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 towards retirement, you will have an amazing opportunity to lead a thriving, evolving and growing organization into its next chapter. For example, one of your most critical, near term priorities will be to successfully 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 the realm of animal welfare, then this is your dream job!
As the new Executive Director, you’ll be drawing on all of your expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, finance, and operations to lead a dedicated team of compassionate staff members to deliver on RCHS’s mission and strategic objectives.
As an empathetic leader, one who understands that this field can be both gratifying and emotionally taxing, your ability to balance the needs of the organization with that of your staff will be key to attracting, engaging and retaining a resilient workforce.
Job Description
The Executive Director is accountable for forming strong community partnerships, and cultivating strong, effective relationships with all stakeholders – including staff, volunteers, donors, board members and representatives of contracting agencies. The Executive Director will report to the RCHS Board of Directors, and will be accountable for the successful development and execution of RCHS’s strategic priorities and partner effectively with their direct reports to implement and oversee plans and programs which ensure operational success. As an effective organizational leader, the Executive Director is accountable for the development and implementation of plans designed to support staff development, performance, engagement, and cultivation of a positive workplace culture which aligns 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 the achievement of mission-derived goals and objectives.
- Develops and oversees the annual operating budget, ensuring strong fiscal management through effective policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Manages a ~$1.2M operating budget, with ongoing monitoring of revenue and expenses; adjusts forecasts as needed and provides clear, data-driven variance reporting to the Board and relevant committees
- Drives diversified revenue strategies, including philanthropy, grants, partnerships, and revenue, to support ongoing operations and growth.
- Oversees the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual campaigns, events, and institutional funding.
- Cultivates and stewards donor relationships, expanding the base of financial and in-kind support through targeted engagement and recognition strategies.
- Identifies and develops new funding opportunities, including grant prospects, and provides strategic oversight of proposal development and submission processes.
- Provides strategic oversight for major capital and fundraising initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, clear planning, and successful execution.
- Ensures 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.
- Collaborates with Board leadership on financial aspects of contracts, partnerships, and external negotiations to support RCHS interests.
Governmental and Public Access (with Board assistance)
- Regularly monitors legal, regulatory, and field of practice environment and consults with the board to implement plans to ensure compliance; is responsible for accurate and timely reporting to governmental and regulatory agencies.
- Monitor contracts with municipalities to ensure compliance.
- Develop, update, and direct disaster evacuation plans for shelter in cooperation with the Community Emergency Management Team.
- Work with the landlord (City) on building improvement or modifications.
Stakeholder Engagement and Education
- Manage low-income and spay/neuter programs.
- Lead public relations and community education programs.
- Represent RCHS as a compelling spokesperson in the community, with donors, partners, media, and other stakeholders, effectively communicating RCHS’s mission and impact.
- Responds to community concerns regarding animal welfare issues.
- Stay aware of current animal welfare issues as well as the changing needs of the community.
- Seek out and maintain contact with government officials, civic groups, community organizations and the media.
- Seek out and maintain a professional relationship with others in the animal welfare industry, with patrons, businesses and foundations.
- Respond to complaints about employees, volunteers and shelter procedures; take appropriate action, maintain records of outcomes, and report to BOD on such issues in a timely manner.
- Actively participate in writing newsletter and updating of website, and delegate communication assignments to shelter staff.
Functional Leadership and Building Culture
- Partners effectively with direct reports to develop and successfully implement strategies which serve to attract, retain and engage a team of high performing staff members who are aligned with RCHS’s mission and values. Actively involved in sponsoring or leading workforce culture and/or staff engagement initiatives.
- Oversee hiring, evaluation, promotion, discipline, developmental training and termination of RCHS employees in accordance with established policies.
- Ensure benefits and human resources are available for staff, maintain the employee handbook of guidelines, as well as policies and procedures manuals.
- Effectively communicates with internal and external parties.
- Serve as a liaison between the board and staff.
Wellness Clinic and Shelter Medicine
- Oversees day-to-day operations of the wellness clinic, ensuring efficient workflows, high-quality preventive care services, and an exceptional client experience
- Develops and optimizes service offerings (e.g., vaccinations, routine exams, nutrition, and wellness plans) to meet community needs and drive clinic utilization and revenue
- Leads and supports staff, including veterinarians and technicians, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on compassionate, accessible care.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree; or Associates Degree or related Technical Certification plus additional two (2) years related experience .
- Certification as an animal welfare administrator (desired)
- Seven (7) years of experience in non-profit management or equivalent applicable experience, with at least one (1) year supervisory experience.
- Experience working with animals within an animal welfare organization (required)
- Demonstrated 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 competency in fundraising, including demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors; capital campaign experience strongly preferred.
- Interacts effectively with a ‘working’ Board of Directors and engages Board members in fundraising and campaign activities.
- Computer literate with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Demonstrated history of taking initiative to proactively solve issues and/or recommend solutions which impact an organization’s success.
- Excellent organization and project management skills.
Wages & Benefits
- This is a full-time exempt position.
- Pay: Salary range is $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 of employment and employee discount on veterinary care.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
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 job schedules at any time without employee consent to meet changing needs of the organization.
Company Description
The Routt County Humane Society (RCHS), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, is dedicated to providing safe haven for animals and promoting their adoption in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Operating an open admission shelter, RCHS serves nearly 700 animals annually, offering the shelter, veterinary care, enrichment, and compassion without time limits. Partnering with Steamboat Springs and Routt County, RCHS also provides animal holding services and runs the county’s only animal crematory. With a mission rooted in advocacy and respect for animals, RCHS plays a vital role in improving the lives of pets and their owners.
