Executive Director

Overview

GAHS is seeking a dynamic, visionary, data driven, mission aligned Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and expansion in animal welfare. The ideal candidate will be an empathetic, confident, and approachable servant leader who possesses strong communication skills and demonstrates unwavering integrity. With high emotional intelligence and a genuine collaborative approach to leadership, the Executive Director will foster a culture of growth, empowerment, innovation, and unity across all levels of the organization.

The Executive Director will be a skilled fundraiser and brand ambassador, promoting the mission and values of GAHS as the face of the organization while building relationships with community partners, donors, and stakeholders. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure sound governance, assist in board recruitment and diversification, partner in fundraising efforts and foster a productive and transparent relationship.

A proven change manager, the Executive Director will model industry best practices to advance the organization’s operational excellence and animal care standards.

An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university is required.

Leadership experience in a nonprofit organization strongly preferred. Shelter experience and the CAWA credential is helpful.

Experience leading a team is required.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of GAHS leads the organization's mission, strategic vision, and overall operations. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including administration/HR, programs, fundraising, and community engagement. The Executive Director also fosters a positive work environment, inspires staff, and ensures the organization meets high standards of service and care.

• Strategic Planning: Develops and implements the organization's long-term strategic vision & goals.
• Mission Advancement: Leads efforts to advance the organization's mission of animal welfare.
• Organizational Growth: Guides organizational growth, potentially including technology and systems upgrades and facility expansion or major capital projects.

• Administration Oversees and conducts much of the day-to-day administrative functions. Handles contract negotiations and works with city and town officials and community agencies.
• Program Management Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of shelter programs. Ensures all programs – including adoption, community outreach, veterinary care, and temporary foster assistance meet the needs of pets and the public.
• Financial Management Manages the organization's budget and ensures financial compliance working as a team with the Board Treasurer and Directors. Maintains and/or oversees all day-to-day financial matters including, but not limited to, payroll, benefit plans, accounts receivable and payable, asset accounts. etc.
• Fundraising Leads fundraising efforts in partnership with the Development Director, including donor cultivation, corporate sponsor ships, and grant acquisition.
• Staff Management Provides leadership and support to staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Community Engagement Connects with community members, volunteers, and external stakeholders. Represents GAHS in various opportunities to raise visibility and influence public policy and awareness.
• Compliance Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and GAHS policies.
• Facility Leads and manages facility expansions or major construction projects while maintaining continuous operations. Assumes responsibility for maintenance and appropriate use of shelter buildings, grounds, vehicles and equipment.

• Personnel In conjunction with the Operations Manager, hires, supervises and, when necessary, terminates staff; assumes responsibility for adequate training determining when outside training is appropriate and necessary; maintains employment records including earned time and conducts an annual review of senior staff and oversees reviews of other employees;
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