Executive Director

The Organization

As the first and only Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in the District of Columbia, City Wildlife treats more than 1,800 injured, sick, or orphaned animals annually with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Through its well-regarded citizen science, research, public outreach, and education programs, City Wildlife also promotes the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Since opening in 2013, the organization’s advocacy efforts, together with those of other groups, have led to significant change in support of wild animal populations. City Wildlife’s staff support each other and are passionate about our mission.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and public face of City Wildlife, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and external representation. The position requires an experienced nonprofit leader equally comfortable managing a budget, mentoring staff, cultivating donors, and effectively working with a board of directors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and inspire

• Lead a well-respected growing organization by ensuring effective alignment between daily operations and mission
• Review and refresh strategic plans, policies and organizational benchmarks
• Serve as a liaison between staff and the board (the ED is a voting member of the board), advise on governance best practices, and help recruit new board members as needed
• Attend Board of Directors meetings and present activity updates, including routine, out-of-the-ordinary, and milestone events

Manage and support staff

• Oversee daily operations including supervision, support and professional development of 5 highly motivated and dedicated full-time staff
• Develop a culture of mutual support, learning, and collaboration with staff and a large cadre of volunteers
• Implement and monitor internal policies and procedures that reflect nonprofit compliance requirements and support an inclusive workplace culture

Communicate and advocate

• Maintain clear systems for internal communication, decision-making, and accountability
• Prepare and oversee external communications, including website, newsletter, social media, in-person presentations, and classroom visits
• Represent City Wildlife before government agencies, civic leaders, donors, the media, and public
• Lead advocacy efforts and collaborate with other groups to preserve wildlife and wildlife habitat in the District of Columbia

Fundraise and provide financial oversight

• Raise and prudently manage an annual budget (currently $1 million)
• Prepare and manage the budget for accountability and reporting to donors, grantors, and the Board of Directors
• Monitor financial performance to ensure timely reporting and compliance with all legal requirements
• Cultivate, steward, and maintain effective relationships with donors and grantors

Qualifications

• A sincere passion for the care and well-being of wildlife. Familiarity with wildlife conservation and rehabilitation is highly desirable
• A track record of effective management experience, including staff supervision, financial oversight, strategic planning, fundraising, and advocacy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of engaging a wide range of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy, accountability, and integrity
• Comfortable with change management and organizational growth

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, vacation, and workplace flexibility.

Health insurance, vacation, workplace flexibility

English proficiency