Executive Director

The Humane Society of Harford County is seeking a new Executive Director to lead our organization and further our vision to be an award-winning, progressive animal adoption and community resource center. The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. (near Baltimore, MD), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 3,000 animals that come to us each year. We promote the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education.

If you are a dynamic, strategic, and forward-thinking nonprofit leader with a heart for animals and their humans, we invite you to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Position Summary:
The Executive Director is appointed by The Board of Directors and serves as a non-voting member of the Board.

The Executive Director will work in partnership with the Humane Society of Harford County Board, Staff, and Volunteers to lead all day-to-day operations of Humane Society of Harford County and serve as a key policy and governance adviser to the Board. Working closely with members of Harford County business, government, and community sectors, the Executive Director will identify and articulate goals and collaborate on solutions within the bounds of Humane Society of Harford County's mission and strategic plan.

The Executive Director will ensure that the organization is run with integrity and transparency.

Successful candidates for the position will need to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to forge strategic partnerships with business organizations, government leaders, volunteers, and community partners.
• Distinguished and appropriate credentials in nonprofit management, preferably in the social services sector.
• Relevant experience in nonprofit management or quasi-public sectors.
• Experience working with Boards, Government Agencies, Staff, Community Leaders, and Volunteers.
• Superb communication skills.
• Personal commitment to a collaborative and team approach to work.
• Innovative approaches to the organization's programs and financial sustainability.
• Commitment to building programs to benefit the animals of Harford County, Maryland.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following areas:

Organizational Strategy and Leadership:

• Articulates the vision for Humane Society of Harford County and creates strategies to achieve this vision.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of Humane Society of Harford County.
• Leads and motivates a staff of approximately 22 employees and provides them with the tools and resources necessary to successfully operate The Humane Society of Harford County.

Shelter Operations

• Ensures outstanding customer service to all citizens in Harford County
• Plans, organizes, and directs programs that carry out the organization's mission and goals
• Ensures sound program management and recommends improvements
• Coordinates activities with and directs vendors, contractors and consultants to assure performance under their agreements in compliance with budget and operational considerations
• Negotiates contracts, prepares RFPs and other business matters to operate the Shelter in a safe and humane manner

Marketing, Community, and Public Relations:

• Represents the Shelter as the Chief Spokesperson
• Assures that Humane Society of Harford County and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presenting a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders, including leaders in government, business, civic groups, the community, and the media
• Attends pertinent workshops and seminars, maintains membership in professional organizations and networks with other animal welfare organizations
• Fosters beneficial relationships with the general public, media, donors and potential donors, other shelters and animal welfare organizations and agencies, veterinarians, etc.
• Acts as liaison to Harford County Animal Control, Harford County Government agencies and County Executive's Office, State's Attorney's Office, Harford County Health Department, County Council, Town Councils, etc.
• Ensures recruitment and management of volunteers for the shelter and at community events

Development and Fundraising:

• Plans the development and implementation of fundraising events
• Develops new sources of funding for operating expenses, projects, programs and capital expenditures
• Creates a comprehensive giving program including annual and long-term development plans, in consultation with the Board of Directors
• Manages and coordinates all capital campaign fundraising efforts

• Provides legislative voice and testimony to key constituencies such as state and local governments on issues related to humane legislation in Harford County and at the State level, writes testimony and testifies on bill hearings, etc.
• Generates political support for Harford County and advocates for legislation that enhances the care and humane treatment of animals.
• Collaborates with other local governmental, business, and nonprofit organizations on areas of mutual interest.
• Works closely with and meets elected officials and others to advance the cause of humane legislation in Harford County and at the State level
• Meets and deals with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner, provides transparency, communicates effectively and objectively evaluates problems and recommends appropriate action
• Acts as liaison to Harford County Animal Control, Harford County Government agencies and County Executive's Office, State's Attorney's Office, Harford County Health Department, County Council, Town Councils, etc.

Board Leadership and Support:

• Supports the operations and administration of the Board of Directors by advising and informing board members and coordinating with board committees.
• Develops the mission and direction of the organization as well as long range plans and strategic plan initiatives, in consultation with the Board

Financial, Tax, and Risk Management:

• Prepares an annual budget, in conjunction with the Board Finance committee, and presents the Budget Request to the Harford County Executive and Harford County Council
• Creates and recommends yearly budget for board approval, and manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to laws and regulations
• Ensures the overall financial vitality of the organization
• Ensures MOSH/OSHA safety and health protocols are followed to reduce risk of injuries to animals, staff, and others
• Ensures all licensure is kept current (facility, drugs, vet hospital, charitable registration, tax exempt, etc.)
• Ensures reporting and statistics are prepared for the Department of Agriculture
• Oversees and authorizes all expenditures within the limits of the approved budget Informs the Board of the monthly status of the organization's financial position
• Manages matters pertaining to bequests, estates, contracts and donations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR equivalent in work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in non-profit management, specifically in a leadership role. Experience working in a nonprofit related to the humane treatment of animals is a plus.
• Experience with government relations at local and state levels, with diverse sectors preferred.
• Excellent leadership, relationship-building, team-building, and public speaking skills.
• Understanding the role of state and local agencies involved in animal care and animal advocacy.

TO APPLY:

The Search Committee, under the direction of the Chair of the Board of Directors, will begin review of applications immediately and will continue its work until an appointment of an Executive Director is made. For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following in a Word Document:

• Letter of interest: Please address how you can lead The Humane Society of Harford County as Executive Director in achieving its mission and strategic initiatives.
• Professional Resume.

Please click “APPLY” to submit this information in one document (MS Word Format, NOT PDF). For additional information about The Humane Society of Harford County, please consult The Humane Society of Harford County.

The Humane Society of Harford County offers a competitive benefits and compensation package.

The Humane Society of Harford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.