Executive Director

Executive Director Job Description 

 

Purpose of Position:

To plan, organize, manage and supervise all aspects of operations of the Ark-Valley Humane Society (AVHS) as established by the Board of Directors in accordance with the AVHS Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and policies.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director serves as a dynamic liaison between the Board of Directors, the community, county commissioners and the shelter staff. The Executive Director will be expected to uphold the mission and key values of AVHS and promote its goals, advising the Board of Directors in making decisions for the best interest of the organization.

Desired skills include but are not limited to the following: A current working knowledge of companion animal care and adoption issues; an understanding of compliance issues involving pertinent federal, state, and local regulations is desired. Strong motivational skills, management skills and interpersonal skills with the staff and the public required. The Executive Director will take the leadership in the shelter operations and, with the help of the employees, the shelter will be a state of the art adoption center, low fee spay/neuter clinic, and humane education outreach facility for Chaffee County. 

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

Shelter Operations

-Oversee the intake, treatment, and care of the animals admitted to AVHS, including adoptions, medical and behavioral testing and treatment, fostering, and, if necessary, euthanasia. Ensure that AVHS strives to maintain its 97% or higher live release rate and continues to ascribe to Asilomar Accords positive terminology and policies. Delegate shelter operation tasks as appropriate but retain responsibility for the accomplishment of all duties.

-Develop and oversee all AVHS departments and programs and monitor them for effectiveness and needed changes.

-Serve as liaison in AVHS legal affairs. Supervise and direct vendors, contractors, and consultants to assure performance under their agreements with AVHS and compliance with the AVHS budget. Ensure that AVHS complies with all legal and licensing requirements.

-Strive to maintain or improve AVHS performance markers such as length of stay, live release rate and programs that support pet retention, especially for pet owners who have fallen on hard times. Manage effective systems to track progress and regularly evaluate program components, measuring successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, staff, donors, and other constituents.

-Oversee the maintenance and security of the facilities, equipment, and grounds.

-Maintain and revise, as needed, the AVHS emergency/disaster shelter and crisis communication plans. 

 

Public & Donor Relations/Fundraising

-Develop increased fundraising programs. Coordinate annual and long-term fund development and marketing plans.

-Oversee grant funding and manage all print and social media publications.

-Represent AVHS as chief spokesperson and face of AVHS by seeking community contacts with government and law enforcement agencies, civic groups, and the media.

-Seek to increase and manage the AVHS donor base both in Chaffee County and regionally.

-Manage and expand educational and volunteer programs.

-Foster good relationships and partnerships with local veterinarians and animal-related businesses, as well as local newspapers and other community organizations.

 

Personnel Management

-Supervise AVHS staff including hiring, evaluating, training, disciplining, and if necessary, terminating.

-Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.  

-Maintain operation and procedure manuals and employee handbook.

 

Financial Management

-Administer AVHS finances, including the preparation of operating budgets to meet annual goals and ensure that all funds and assets are safeguarded and properly managed and accounted for.

-Produce monthly financial statements.

 

Board of Directors Liaison

-Coordinate periodic long-term and strategic planning with the Board of Directors.

-Prepare board meeting information packets, including but not limited to, financial reports, and information on shelter intake and adoptions. Attend regularly scheduled board meetings to present reports including finances, shelter programs and operations, and apprise BOD of important issues and new ideas. Assist the various board committees with their specific assignments.

 

Other

-Participate in appropriate professional organizations on behalf of AVHS as budgeted.

-Ensure compliance with all safety rules for a safe work environment at all times. Take immediate action to address any safety concerns or non-compliance to safety rules.

-Provide leadership, direction and guidance in conducting day-to-day functions of AVHS. Treat Board members, staff, volunteers, colleagues and the public with respect and professionalism. Respect differences in opinion and view them as opportunities for growth.

 

Qualifications and Skills:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner through:

  1. Strong organizational skills, time management, human relations and communication skills.
  2. Ability to work on own initiative and meet deadlines.
  3. Knowledge of animal protection issues and commitment to the objectives of the organization.

 

Education and Experience: 

A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in non-profit management, business administration or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in non-profit management, business administration or a related discipline, preferably in animal welfare, with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience is highly desired.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong public speaking, writing, grammar, and editing skills.

-Experience with strategic and operational planning.

-Understanding of financial management and accounting principles.

-Ability to set clear priorities, delegate and guide investment in people and systems; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills, which support and enable sound decision making.  

-Strong motivational skills, management skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide staff and community leadership. 

-Strong commitment to the professional development of staff and a successful track record of recruiting and retaining a diverse team. Ability to encourage staff to share ideas and take appropriate initiative. 

-Ability to be flexible and able to adapt to immediate or unforeseen challenges. 

-Proficiency in the use of computers, particularly E-mail, the Internet, MS Word and Excel; QuickBooks experience is a plus. Demonstrated proficiency across multiple social media platforms.

-Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license. SAWA certification desirable.

 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. No physical restrictions apply to this position provided that the employee can satisfactorily complete the above-mentioned duties and responsibilities.

This is a salaried position exempt from overtime pay. Salary range for this role is $80,000-$125,000, depending on experience, and includes full health benefits and paid time off.

If interested in applying, please send you cover letter and resume to treasurer@ark-valley.org. Deadline to apply is Friday, July 21, 2023.