Executive Director

Overview
The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society (NSPCAHS) is in search of its next Executive Director. The NSPCAHS is a charitable organization and leader in the field of animal welfare within the Niagara Region. Built on values of leadership, collaboration, integrity, accountability, passion, and diversity, the organization strives to support and enhance the human-animal bond for the surrendered, injured, lost, and neglected animals in the communities it serves.

The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society is seeking an Executive Director to further the organization’s mission and vision and grow the Society’s presence and impact in the community. Reporting to the Board of Directors, via the Board Chair, the Executive Director will be the prime leader of a major building campaign to build a new Niagara Falls centre. Constructing a campaign infrastructure and establishing new relationships with funding partners will be essential to ensure that the centre is poised to meet the growing animal welfare needs within the region.

The Executive Director will lead and inspire the organization to accomplish its mission to deliver innovative programs and compassionate services that enhance the lives of pets in need and the people that care for them. A critical thinker is needed who can provide leadership to propel the organization’s strategic direction, workplace culture, community partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

The Executive Director will work with the management team to elevate the operations of the organization and continue to improve processes that drive the organization’s success. Approachable, transparent, and inclusive, the Executive Director ensures program quality and sustainability of the organization through the development and implementation of standards, processes, and controls, regular program evaluation, and adherence to the organization’s bylaws, policies, and legal requirements. Working with the Medical Director and Animal Care Manager, the Executive Director supports best practices in shelter medicine and clinic practices for the animal hospital, shelter pets, and programs.

As the primary spokesperson, the Executive Director will proactively engage stakeholders in conversation, be an ambassador for the organization, and manage its reputation within the community. The Executive Director will build relationships with donors, volunteers, municipal, provincial, and federal government officials, animal welfare groups, the business community, neighbouring humane societies, and other strategic partners as required.

Duties

1. Strategic and Operational Planning
   
   • Support the development of a strategic plan and yearly operational plans.
   • Support leadership staff to build departmental plans and budgets that reinforce the organization’s strategic direction.
2. Board Support
   
   • Ensure an open, transparent, and engaging relationship with the Board sharing information freely and in a timely manner.
   • Support the Board’s development and growth and engage the Board and committee members in community outreach and fundraising initiatives as necessary.
3. Philanthropic Growth
   
   • Build a long-term sustainable philanthropic giving program with accompanying infrastructure to meet revenue targets.
   • Spearhead the planning and execution of a capital campaign with the support of senior volunteers and staff.
   • Attract, build, and manage relationships with major gift and legacy donors and engage senior volunteers as required.
4. Community Engagement
   
   • Represent the organization and serve as its primary spokesperson.
   • Manage the organization’s strategic messaging and serve as its key brand champion and voice in the community.
   • Build positive and sustainable relationships in the community with business leaders, government officials, animal welfare organizations, surrounding humane societies, and other community partners.
5. Team Leadership and Support
   
   • Foster a positive workplace culture by leading, coaching, and empowering management to meet their professional goals and objectives.
   • With the support of the Management team, develop performance management tools, facilitate union agreements, and create a culture of excellence and best practices.
   • With the team, work to ensure a dynamic volunteer engagement culture helps meet organizational priorities and programs.
6. Operations
   
   • With the Medical Director and Animal Care Manager ensures all three centres and the medical clinic are effectively managed in accordance with legislated requirements.
   • Pursues opportunities for social enterprise and program growth to support changing animal welfare needs.
   • Leverages opportunities to advance technology, systems, and operational improvements.

Experience

• A passionate leader with a minimum of 5 years experience in a senior leadership role preferably in the charitable or not-for-profit sector.
• A proven track record in philanthropy, building community relationships and leading a large fundraising campaign with demonstrated results in acquiring large major gifts.
• Ability to create and execute comprehensive financial and operational plans that align with strategic objectives and deliver results.
• A multi-faceted leader experienced in managing finance, revenue generation, operations, people resources, union relationships and negotiations, service delivery, program evaluation and marketing/communications functions within an organization.
• Experienced at building successful and collaborative relationships with a Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
• Business acumen and entrepreneurial skill set to mobilize resources to develop new relationships and opportunities that enhance organizational performance and sustainability.
• Experience in understanding financial reporting requirements, risk management and not-for-profit compliance requirements.
• Ability to create, convey and inspire a vision to others.
• Emotionally strong to deal with difficult animal welfare issues.
• Proven experience in conflict resolution and well-defined decision-making skills to deal with demanding, unclear, and complex circumstances.
• A high level of emotional intelligence and ability to ensure those around them feel heard, valued, and respected using a high level of tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Experience working with all levels of government officials, media and as an ambassador for a similar organization.
• A strong advocate for the wellbeing of all animals and their impact on humans.

Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to recruitment@niagaraspca.com before November 13, 2024, to ensure full consideration of your application. Please add your salary expectations in your cover letter. The Board of Directors thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

At the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society, we are an equal opportunity employer and committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging workplace. Applicants from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and diverse groups, as well as individuals of all abilities, are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at chair@niagaraspca.com, as we value and prioritize the needs of all candidates.

The NSPCAHS believes that every animal deserves to be treated with compassion and respect.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00-$150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Process improvement: 1 year (required)
• Risk management: 1 year (preferred)
• Negotiation: 5 years (required)
• Leadership: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-13