Overview

The Humane Society of Ventura County seeks an energetic, compassionate, and knowledgeable Executive Director to lead our organization in partnership with the Board of Directors.

About Us

Since 1932, the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) has served the animals and people of Ventura County through ordinary and extraordinary circumstances, including multiple wildfires in past years. Located on an idyllic 4.4-acre site in Ojai, our shelter provides safety and security for domestic animals with a goal of finding their forever homes. HSVC services include a robust adoption process, low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics, emergency shelter, humane education presentations, and more. HSVC is the only organization in Ventura County with Humane Officers who investigate cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.

The HSVC is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We collaborate with many organizations to best serve animals but are not a chapter of nor affiliated with other organizations, locally, statewide, or nationally. This organization has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million.

The Executive Director has six direct reports from senior staff; finance, animal care and operations, development, veterinary services, humane investigations, and community engagement. With a dedicated staff of 30+ and a strong volunteer cadre of 70+, the HSVC is a collaborative team of compassionate people serving animals and communities in Ventura County.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board President, the Executive Director (ED) provides leadership and oversight of daily activities and is responsible for the overall management of the administration, programs, and strategic direction of the organization. As a valued partner, the ED works closely with the Board of Directors (Board), staff, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

● Embrace the mission of the HSVC and serve as a public advocate for animal welfare.

● Provide collaborative leadership for the Board, staff, and volunteers.

● Ensure effective communication with the Board, staff, and volunteers through interpersonal, written, and verbal exchanges.

● Serve as the key spokesperson for HSVC.

● Develop and build relationships with stakeholders, businesses, donors, foundations, government entities, civic organizations, and other animal welfare groups.

● Partner with the Director of Development to oversee fundraising strategies.

● Strive to remedy the greater problem of animal overpopulation, abuse, and neglect through education and community outreach.

Operational Responsibilities

● Provide leadership for all senior staff, including finance, animal care and operations, development, veterinary services, humane investigations, and community engagement.

● Mentor, develop, and retain directors, conducting regular meetings to assess policies, procedures, and operational strategies and proactively addressing concerns.

● Collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure alignment with the annual budget and timely communication of any significant variances to the board.

● Stay current on animal welfare trends and community needs to inform programming and initiatives.

Human Resource Responsibilities

● Engage in hiring and selection of new staff, and terminations, as needed.

● Oversee the development and execution of staff training and professional development.

● Cultivate a workplace environment of dignity and respect to attract and retain talented staff.

● Assist the Director of Shelter Operations in evaluating the performance of supervisory staff.

● Review and update organizational policies and programs regularly.

Qualifications Required

● Bachelor’s degree or higher, or applicable work experience.

● Minimum of 5 years of senior/executive management experience in a nonprofit organization, including 3 years supervising staff.

● Experience with an animal welfare organization, serving on staff or as a key volunteer.

● Demonstrated success in fundraising best practices, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

● Financial competence, including budget management.

● Capability to respond promptly in emergencies, including natural disasters requiring animal shelter.

● Proficiency with cloud-based productivity platforms, such as Microsoft 365.

Preferred

● Certification as an Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA).

● Understanding of legal obligations and responsibilities related to animal care and adoption, as well as awareness of animal rights issues.

● Skills in safe handling and care of animals, alongside a genuine compassion for domestic and wild animals.

Physical Requirements:

● Flexible schedule as needed, including some evenings, weekends, and emergency responses.

● Exposure to animals and associated environments, including sounds, odors, and varying conditions.

● Physical activities include prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

● Capacity to navigate uneven terrain and adapt to various temperature conditions indoors and outdoors.

Salary Range & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position, on-site in Ojai California.

The salary range is $125,000 - $145,000, based on experience. The position offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, and paid holidays as well as a 403(b) plan. Generous relocation assistance is potentially available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Humane Society of Ventura County is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Netzel Grigsby Associates has been conducted to do this Executive Search.

Additional information available on the website www.hsvc.org

Interested candidates, please submit a cover letter and resume to hsvc@netzelgrigsby.com

Please do not directly contact the Humane Society of Ventura County about this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a Certification as an Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Supervising experience: 5 years (Required)
• Animal welfare: 5 years (Required)
• Management: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ojai, CA 93023: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person