Executive Director

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct the search for a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director on behalf of the Humane Society of Utah, the state’s largest managed‑admission animal welfare organization committed to keeping pets and people together and advancing lifesaving outcomes for companion animals. This full‑time, on‑site executive leadership opportunity is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and is available for immediate hire.

About Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah (HSU), established in 1960, is the state’s foremost animal welfare organization and largest managed‑admission shelter. Headquartered in Salt Lake City with additional services in St. George, HSU employs more than 100 dedicated staff members and serves thousands of animals and community members each year. Operating from a 42,000‑square‑foot facility in Salt Lake City and a veterinary clinic in St. George, the organization provides a comprehensive range of services including pet adoptions, low‑cost spay and neuter programs, vaccinations, and community education initiatives designed to strengthen the human–animal bond.

HSU is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals, welcoming any companion animal that can be legally admitted and working diligently to move each animal to its most appropriate outcome as quickly as possible. The Humane Society of Utah does not euthanize any healthy or treatable animal in its care and exceeds nationally accepted no‑kill standards, ensuring that every animal receives compassionate care and the opportunity for a positive outcome. Through innovative lifesaving programs, strong community partnerships, and impactful advocacy and education efforts, HSU continues to make a meaningful difference for animals and families across Utah while fostering an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) will lead the Humane Society of Utah during a pivotal period of organizational renewal and growth. Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for guiding day‑to‑day operations in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan while ensuring that the Humane Society remains fiscally and administratively sound. This leader will oversee strategy, finance, fundraising, communications, and operational systems to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and long‑term sustainability. As the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, the ED will cultivate strong relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners while fostering a collaborative, high‑trust culture that motivates and develops talent. The Executive Director will strengthen operational excellence, diversify and increase revenue, guide strategic planning and future expansion efforts, and keep the Board informed of key developments. The ideal candidate brings proven executive leadership experience, strong financial acumen, and the presence and emotional intelligence needed to unify, inspire, and advance the mission of companion animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands‑on executive leadership, ensuring operational excellence across sheltering, clinical, development, and administrative functions.
• Build organizational trust and strengthen culture by fostering transparency, collaboration, accountability, and respectful communication across departments.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to establish clear governance boundaries, provide proactive strategic leadership, and deliver concise, forward‑looking reporting.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with growth goals, service expansion, and increased community impact.
• Increase and diversify revenue streams, strengthening fundraising infrastructure beyond bequests and expanding philanthropic, corporate, and community partnerships.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, partnering with outsourced accounting resources and fractional finance leadership to maintain fiscal discipline and sustainability.
• Oversee organizational expansion initiatives, including increased animal throughput and future campus/site growth opportunities.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain high‑performing senior leaders, including strengthening HR leadership to support a complex workforce of managers, employees, and volunteers.
• Serve as a confident external ambassador within the Salt Lake City business and legislative communities, advancing advocacy and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience, ideally within companion animal welfare or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of senior executive leadership experience, ideally at the Executive Director or CEO level.
• Proven experience leading organizations with budgets of $10 M+ and complex workforces of 100+ employees.
• Demonstrated success in rebuilding organizational culture, restoring trust, and leading teams through periods of tension or transition.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight, revenue growth strategy, and cash reserve management; experience partnering with CFOs or outsourced finance teams required.
• Track record of successfully driving fundraising growth and revenue diversification.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors, maintaining appropriate governance boundaries while confidently leading strategy.
• Operationally minded leader willing to be present, engaged, and “boots on the ground” while maintaining strategic vision.
• Experience leading strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Clinical or veterinary knowledge, or strong familiarity with animal shelter medical operations, is highly desirable.
• Advanced degree in Business, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred (MBA or similar); equivalent experience will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive base salary range of $180,000–$210,000 annually (DOE), along with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a health savings account, a 403(b) savings plan with up to a 3% match, paid time off, and a cell phone for business and personal use.

Applications and Nominations

The Humane Society of Utah 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:

Contact

Please address applications to: Chelsea Zimmer, CDR, CASR, Executive Search Principal, Scion Executive Search. Phone: x 154.

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. 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.

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