Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Executive Medical Director, Director of Operations, Director of Development

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS). This position is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through effective management of programs, fundraising, community engagement, financial stewardship, human resources, and shelter operations. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, key stakeholders, donors, grantors, community partners, and animal welfare organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of nonprofit leadership and administration experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Experience in fundraising and building donor relationships.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local funding opportunities and grant compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with donor CRMs, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in animal welfare.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis Metro East animal welfare community, including shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary partners, and major funders.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and organizational planning
• Fundraising and donor stewardship
• Grant development and compliance
• Team leadership and staff development
• Financial and operational management
• Community engagement and partnership building
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills
• Commitment to animal welfare best practices and BAHS's mission, vision, and values

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of organizational strategic plans and long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to advance BAHS's mission and organizational priorities.
• Foster relationships with community partners, funders, animal welfare organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Monitor industry trends and implement best practices in animal welfare, nonprofit management, and shelter operations.
• Support the Director of Operations and Executive Medical Director in achieving operational goals and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Fundraising Leadership

• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, memberships, planned giving, and annual campaigns.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, grantors, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee the full grant cycle, including research, proposal development, submission, implementation, reporting, and compliance.
• Partner with the Director of Development to execute donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Manage organizational finances, budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with the accountant to ensure sound financial practices and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, employment laws, grant requirements, and nonprofit governance standards.
• Review and update organizational policies, employee handbook, and operational procedures as needed.
• Prepare reports and organizational metrics for the Board of Directors and external stakeholders.

Human Resources and Organizational Development

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate leadership directors.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, employee development, and disciplinary actions.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that supports staff engagement, accountability, and professional growth.

Community Relations and Public Engagement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for BAHS.
• Represent the organization at community events, networking functions, donor meetings, and public engagements.
• Promote public awareness of BAHS's mission, programs, services, and impact.
• Respond to escalated concerns, inquiries, and stakeholder issues as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain responsibility for overall facility care and organizational assets.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies and internal controls.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors to support organizational success.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified at the discretion of BAHS to meet organizational needs. Employment with BAHS is at-will and does not constitute a contract of employment.