Job Title: Executive Director
Position Reports To: Board of Directors
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Date Last Revised: June 30, 2026
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
Our mission at Lake Humane Society is to protect animals and build connections between pets and people through advocacy and education. Leading and guiding a humane Lake County.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. As such, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the organization’s consistent achievement of its vision, mission and management of its budget and financial goals. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising all aspects of Lake Humane’s operations, providing leadership to its staff, and directing the development of a strategic plan for the promotion of the philosophy by increasing lifesaving efforts throughout the community
The Executive Director will be responsible for maintaining, creating, and implementing new programs to allow the organization to achieve its vision. The Executive Director will be responsible for working closely with Special Prosecutors in humane investigations cases.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Humane Care and Shelter of Rescued Dogs, Cats, and Small Animals
- Oversee the care provided for animals rescued by Lake Humane and ensure their humane treatment.
- Implement short- and long-term strategies that responsibly increase rescues, increase adoptions, improve animal care, provide behavior and medical rehabilitation for shelter guests.
- Help community pets remain in homes by providing spaying, neutering, and training/behavior advice.
- Ensure adoptable dogs meet behavioral standards and are safe for the adopting families and the community.
Program Development and Administration
- Participate in the development and assume responsibility for the timely implementation of the overall strategic direction of Lake Humane in accordance with the vision, mission, values, strategic direction, and goals set by the Board of Directors.
- Plan, organize, coordinate, review, evaluate, and direct the implementation of programs to the public and partnerships with other animal welfare agencies.
- Direct the administration of Lake Humane programs including shelter management, adoptions, foster care, education, outreach, fundraising, stewardship, veterinary services, etc.
- Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies.
Marketing and Communications
- Act as a spokesperson and conduct official correspondence on behalf of Lake Humane, as required.
- Ensure Lake Humane is represented at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile and reputation.
- Work with representatives of other animal welfare organizations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups to develop and implement collaborative programs and services, and to raise alternative sources of funding to support overall goals.
- Oversee marketing and publicity for the organization’s activities, programs, and goals.
- Liaise with members of the media and other community agencies. Monitor/approve all media exposure (radio, TV, print, web, and social media).
- Oversee the development of public relations materials for the organization.
Leadership and Staff Management
- Provide leadership and direction for managers in each department; recruit and hire staff, provide staff mentoring and coaching, manage performance evaluations and corrective actions.
- The Director shall be concerned with the long-term impact and effect of service within our community. A crucial element is to treat all members of the staff, agents, volunteers, and community members as customers. Receive feedback, observe, review, critique, listen and demonstrate behaviors of respect, kindness, patience, and consideration.
- The same is true for the staff. They should demonstrate these same behaviors toward all customers.
- Determine staffing and volunteer requirements for effective and efficient organizational management.
- Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the organization using Board-approved policies.
- Ensure maintenance of and improvements to facility as required and scheduled.
- Problem-solve and manage complex issues and make key decisions.
- Communicate effectively and facilitate collaboration within and across the organization.
- Ensure sound human resource practices are in place that abide by local, state and federal law.
- Ensure that staff is engaged with and participates in appropriate industry-related/professional groups.
- Ensure job descriptions are maintained and developed if required.
- Ensure that all functions are well-versed in current best practices and are incorporating the same in the execution of their work.
- Oversee key staff members in Humane Investigations, Marketing and Communications, Development, Shelter Operations, and Finance.
- Complete Humane Investigations training classes.
Budget and Finance
- Ensure appropriate financial management of the organization’s budget, including appropriate bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
- Collaborate with Finance & Operations to prepare, manage and execute a comprehensive budget, prepare financial reports, and monitor compliance of expenditures within approved budgetary constraints.
- Ensure Lake Humane files and records are appropriately safeguarded and managed.
- Identify and evaluate the risks to the Organization; implement measures to mitigate and control risks.
- Fundraising and Stewardship.
- Maintain and develop strong partnerships with donors and members of the community, as well as other stakeholders.
- Ensure that the development director is effective and has expertise in all facets of fundraising and stewardship.
- Actively look for ways of attracting philanthropy.
- Oversee all aspects of fundraising including the development of a strong major donor program.
- Ensure gifts are used as donors intended, update them on the progress and impact of their gifts, and cultivate relationships with them, seeking ways to keep them involved with the organization.
- Develop relationships with donors and demonstrate appreciation for their generosity via tailored correspondence, meetings with you and/or board members, involving them in committees, etc.
- Oversee and take part in special stewardship of the major gifts and legacy programs.
Compliance with Laws, Regulations, Policies and Guidelines
- Understand and implement operational compliance with current federal, state, county and local laws, regulations and guidelines that affect operations.
- Oversee record-keeping practices for legally compliant adoptions, staff personnel files, budgetary accountability, board activity, and all other functions.
- Maintain official records and documents.
Board of Directors
- Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of Lake Humane activities and on trends and emerging issues in the external environment.
- Keep the Board apprised in a timely manner on issues and concerns internal to the Organization.
- Develop and present the annual budget to the Board of Directors.
- Oversee the Finance Department in preparation for the annual audit. Attend the annual audit presentation to the Board of Directors.
- Review existing policies and recommend changes to the Board, as appropriate.
- Facilitate effective Board meetings by compiling meeting agendas, proposing topics for discussion/review, determining and managing follow-up actions.
- Support the programs and services offered by Lake Humane and contribute to the Organization’s mission, vision, and reflect the priorities of the Board.
- Assist the board with sourcing potential volunteers for the standing committees
- Perform other duties required.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or related field and 5 years in a leadership role or a combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in Business Administration or Non-profit Management preferred.
- Animal welfare experience in some capacity is preferred but not required, preferably in a leadership role.
- Experience in developing and managing a budget and demonstrated business acumen.
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and all levels of management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Computer savvy, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organization skills; must be efficient/effective with administrative processes and driving to completion.
- Adept at conflict resolution.
- Open to seeking feedback and taking constructive criticism.
- Experience in handling sensitive matters with diplomacy and discretion.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently sitting.
- Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
- Some twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Occasionally will work within the community and outdoors.
- Ability to travel between locations and within the community.
- Must have a valid Driver's license.
ABOUT LAKE HUMANE SOCIETY
Lake Humane Society was founded in November of 1937 by a group of determined animal lovers who wanted to see a higher standard of care for companion animals in Lake County, Ohio.
Here at Lake Humane Society, we strive to protect animals and build connections between pets and people through advocacy and education. Our small, yet mighty team works alongside our devoted volunteers to provide love and care to 1,500 to 2,000 pets annually.
We have been dedicated to the protection and care of homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals since 1937.
Lake Humane Society runs solely on donations to provide care to Lake Humane and offer various programs and services to the community. We do not receive any government funding whatsoever, nor are we funded or operated by any national humane organizations.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
