implement improvements where necessary.
  • Stay informed of trends and best practices in animal welfare and nonprofit management.

Humane Care & Shelter Operations

  • Oversee humane treatment and care of all animals admitted to HSFC.
  • Direct programs that responsibly reduce intake, increase live release outcomes, support adoptions, expand behavior and medical rehabilitation, and help pets remain in homes when possible.
  • Ensure compliance with all PACFA regulations and applicable state and federal laws.
  • Supervise shelter operations, including animal care, adoptions, veterinary coordination, and customer service.

Financial Management & Fundraising

  • Develop and maintain sound financial practices.
  • Prepare and oversee the annual operating budget in collaboration with department managers.
  • Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible stewardship of all funds.
  • Lead development efforts, including annual appeals, donor cultivation, grant oversight, and special fundraising initiatives.
  • Ensure the organization maintains diversified revenue streams beyond municipal contracts.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

  • Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate management staff.
  • Ensure job descriptions are up to date and that performance evaluations are conducted regularly.
  • Foster a workplace culture grounded in accountability, professionalism, and respect.
  • Promote professional growth and continuing education for staff and volunteers.
  • Ensure sound human resource practices consistent with employment law.

Compliance & Administration

  • Ensure operational compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Maintain accurate and legally compliant records.
  • Oversee the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Perform related duties as required to advance the organization's mission.

Municipal & Government Relations

  • Develop, negotiate, and manage animal service contracts with Fremont County, Custer County, and contracted municipalities.
  • Ensure contractual obligations are met in a professional and timely manner.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with elected officials, city managers, law enforcement, and other public agencies.
  • Serve as primary spokesperson to governmental entities.

Donor Stewardship & Community Presence

  • Cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships with individual donors and community supporters.
  • Personally acknowledge contributions through handwritten notes and phone calls when appropriate.
  • Ensure timely acknowledgment of memorial gifts and communication with families.
  • Maintain awareness of community losses to ensure the organization provides respectful, timely responses.
  • Represent the shelter at community events, civic organizations, Celebrations of Life, and memorial services when appropriate.
  • Serve as the public face of HSFC and promote the organization in a professional and positive manner.

Media & Public Communications

  • Establish and maintain professional relationships with local and regional media.
  • Communicate transparently and honestly during both positive developments and challenging circumstances.
  • Oversee marketing, public relations, and social media presence.

Board Relations

  • Support and advise the Board of Directors in governance responsibilities.
  • Provide timely, accurate information on shelter operations, finances, and strategic priorities.
  • Assist in board development and recruitment efforts.
  • Partner with the Board to establish performance goals and organizational benchmarks.

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, communications, nonprofit management, animal sciences, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience demonstrating the knowledge and competencies required for the role may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:
Minimum five years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, municipal services, animal welfare, or a related field required. Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, and team development required.

Core Competencies:

  • Commitment to humane animal care and life-saving excellence
  • Strategic thinker
  • Financial acumen
  • Community relationship builder
  • Strong communicator
  • Demonstrated accountability and results orientation

Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in an environment that includes animals, loud noise, cleaning chemicals, inclement weather, and occasional evening and weekend obligations.


Nature of Employment

This is an exempt position reporting to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board. Employment is at will.


How to Apply

Please complete our Online Employment Application and attach your cover letter and resume.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Humane Society of Fremont County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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