Executive Director

The Opportunity - Must have 10+ years of management for $5M+ budget

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) seeks a visionary Executive Director (ED) with a successful track record in inspiring and managing staff, leading fundraising and donor cultivation, overseeing operations and a multi-million-dollar budget, and engaging the board, volunteers, and the broader community. We seek a leader devoted to animal welfare and excited to lead SASF through the most ambitious chapter in our history.

As we enter our next decade, SASF is well-positioned for growth. We have a strong $7–$8 million operating model, a dedicated staff and volunteer corps. The next ED will partner with the Board of Directors, a future Development Director, and an outside capital campaign consultant to lead the multi-year capital campaign that brings the new facility to life — while continuing to drive day-to-day operations, fundraising, and donor stewardship.

Located on the East End of Long Island, SASF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, open-admission, no-kill shelter that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for homeless animals and place them in loving forever homes. We provide abandoned animals with housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation. For 16 years, since the Town of Southampton eliminated its municipal shelter, SASF has served a community of 17 hamlets and 6 incorporated villages across more than 140 square miles.

SASF operates a 13,000-square-foot facility in Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays, NY, runs a low-cost veterinary clinic that provides all medical evaluations and general care. With an annual operating budget of approximately $7 million and a forthcoming capital campaign for a new shelter, SASF is at the most exciting and demanding point in its history.

The ED reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and financial health of SASF. Working closely with the Board Chair, the Director of Operations, the Shelter Director, and other senior staff, the ED sets strategy, leads day-to-day operations, drives fundraising, and serves as the public face of the organization. The ED also plays a central role in the planning and execution of the capital campaign for the new shelter.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The ED will be visible inside the shelter and out in the community — not behind a desk. They will set the tone for a respectful, mission-driven workplace and will be held accountable by the board for results.

• Directly lead, develop, inspire a senior team that includes the Director of Operations, the Shelter Director, and other department leaders.
• Motivate staff and volunteers to do their best work, encourage teamwork, foster an environment that promotes excellence, open communication, problem-solving, and new ideas.
• Promote a workplace culture of respect, fairness, accountability across staff and volunteers.

• Embrace the board’s role in setting vision, governance, and oversight. Translate board vision into clear strategy and disciplined execution.
• Cultivate a close and collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Lead the implementation of their vision, incorporating their ideas, and leveraging their networks.
• Communicate openly, frequently with the board, sharing successes and surfacing challenges in a timely, transparent manner.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and outside capital campaign consulting firm to plan and execute the multi-year capital campaign for the new shelter in Hampton Bays.
• Serve as SASF’s primary fundraiser, leading efforts to cultivate…