Executive Director

Job Description: Executive Director

Organization: Humane Society of the South Platte Valley

Location: Littleton, Colorado

Reports To: Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time)

Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 Commensurate with experience

Humane Society of the South Platte Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals in the south Denver metropolitan area. Our mission is to “To be a leader in saving lives and serving communities by providing innovative care for animals, finding loving homes for animals, and reuniting families”. We achieve this through adoptions, spay/neuter initiatives, humane education, and training.

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the organization, responsible for leading fundraising, community engagement, program and operational oversight, and strategic planning. This role ensures the effective, humane, and mission-driven management of the organization, fostering a culture of compassion, collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

I. Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and long-range plans in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to staff, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.
• Foster a positive, professional, and productive workplace culture centered on compassion, teamwork, and accountability.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization’s mission, values, and programs.
• Stay informed on best practices in animal welfare, nonprofit management, and relevant legislation.

II. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to include new revenue
• Directly manage and support the Development Manager with fundraising efforts.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and sponsors.
• Oversee all grant activities, including identifying opportunities, managing submissions, and ensuring timely reporting.
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and donor events.
• Provide regular fundraising and financial reports to the Board of Directors.

III. Operations & Program Oversight

• Directly manage and support the Operations Manager, who is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the shelter and animal care programs.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to animal welfare and nonprofit operations.
• Evaluate and improve software systems and policies for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor program impact and adjust strategies as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Lead or coordinate necessary facility improvements, repairs, and new construction projects, ensuring they’re completed on time and within budget.

IV. Financial Management & Administration

• Collaborate with the CFO to develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget, ensure fiscal responsibility, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations.
• Oversee payroll, insurance, contracts, and other administrative functions.
• Provide timely, comprehensive financial and operational reports to the Board.

V. Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors.
• Provide regular performance, financial, and strategic initiative updates to the Board of Directors.
• Support Board recruitment and development.

VI. Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate a high performing leadership team as required.
• Foster a workplace culture that values teamwork, innovation, compassion, and continuous learning.
• Support staff leadership with ensuring a positive and meaningful volunteer experience.
• Develop and implement effective human resources policies and procedures in compliance with federal and state employment laws.

VII. Community Engagement, Communications & Advocacy

• Oversee branding, communications strategy, and online presence, including website updates and social media content.
• Utilize digital tools to enhance community engagement, operational efficiency, and organizational visibility.
• Represent the organization at public events and community meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and the public.
• Advocate for animal welfare issues at local, state, and national levels as appropriate.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, with a strong emphasis on fundraising, financial management, and organizational leadership.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, including major donor cultivation, grant writing, sponsorship development, and event management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and project management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, fiscal oversight, and financial reporting.
• Animal welfare experience strongly preferred, with a deep understanding of the mission, challenges, and best practices in animal shelter operations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, donor communication, and digital content creation.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, community partners, staff, volunteers, and Board members.
• Experience personnel and volunteer management, with a commitment to fostering a compassionate, high-performing, and collaborative work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and animal welfare management systems is highly desirable.
• Proficient in using social media, websites, and technology tools to advance organizational goals and community engagement.
• Strong skills in creative problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for events and meetings.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to perform duties in a typical office and shelter environment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25–30 pounds may be required.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations.

Application Deadline: 11/30/2025

Humane Society of South Platte Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Littleton, CO 80120

Salary : $85,000 - $115,000