Organization Overview
Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), an evolving animal adoption center based in Skokie, Illinois, improves the lives of pets in need by placing them in safe, loving homes through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming; works to reduce pet overpopulation; and fosters vital community partnerships which includes education and counseling. Supported by 350 volunteers and supporters, C.A.R.E. maintains a 98% successful placement rate, annually rescuing and placing more than 400 animals while also expanding its services to pet owners through a rapidly growing pet food pantry program.
Position Summary
As C.A.R.E. prepares for the next phase of its development and impact, it seeks a seasoned animal shelter management professional to provide strategic consulting services and operational leadership during a six-month engagement. This consultant will conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment, provide guidance on qualities and expertise to be considered in hiring an Executive Director, and manage daily shelter operations as we build the foundation for a sustainable future.
This engagement is also open to candidates who may have interest in being considered for the permanent Executive Director role. The right individual — someone who demonstrates strong organizational fit, leadership, and mission alignment during the consulting engagement — may be considered for the Executive Director position as C.A.R.E. moves through its transition. Candidates interested in either track are encouraged to apply.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Organizational Assessment & Strategic Recommendations (Months 1–2)
- Conduct comprehensive evaluation of C.A.R.E.’s current operations, including animal care protocols, volunteer management, facility management, and community programs
- Assess organizational structure, policies, procedures, and systems against animal welfare best practices and industry standards
- Provide written assessment of operational strengths to leverage, gaps to address, and activities to discontinue
- Review financial management practices, fundraising strategies, and resource allocation
- Evaluate volunteer and staff management systems
- Present findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors
2. Executive Director Transition Planning (Months 2–4)
- Develop implementation plan for critical infrastructure, policies, and systems needed prior to Executive Director hire
- Create comprehensive Executive Director job description aligned with C.A.R.E.’s mission, development trajectory, and operational needs
- Recommend Executive Director compensation range based on comparable organizations and local market conditions
- Advise on Executive Director search timeline, process, and candidate evaluation criteria
- Develop Executive Director onboarding plan and transition timeline
- Recommend Board governance structures to support effective Executive Director leadership
3. Interim Executive Director Operations (Months 1–6)
- Oversee daily shelter operations, ensuring high standards of animal care and welfare
- Supervise staff (one full-time Medical Care Manager and one 30-hour Canine Program Manager)
- Oversee animal intake and medical care protocols, and adoption processes
- Support fundraising efforts
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and animal welfare standards
- Attend Board meetings and provide regular operational updates
- Manage facility maintenance and vendor relationships
- Maintain financial oversight in coordination with Board Treasurer
- Handle urgent operational decisions and crisis management as needed
Required Qualifications
- Minimum seven years of progressive leadership experience in animal shelter management or animal welfare organizations
- Proven track record managing shelter operations including animal care, volunteer coordination, fundraising, and budget oversight
- Experience conducting organizational assessments and developing strategic recommendations
- Demonstrated success hiring and onboarding executive leadership
- Strong understanding of animal welfare best practices, shelter medicine, and industry standards
- Experience with nonprofit governance, financial management, and board relations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Board and volunteers
- Proficiency with shelter management software and standard business applications
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) or similar professional certification
- Experience with shelters transitioning to their first paid Executive Director
- Background in organizational development or nonprofit consulting
- Knowledge of Illinois animal welfare regulations and regional differences
- Experience with fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation
- Experience working with volunteers and understanding of volunteer management best practices
Engagement Details
- Duration: 6-month contract (approximately July – December 2026), with potential transition to permanent Executive Director
- Time Commitment: Estimated 20–30 hours per week, with flexibility based on operational needs
- Location: Primary work at C.A.R.E. facility in Skokie, Illinois, with some remote work possible
- Compensation: Competitive consultant rate commensurate with experience (to be discussed); Executive Director compensation to be determined based on organizational assessment and market benchmarking
- Reports to: C.A.R.E. Board President
Deliverables
- Comprehensive organizational assessment report with prioritized recommendations
- Proposed Executive Director job description and hiring preparation plan
- Monthly progress reports to the Board
- Final transition report with recommendations for incoming Executive Director
- Documented policies, procedures, and systems improvements implemented during tenure
To Apply
Please submit a resume, relevant work samples (such as organizational assessments or executive job descriptions you’ve developed), and a cover letter describing your approach to this engagement — and, if applicable, your interest in being considered for the permanent Executive Director role — to Holly Stevens, C.A.R.E. Board President, at [email protected] no later than 7/10/26. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Skokie, IL 60077
