Executive Director

ABOUT ANIMAL AID: Animal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue and welfare organization that has been serving animals and the people they love since 1969. It is our mission to enhance the welfare of companion animals through individualized care and lifelong commitment, rescue and adoption, resources and education, and community partnerships. We operate a free-roam shelter for cats; a foster program for dogs and cats; a community-driven animal care supply sharing program called It Takes a Pack; and the Animal Aid Cares Fund, a partnership with veterinarians, trainers, and behaviorists in Portland to provide financial assistance for urgent medical and behavioral care.

Animal Aid is led by a staff of 4, a board of 6-8, and a crew of 100+ volunteers assisting across all parts of the organization. Our staff and volunteers include those with many years of experience and dedication to the organization, as well as fresh new faces attending their first event or learning how to sanitize litter boxes. With a wide variety of personalities, Animal Aid has grown deep friendships for introverts and extroverts alike. We strive to be mindful and intentional about our organization’s culture and the impact it has on our internal and external operations and relationships. We recognize that Animal Aid’s culture is not a static entity, but one that is constantly influenced by the daily interactions, actions, and prioritizations of the individuals who comprise it. We believe that it is critical to be continually reflecting on our values, thoughtfully evaluating how our actions are aligned with those values, and courageously confronting and adapting our procedures to benefit the organization and best achieve our vision for the community. View Animal Aid's organizational chart with the job posting on our website: animalaidpdx.org/employment

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director (ED) of Animal Aid is responsible for ensuring the effective execution of the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives. The ED oversees daily operations, budget, fundraising, digital platforms, programs, staff, and community relationships. This leadership role requires proactive communication, follow-through, and a strong sense of ownership across all responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Management

• Provide vision and leadership to the strategic and day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Participate in committees, serving as chair when needed.
  • Lead/Co-Lead: Development, Facilities, Finance and Marketing.
  • Support: Cat Intake, Cat Adoption, DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, access), Dog Team (intake & adoption), and Events.
• Oversee and administer organization’s programs including: Animal Aid Cares Fund, Gift of Life, Heartstrings, Memberships, It Takes a Pack.
• Participate in monthly board meetings. Keep the board fully informed on the condition of the organization and all factors influencing it.
• Promote active and broad participation among volunteers in all areas of the organization.
• Work with the board and staff to develop and coordinate annual and long-term strategic plans and special projects.
• Build and nurture working relationships with other animal organizations, community groups, and businesses.
• Lead crisis management response as necessary.
• Take initiative to meet goals, executing tasks with precision and accountability.

Operations

• Manage donor database, website, and organizational calendars; act as Google Applications administrator.
• Oversee equipment, supply inventory and management.
• Facility management, in partnership with the Facilities Committee. Ensures maintenance of a clean, well-organized, aesthetically pleasing facility, as well as compliance with all OSHA guidelines and regulations.
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. To include, but not limited to, insurance coverage, policies, procedures.
• Oversee contact for all shelter business. To include, but not limited to, vendors, consultants, contractors, government agencies, bank, financial institutions, and utilities.

Fundraising, Communications & Outreach

• Ensure consistent communication and messaging across the organization.
• Present on behalf of the organization, including radio, video, and in person. Serve as the public face of the organization; represent Animal Aid through media, events, and community engagement.
• Be an active participant at Animal Aid sponsored events including major fundraisers, volunteer appreciation, fundraising/partner events.
• Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs, and goals to the press, organizations, and the general public.
• Facilitate production of newsletters and appeal letters.
• Find innovative ways to increase giving from current and new donors.
• Work with the Development Committee to enhance and execute donor cultivation/management strategies.
• Work with the Marketing Committee to develop, facilitate production of fundraising and marketing materials.
• Participate in coordinating major fundraiser(s).
• Oversee grant research and application process.

Financial

• Work with the Finance Committee and Board Treasurer to maintain sound financial records, including financial policy, process, and long term planning.
• Supervise the management of all daily financial transactions.
• Develop the annual budget with assistance from the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Assist Board Treasurer and CPA with tax preparation.

Human Resources Management

• Foster a culture of respect and trust, embracing diversity and individual expression among all staff and volunteers. Ensure collaborative and effective communication between staff and Board.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal human resource regulations.
• Recruit, train, and supervise all personnel.
• Oversee payroll, ensuring accurate timekeeping, reporting, and processing.
• Manage staff scheduling.
• Manage volunteer issues as related to human resources management.

Misc. Duties

• Become proficient in all shelter operations to serve as back up to staff and key volunteer positions. Includes animal care and handling, with an emphasis on in-shelter Adoption Counseling and cat care.
• Participate in emergency animal care coverage as needed, based on volunteer capacity, including Emergency On Call (one weekend per month) and after hours Foster Emergency Phone (two week shifts on a rotating basis).
• As a small organization there will be regular ‘other tasks as required’ to ensure smooth operations and the health and wellbeing of the cats and dogs in our care.

This position reports to the Board of Directors, via the Board President.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passion for animal welfare
• Volunteer experience in animal rescue
• Previous volunteer or paid leadership position(s) in the nonprofit sector
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to maintain professionalism, compassion, and clear communication at all times
• Strong interpersonal skills. Enjoys working with a wide variety of personality types
• Public speaking comfort and experience
• Experience with fundraising and donor management
• Experience in financial and budget management
• Experience managing personnel and leading a team
• Desire to learn and grow as part of a team
• Strong time management skills, particularly in distracting environments
• Basic proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Suite applications. Willing and motivated to learn new technologies, as needed
• Licensed driver with an insured vehicle, clean DMV record, and ability to transport animals

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience in animal rescue/animal handling
• Executive Director, or leadership position, at a nonprofit
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• DEIA work/study professionally or personally
• Experience supervising volunteers
• Experience coordinating crisis management
• Experience coordinating events (fundraising, education, outreach)
• Experience with marketing strategy and material development
• Experience with donor/CRM database management

REQUIREMENTS:

• Animal Aid is seeking candidates who support Animal Aid’s mission, vision, and values, as well as our commitment to DEIA.
• The Animal Aid facility includes a free-roam cat shelter and cats in most every room, including offices. There are occasionally dogs on site. Candidates should not have serious pet allergies that would prohibit them from being in the facility and around cats or dogs for extended periods of time.

HOURS: This is a full time, 40 hour/week, exempt position. Working hours will be based on Animal Aid’s operating hours of 9am-6pm Monday through Friday, but will be adjusted to accommodate regular weeknight committee/board meetings and occasional evening and weekend events. The position is based in-person at the shelter with potential for occasional and approved remote work flexibility, up to 7 hours per week.

COMPENSATION: $70,000 - $90,000 DOE. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance and PTO.

TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter and resume as PDF documents to hiring@animalaidpdx.org and indicate in the subject line that you are applying for the Executive Director position. The position is open until filled. Thank you!

Animal Aid, Inc. employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of reference checks, background check, and driver’s background check