Executive Director

About the Organization

For 25 years, Ironwood Pig Sanctuary has been a national leader in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for pot-bellied pigs in need. As the largest sanctuary for pot-bellied pigs in the country, Ironwood provides lifelong refuge, compassionate care, and advocacy for more than 1,100 pigs—650 on-site and another 450 in foster homes throughout the region.

Despite years of progress, the need for safe homes continues to grow as irresponsible breeding and misrepresentation of these intelligent animals persist. With an annual budget of $3.5–4 million, Ironwood operates with a dedicated team committed to ensuring each pig can live a happy, healthy, and secure life. The team includes 34 full-time-equivalent staff and an additional 15-20 part-time and seasonal workers with around 20 staff onsite at the Sanctuary each day. The team is currently led by its Co-Founders with a management team that oversees Pig Care at the Sanctuary, facilities, the sponsorship program, and the foster pig program.

Now, as the founders prepare for retirement and transition to roles as Co-Board Chairs, Ironwood is entering an important new chapter - strengthening its leadership, operations, and fundraising capacity to ensure the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability and its continued promise: a safe home for pigs.

Located just north of Tucson, Ironwood Pig Sanctuary is part of a dynamic and welcoming community known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor lifestyle. Tucson offers an exceptional quality of life with a vibrant arts and food scene, year-round sunshine, and a lower cost of living than many major metro areas.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the organization, responsible for advancing its mission, vision, and strategic goals. The ED provides overall leadership for fundraising, operations, programs, and staff management, ensuring financial health and organizational sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED acts as the public face of the organization, cultivating strong relationships with donors, partners, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Development

• • Lead long-term planning for staffing, facilities, and resources to sustain and grow animal care capacity.
  • Create clear and compelling short and long-term goals for the organization in partnership with the board and staff leadership.
  • Ensure sanctuary operations are aligned with organizational strategy and goals.
  • Ensure readily available data, impact stories, and tours that support fundraising and donor engagement.

Leadership & Management

• • Provide vision, direction, and oversight for all programs, operations, and initiatives.
  • Hire, develop, and retain a high-performing staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect.
  • Oversee, support, and mentor the staff managers and Senior Manager in their role managing facilities and pig care for the 1,100 pigs in the foster program and living at the Sanctuary.
  • Grow the Board of Directors membership in partnership with the Ironwood Founders/Board Chairpersons.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors to implement governance best practices and engage them effectively in fundraising and strategic decision-making.
  • Oversee organizational policies and ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards and best practices.

Fundraising & External Relations

• • Lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising strategy, with a focus on major gifts, foundation and corporate support, and $5,000 and under annual individual giving.
  • Build and sustain strong donor relationships through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador, representing the organization to donors, partners, media, and the public.
  • Oversee marketing and communications to grow visibility and community engagement.

Operations & Finance

• • Develop and manage an annual budget of $3.5–4.5 million, ensuring sound financial practices and long-term sustainability.
  • Ensure effective operational systems, processes, and infrastructure to support growth.
  • Oversee technology and other resources to ensure safe, efficient, and mission-aligned operations.

Health insurance provided with Ironwood paying 50% of premiums.

Retirement accounts available.

Paid time off is cumulative.