Executive Director

Executive Director | Canine Partners of the Rockies 501(c)3

Canine Partners of the Rockies (CPOTR) is an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited service dog training and partnership nonprofit located in Aurora, Colorado. Founded in 2002, CPOTR enables Coloradans with mobility disabilities to lead more independent and gratifying lives by providing extensive training to purpose‑bred pups, a personalized match process, and lifetime support for each service dog team. CPOTR is on the cusp of significant growth and is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the agency forward during this exciting time.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the organization, reporting to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include providing direction and leadership toward the achievement of CPOTR’s vision, mission, strategic plan, and annual goals and objectives; overall day‑to‑day management of staff and volunteers; strategic partnership development; fundraising; financial management; board relations; and public relations.

Essential Functions

Leadership

Responsible for overall staff leadership in the development and implementation of the strategic plan and annual goals.

Fiscal Management

Responsible for the financial health and management of the organization, including the development and implementation of the annual budget.

Strategic Planning

Work with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to set strategic goals, provide leadership in the development, implementation, and accomplishment of the annual plan approved by the Board.

Fund Development

Oversee fundraising at a strategic level, including major donor identification and cultivation, and take an active role in personally developing relations with major donors.

Board Relations

Provide information, advice, and counsel to the Board Chair, Board committees, and Executive Board in the creation of policies, programs, and strategic direction for the organization.

Human Resources

Oversee all aspects of HR management for employees, including hiring, termination, staff development, compensation, benefits, supervision, and succession planning; maintain a workplace atmosphere that attracts, retains, and motivates diverse, high‑quality staff.

Volunteers

Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in appropriate areas of the organization’s work.

Program Expertise

Ensure ADI standards and Colorado PACFA regulations are adhered to; all program and administrative staff possess knowledge of these standards; encourage robust dog training and volunteer programs designed to achieve graduation goals.

Public Relations and Community Partners

Serve as the public face of the organization, ensuring CPOTR’s mission and programs are consistently presented positively to stakeholders and the community.

Essential Qualifications

CPOTR seeks a strong strategist able to formulate and articulate a vision and lead a team of staff and volunteers to achieve strategic goals. The successful candidate will be a proven, results‑oriented, highly mission‑driven leader with:

• Demonstrated acumen in driving organizational change and strategic evolution, creating an inclusive culture focused on excellence.
• An undergraduate degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field.
• Significant (10 years) progressive experience in the nonprofit sector with at least five years of demonstrated success in staff leadership, fundraising, partnership development, and financial management.
• Prior experience working with clients with disabilities and a working knowledge of public policy and health issues faced by individuals with disabilities.
• Experience in service dog training operations is a plus, but not required.
• Track record of acquiring operational financial support.
• Track record securing major donors.
• Experience with a significant capital campaign is a plus.
• Demonstrated skills in Office technology applications (including Microsoft Office Suite); experience with donor databases is preferred.
• Proven success in marketing, communications, and public relations to engage stakeholders (foundations, donors, corporations, policy makers, media, general public).
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budget management, and organizational processes.
• Experience working for or closely with board members or trustees.
• Proven staff management and development experience.
• Proficiency in public speaking.
• Personal alignment with the vision and mission of CPOTR.

Personal Characteristics

• An energetic, hands‑on, strategic, confident yet down‑to‑earth leader who is compassionate and operates with humility.
• A proactive, intellectually curious leader who investigates and brings new ideas to the organization, is results‑oriented and driven to move things forward.
• Inspirational leader capable of supporting the leadership team and diverse groups of staff and volunteers to reach agency goals.
• Relationship builder adept at developing strong relationships with donors, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong oral and written communication skills – presentation, persuasive, articulate, diplomatic, open style, good listener, credible.
• Impeccable ethics and integrity.

Compensation

Competitive salary: $80,000.00 to $95,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, PTO, AD&D Insurance, 401K with employer match.

Ability to Commute/Relocate

• Aurora, Arvada, Denver, Wheat Ridge, Westminster Area – must reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (Required).

Application

Please submit your resume to .

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