What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Scion Staffing?
Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct the search for a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director on behalf of the Darlington County Humane Society, a highly valued nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humane and compassionate care for the abandoned and neglected dogs and cats in their area. This full-time on-site executive leadership opportunity is based in picturesque Hartsville, SC, and is available for immediate hire.
ABOUT DARLINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY:
The Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the humane care of dogs and cats throughout Darlington County. The organization provides compassionate care for abandoned and neglected animals and works tirelessly to place every shelter pet in a safe, loving home through reclaim, adoption, and rescue partnerships. In pursuit of its mission, DCHS advances community education and spay/neuter outreach initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation while engaging volunteers and staff in every aspect of animal care, enrichment, and advocacy.
Following the completion and opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in 2024, DCHS stands at an exciting moment of growth and transformation. Supported by a dedicated team, an active Board of Governors, and a strong base of community advocates, the organization is now poised to strengthen its financial sustainability, deepen partnerships, and expand its lifesaving impact for the animals and residents of Darlington County.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director (ED) will lead the Darlington County Humane Society during a defining period of growth and transformation. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the ED will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of promoting the humane care of dogs and cats throughout Darlington County while building a sustainable and high-performing operation that serves both animals and the broader community.
This is a deeply hands-on leadership role requiring an empathetic yet decisive executive who can balance strategic vision with daily operational excellence. The ED will oversee shelter operations, financial management, staff development, fundraising, and community engagement while fostering a collaborative, compassionate, and accountable organizational culture. The ideal candidate will be a builder. Someone who can stabilize systems, unify teams, strengthen partnerships, and position DCHS as a trusted regional leader in animal welfare and community education.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
In addition to a base salary range of $100,000 - $125,000 (DOE) with bonus potential and relocation assistance, DCHS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options and paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. DCHS is committed to creating a supportive workplace where our team members can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare within the community.
Applications and Nominations:
The Darlington County Humane Society has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13638.
Please Address Applications to:
Chelsea Zimmer, CDR, CASR
Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search
(888) 487-8850 x 154
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.??
We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. ??
For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.
ABOUT DARLINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY:
The Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the humane care of dogs and cats throughout Darlington County. The organization provides compassionate care for abandoned and neglected animals and works tirelessly to place every shelter pet in a safe, loving home through reclaim, adoption, and rescue partnerships. In pursuit of its mission, DCHS advances community education and spay/neuter outreach initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation while engaging volunteers and staff in every aspect of animal care, enrichment, and advocacy.
Following the completion and opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in 2024, DCHS stands at an exciting moment of growth and transformation. Supported by a dedicated team, an active Board of Governors, and a strong base of community advocates, the organization is now poised to strengthen its financial sustainability, deepen partnerships, and expand its lifesaving impact for the animals and residents of Darlington County.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director (ED) will lead the Darlington County Humane Society during a defining period of growth and transformation. Reporting to the Board of Governors, the ED will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of promoting the humane care of dogs and cats throughout Darlington County while building a sustainable and high-performing operation that serves both animals and the broader community.
This is a deeply hands-on leadership role requiring an empathetic yet decisive executive who can balance strategic vision with daily operational excellence. The ED will oversee shelter operations, financial management, staff development, fundraising, and community engagement while fostering a collaborative, compassionate, and accountable organizational culture. The ideal candidate will be a builder. Someone who can stabilize systems, unify teams, strengthen partnerships, and position DCHS as a trusted regional leader in animal welfare and community education.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide transparent, mission-aligned leadership rooted in collaboration, accountability, and compassion
- Partner with the Board of Governors to execute the strategic plan, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
- Inspire and empower a diverse team of staff and volunteers while cultivating a collaborative culture rooted in teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Provide strategic oversight of all shelter operations, ensuring excellence in animal care, adoption, and rescue coordination while maintaining full compliance with welfare standards and regulations.
- Strengthen operational systems, processes, and data tracking to enhance transparency, efficiency, and performance measurement.
- Oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and fiscal accountability.
- Develop revenue strategies that balance public funding, grants, fundraising events, and earned income.
- Lead strategic planning and implementation of the new medical clinic opening as a sustainable revenue stream.
- Serve as the public face of DCHS, representing the organization with professionalism and empathy.
- Build strong relationships with donors, community partners, and rescue organizations while leading fundraising and grant initiatives to expand revenue and support new programs.
- Strengthen public engagement through education, outreach, and volunteer programs that elevate awareness and advocacy for animal welfare.
- Maintain a strong, transparent partnership with the Board of Governors through regular communication, data-driven reporting, and strategic collaboration.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification a plus.
- Progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, animal welfare, or mission-driven organizational management.
- Demonstrated success in leading complex operations, with proven skills in financial management, fundraising, and organizational development.
- Experience overseeing shelter or animal services operations is preferred, along with a deep empathy for both people and animals and a steadfast commitment to advancing humane care through education and outreach.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to stabilize and grow organizational revenue; experience managing budgets near or above $1M strongly preferred.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors, and local officials.
- Proven experience building teams, developing talent, and fostering a positive, solutions-oriented workplace culture.
- Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Skilled in change management, consensus building, and navigating legacy systems or community dynamics.
In addition to a base salary range of $100,000 - $125,000 (DOE) with bonus potential and relocation assistance, DCHS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options and paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. DCHS is committed to creating a supportive workplace where our team members can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare within the community.
Applications and Nominations:
The Darlington County Humane Society has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13638.
Please Address Applications to:
Chelsea Zimmer, CDR, CASR
Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search
(888) 487-8850 x 154
Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM:
Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.??
We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. ??
For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.
Salary : $100,000 - $125,000