Executive Director

Overview

Could this be your dream job? Spring 2026 is an exciting time to join the Routt County Humane Society (RCHS). As our current Executive Director moves toward retirement, you will have an opportunity to lead a thriving organization into its next chapter. A near-term priority will be to design, lead and achieve a multi-million dollar capital campaign and bring the vision of a brand new shelter building into reality.

If you are a self-motivated, proactive, animal-loving leader who is ready for a challenge and the chance to make a meaningful difference in animal welfare, this is your dream job.

As the new Executive Director, you’ll use expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, finance, and operations to lead a dedicated team of staff to deliver on RCHS’s mission and strategic objectives. Your empathetic leadership will balance the needs of the organization with staff wellbeing to attract, engage and retain a resilient workforce.

Job Description

The Executive Director is accountable for forming strong community partnerships and cultivating effective relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, board members and contracting agencies. The Executive Director reports to the RCHS Board of Directors and is responsible for the development and execution of RCHS’s strategic priorities, and for collaborating with direct reports to implement plans and programs that ensure operational success. The role includes developing and maintaining a positive workplace culture aligned with RCHS’s mission and values.

Essential Responsibilities

Organizational Strategy and Financial Sustainability

• Conduct annual strategic planning with the board to develop a long-term plan for financial stability and mission-derived goals.
• Develop and oversee the annual operating budget with strong fiscal management, policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Manage a ~$1.2M operating budget, monitor revenue and expenses, adjust forecasts as needed, and provide data-driven variance reporting to the Board and committees.
• Drive diversified revenue strategies (philanthropy, grants, partnerships, and revenue) to support operations and growth.
• Oversee the development and execution of fundraising programs (major gifts, annual campaigns, events, and institutional funding).
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships, expanding financial and in-kind support through targeted engagement and recognition.
• Identify and develop new funding opportunities, including grant prospects; oversee proposal development and submission processes.
• Provide strategic oversight for major capital and fundraising initiatives, ensuring alignment with priorities, planning, and execution.
• Ensure effective grant management, including compliance, tracking and timely reporting to funders.
• Develop and maintain systems for prospect tracking, pledge management and campaign reporting to the Board and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Board leadership on financial aspects of contracts, partnerships, and external negotiations.

Governmental and Public Access (with Board assistance)

• Monitor legal, regulatory and field environments; work with the board to ensure compliance and timely reporting to governmental agencies.
• Monitor contracts with municipalities for compliance.
• Develop and direct disaster evacuation plans for the shelter in cooperation with the Community Emergency Management Team.
• Work with the landlord on building improvements or modifications.

Stakeholder Engagement and Education

• Manage low-income and spay
  euter programs.
• Lead public relations and community education programs.
• Represent RCHS as a spokesperson with donors, partners, media and other stakeholders; communicate RCHS’s mission and impact.
• Respond to community concerns regarding animal welfare issues.
• Stay aware of current animal welfare issues and changing community needs.
• Maintain contact with government officials, civic groups, community organizations and the media.
• Maintain professional relationships with others in the animal welfare industry, patrons, businesses and foundations.
• Address complaints about employees, volunteers and shelter procedures; document outcomes and report to the Board as needed.
• Participate in writing newsletters and updating the website; delegate communication tasks to shelter staff.

Functional Leadership and Building Culture

• Partner with direct reports to develop and implement strategies to attract, retain and engage a high-performing team aligned with RCHS’s mission and values; sponsor or lead workforce culture initiatives.
• Oversee hiring, evaluation, promotion, discipline, training and termination of staff in accordance with policies.
• Ensure benefits and HR support; maintain the employee handbook and policies and procedures manuals.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external parties.
• Serve as a liaison between the board and staff.

Wellness Clinic and Shelter Medicine

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the wellness clinic, ensuring efficient workflows, high-quality preventive care and a strong client experience.
• Develop and optimize service offerings (vaccinations, routine exams, nutrition, wellness plans) to meet community needs and drive utilization and revenue.
• Lead and support staff, including veterinarians and technicians, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on compassionate, accessible care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree; or an Associates Degree or related technical certification plus two (2) years related experience.
• Certification as an animal welfare administrator (desired).
• Seven (7) years of experience in nonprofit management or equivalent with at least one (1) year supervisory experience.
• Experience working with animals within an animal welfare organization (required).
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written; excellent executive presence and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership including building strong cultures and teams, improving staff performance, and resolving complex issues.
• Proven fundraising competency with demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors; capital campaign experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to interact effectively with a working Board of Directors and engage Board members in fundraising and campaign activities.
• Computer literacy with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Demonstrated initiative to solve issues and/or recommend solutions impacting organizational success.
• Excellent organization and project management skills.

Wages & Benefits

• This is a full-time exempt position.
• Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000/year, depending on experience.
• Time off: Accrual time-off and 7 paid holidays.
• Insurance: Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Other: IRA employer match up to 3% after the first year and employee discount on veterinary care.

The duties listed above are illustrative of the work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change by the employer as needs evolve.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any class protected by law. RCHS is an At-Will employer. This is not a contract for employment. RCHS reserves the right to change job descriptions and schedules at any time without employee consent.

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