Executive Director

Executive Director

Location:

Belleville, IL

Reports To:

Board of Directors

Direct Reports:
Executive Medical Director, Director of Operations, Director of Development

The Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic nonprofit leader who is passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and organizational excellence. The Executive Director of BAHS provides visionary leadership, oversees daily operations, and works closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission.

This individual will champion fundraising initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, ensure financial sustainability, and foster a collaborative, high‑performing organizational culture.

• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities and achieve long‑term goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, donors, and animal welfare organizations.
• Promote innovation and best practices in nonprofit leadership and animal shelter operations.
• Support the Executive Medical Director and Director of Operations in achieving operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

• Provide leadership for all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsor ships, memberships, planned giving, and special campaigns.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, grantors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant research, proposal development, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to expand philanthropic support and donor engagement.

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and fiscal accountability.
• Work closely with the organization’s accountant to maintain strong financial controls and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards, IRS regulations, employment laws, and grant requirements.
• Review and update organizational policies, procedures, and employee handbook as needed.
• Prepare reports and organizational performance metrics for the Board of Directors.

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate senior leadership staff.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, employee development, and organizational culture.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable workplace that supports professional growth.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for BAHS.
• Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, networking opportunities, and public engagements.
• Increase awareness of BAHS’s mission, programs, and community impact.
• Respond to escalated stakeholder concerns and strengthen community relationships.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience, including staff supervision.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Experience with grant funding, grant compliance, and public or private funding opportunities.
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management systems.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience in animal welfare or shelter management.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis Metro East animal welfare community, including shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary partners, and major funders.

• Strategic thinking and organizational leadership
• Fundraising and donor stewardship
• Financial management and nonprofit governance
• Team development and employee engagement
• Grant development and compliance
• Community partnership building
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Commitment to animal welfare and the mission, vision, and values of the Belleville Area Humane Society

At BAHS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of animals and the people who care for them. We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative leader who is committed to building a sustainable future for our organization while inspiring staff, volunteers, donors, and the community to support our mission.

Salary: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package.