Executive Director

Executive Director

Suffolk Humane Society | Suffolk, Virginia
Part-Time | Flexible Schedule | Opportunity for Growth

About the Position

Suffolk Humane Society (SHS) is seeking a mission-driven, relationship-oriented Executive Director to help lead our growing nonprofit animal welfare organization into its next chapter.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide leadership in organizational strategy, fundraising and development, grant writing and management, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, staff and volunteer leadership, and community relations.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity with a flexible part-time schedule and a strong support structure, including a full-time Operations & Programs Coordinator, dedicated volunteers, and an engaged Board of Directors actively involved in advancing the SHS mission. We are looking for a friendly, approachable, organized, and highly detail-oriented leader who enjoys building relationships, inspiring others, and turning ideas into action.

The position is initially part-time. As SHS's revenue and fundraising capacity grow, there may be opportunities for increased hours, expanded responsibilities, and increased compensation, including the potential to transition to full-time employment. Candidates who prefer to remain part-time are welcome.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan aligned with Board goals.
• Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Identify, write, submit, and manage grant applications and reports.
• Develop sustainable and recurring revenue opportunities.
• Lead fundraising campaigns and signature events, including Paws for the Arts and Mutt Strut, with support from staff, Board members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.
• Track fundraising progress and report results to the Board.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as the organization's chief executive and implement Board-approved priorities.
• Work closely with the team to advance the mission and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
• Supervise the Operations & Programs Coordinator and provide overall leadership to the volunteer team.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and mission-focused organizational culture.

Financial & Regulatory Oversight

• Work with Board Treasurer and bookkeeper regarding budget.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Maintain accurate organizational and animal records.
• Ensure timely and accurate VDACS and other required state regulatory reporting.
• Support required financial filings, insurance, audits, and financial reviews.

Community Relations & Communications

• Build relationships with donors, sponsors, community organizations, animal welfare partners, and the public.
• Represent SHS at community, fundraising, and donor events.
• Ensure public communications remain current, professional, and consistent with the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising/development, organizational management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with fundraising, donor development, grant writing, or revenue generation.
• Experience supervising employees and/or leading volunteers.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to animal welfare and the mission of Suffolk Humane Society.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree; experience with animal welfare or sheltering; grant management experience; familiarity with nonprofit or VDACS compliance; experience working in a small or volunteer-driven organization.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 45 pounds as needed for animal care, supplies, equipment, and events.
• Ability to work in a shelter environment with animals, noise, odors, dander, cleaning products, and varying temperatures.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required for Board meetings, fundraising events, and community activities.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Proficiency with computers, email, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, and digital recordkeeping.

Application

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.

Candidates selected to move forward will be asked to provide three professional references who can speak to their leadership, professional experience, work ethic, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Suffolk Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to safely lift and carry up to 45 pounds as required for this position?
• Do you have experience with nonprofit fundraising and donor development?
• Are you comfortable maintaining detailed records and completing required state and regulatory reports?
• Do you have experience supervising employees and/or leading volunteers?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21