Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Nuzzles & Co., partnering with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission. The ED ensures high-quality animal care and welfare standards, leads fundraising and community engagement efforts, and oversees administrative and financial operations.

Nuzzles and Co. rescues, shelters and brings hope to at-risk and homeless dogs and cats and readies them for loving adoptive homes by providing medical, behavioral, and emotional support to these animals. Nuzzles is deeply committed to spay and neuter efforts to reduce animal overpopulation as well as community engagement through its Community Clinic, ensuring affordable veterinary care for all. Since our inception in 1990, we have saved over 30,000 animals in need.

The ED directly manages the Medical Director, Head of Fundraising, Ranch Manager, Volunteer Coordinator and Chief Administrative Officer, as well as programs ensuring strong cross-functional alignment across programs, development, finance, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with mission and long-term sustainability.
• Provide regular reports to the Board on financial performance, operational outcomes, fundraising progress, and key metrics.
• Support Board development, engagement, and governance best practices.
• Serve as a visible and articulate ambassador for the organization in the community, including representing the organization in the media, at fundraising / donor events, in public relations outreach etc.

Organizational & Operational Management

• Works closely with the Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of shelter, adoption center and community programs.
• Ensure humane care, safety, and welfare standards for all animals in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Establish measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) across departments.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven organizational culture.

Medical Program Oversight

• Supervise and support the Medical Director in delivering high-quality veterinary care.
• Ensure compliance with veterinary best practices, regulatory standards, and controlled substance requirements.
• Align medical protocols with shelter capacity, community needs, and financial resources.
• Support strategic planning for clinic services, spay/neuter programs, and population health management.

Fundraising & Development Leadership

• Partner with the Head of Fundraising to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy including major gifts, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving.
• Actively participate in donor cultivation and stewardship, including major gift solicitations.
• Support board engagement in fundraising efforts.
• Ensure revenue diversification and long-term financial sustainability.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Supervise the Chief Administrative Officer in managing HR, IT, and compliance functions.
• In partnership with the Board Treasurer, oversees the development and management of the annual operating and capital budgets as well as monthly financial reports and audits.
• Responsible for fiscal oversight to ensure the organization is operating within the approved budget and escalates financial issues to the Board in a timely manner.
• Ensure sound financial controls, reporting accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead risk management and ensure appropriate insurance and internal controls are in place.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as primary spokesperson for the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal partners, animal control agencies, rescue partners, veterinarians, donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Advocate for animal welfare policies and community-based solutions.

Talent & Culture Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing leadership staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.
• Promote staff engagement, professional development, and a positive workplace culture.
• Ensure appropriate volunteer engagement and support structures are in place.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, veterinary medicine, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, animal welfare, healthcare, or mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in fundraising and donor engagement.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and oversight.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred

• Experience in animal welfare, shelter management, or veterinary services.
• Knowledge of animal care regulations and shelter medicine best practices.
• Experience working with a governing Board.
• Familiarity with capital campaigns or major growth initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent people manager
• Financially literate and data-driven
• High integrity and accountability
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about animal welfare and community impact
• Adept communicator and public speaker

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and shelter environment including working at the Rescue Ranch and Adoption Centers at least three days per week.
• Regular interaction with animals, including those that may be ill or stressed.
• Some evening and weekend work required for events and Board meetings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and navigate shelter facilities as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development.