Executive Director

Canine Companions is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of expertly trained service dogs, empowering children, adults, veterans, and professionals to live and work with greater independence. Since 1975, the organization has placed more than 8,500 service dog teams and built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and client outcomes. Uniquely, all dogs, training, and lifetime follow‑up services are provided at no cost to clients.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $44 million and more than 340 employees nationwide, Canine Companions serves individuals with physical, cognitive, hearing, and developmental disabilities, veterans with service‑related disabilities and PTSD, individuals with insulin‑dependent diabetes, and professionals working in healthcare, education, and criminal justice settings. Guided by a commitment to inclusion, access, and service excellence, the organization is executing an ambitious strategic plan to expand its impact, strengthen community engagement, and reduce wait times for qualified applicants.

The Southwest Region currently serves Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Hawaii and plays a critical role in advancing the organization's mission through program delivery, community engagement, and philanthropy.

The Southwest Region operates within a collaborative national structure while maintaining significant responsibility for fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and community visibility. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Southwest Region's Program Director, sharing leadership of the region across fundraising and program delivery. The culture is deeply mission‑driven, with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through the human‑canine partnership.

Collaboration, authenticity, and service are highly valued throughout the organization. Well positioned for continued growth, the region benefits from a strong foundation, longstanding community support, and meaningful opportunities to expand engagement, philanthropy, and mission impact.

• Employer‑paid medical, dental and vision insurance
• PTO: 17 paid days off, 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday, paid volunteer hours
• Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Programs
• VCA Pet Perks Program (20% veterinary discount)

This position is based at the Canine Companions Southwest Training Center in Oceanside, CA. Approximately 25% travel throughout the region and to national headquarters is required.

Reporting to the VP of Philanthropy and in collaboration with the Program Director, the Executive Director (ED) acts as the senior leader for Canine Companions' Southwest Region, providing overall leadership for fundraising, community engagement, volunteer engagement, and regional operations. As the region's primary external ambassador, the ED will cultivate and steward relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community leaders while advancing the organization's mission and strategic priorities.

The ED oversees a $5.75 million annual revenue goal and leads a team of six direct reports. Supported by a dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, loyal donors, and a nationally recognized brand, the Southwest Region is well positioned for continued growth, expanded philanthropic support, and increased mission impact.

• Cultivate a Mission‑Centered Culture. Build trust, strengthen communication, and foster alignment across program and development teams, reinforcing the connection between mission delivery and philanthropy.
• Strengthen the Team and Organizational Capacity. Fill key vacancies, clarify roles and expectations, support professional growth, and create an environment where staff feel valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
• Deepen Donor and Community Relationships
  . Strengthen engagement with donors, volunteers, and community partners while expanding visibility and cultivating new strategic relationships.
• Advance Fundraising Growth. Lead efforts to achieve and exceed regional fundraising goals by strengthening…