Position Summary
The Assistant Director serves as the Executive Director’s strategic partner and operational extension, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Center while ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, regulatory requirements, and strategic goals.
This role blends executive-level support with hands-on operational leadership. The Assistant Director manages staff, ensures compliance with state and federal wildlife regulations, supports wildlife rehabilitation operations, assists with fundraising initiatives, coordinates outreach programs and events, and collaborates with leadership to advance the Center’s long-term strategic plan.
The ideal candidate is both strategic, detail-oriented, and capable of serving as a trusted advisor while maintaining strong accountability standards, fiscal discipline, and procedural integrity.
Operations & Program Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the wildlife center.
- Supervise 12+ employees, 15+ interns, and numerous volunteers.
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability structures.
- Coordinate cross-departmental projects from planning through execution.
- Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and reporting systems.
- Provide quarterly leadership updates.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and promote responsible resource management.
- Support wildlife rehabilitation operations as needed.
Executive Leadership & Strategic Support
- Serve as primary strategic support to the Executive Director.
- Manage executive priorities, calendar, correspondence, and meeting preparation.
- Draft executive communications, presentations, donor updates, and board reports.
- Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
- Represent the Executive Director at meetings and events as needed.
- Assist with long-term strategic planning and implementation.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including:
- United States Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Maintain permits, documentation, reporting, and inspection readiness.
- Develop proactive systems to monitor regulatory compliance.
- Ensure staff adherence to established policies and protocols.
Fundraising, Events & Community Engagement
- Assist in planning and executing fundraising initiatives, including annual giving days.
- Support grant writing and fundraising strategy development.
- Coordinate and plan events, outreach programs, and public education initiatives.
- Represent the Center at public events and community engagements.
- Support donor communications and stewardship efforts.
Communications & Digital Strategy
- Write and oversee monthly newsletters.
- Support management of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
- Develop mission-driven content tailored to various platforms.
- Assist with digital marketing campaigns, email communications, and website updates.
- Support photography and videography for outreach and fundraising.
- Track analytics and recommend strategic improvements.
Board Relations & Governance
- Serve as liaison between the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Prepare board materials, reports, and meeting agendas.
- Coordinate board and committee logistics.
- Track board directives and ensure follow-through.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or related field).
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
- Experience in project management, operations, or executive support.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities.
- Proven ability to manage projects, programs, and budgets.
- Experience in community engagement, outreach, or education (wildlife or environmental focus preferred).
- Knowledge of state and federal wildlife regulations preferred.
- Experience in fundraising and/or grant writing is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience with MailChimp, Constant Contact, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with WordPress or similar CMS platforms.
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace.
- Experience with social media management tools (Meta Business Suite, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok).
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- A passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education is essential.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinker with operational execution skills
- Decisive and confident leadership presence
- High emotional intelligence with strong accountability standards
- Financially disciplined and resource-conscious
- Systems-oriented problem solver
- Strong project manager
- Professional, diplomatic communicator
- Mission-driven with deep commitment to wildlife conservation
Work Environment
- Combination of office and wildlife hospital setting.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and wildlife releases.
- Local travel required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Roanoke, VA 24018
