EASEL ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
POSITION DESCRIPTION
THE OPPORTUNITY
EASEL Animal Rescue League (our motto is Evey Animal Should Enjoy Life) in Ewing, New Jersey seeks a dynamic Executive Director with a passionate dedication to saving animals to lead the organization through an exciting time of realignment and expansion. After completing a strategic plan in 2024, its Board of Directors set a goal to build a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art no-kill rescue facility on 5-10 acres of land.
EASEL was founded in 2008 with a mission to reduce the number of unwanted animals euthanized in Mercer County through collaborative coalitions and community alliances. Since then, EASEL has become a national model of a rescue-led municipal shelter, and is Mercer County, NJ’s only no-kill municipal shelter. And it just celebrated its 10,000th adoption! It’s annual budget of about one million dollars is funded through adoption fees, grants, and donations from individual and corporate sponsors.
EASEL has been well managed for the last 15 years by its board president with board members serving in their governance role as well as volunteer leadership roles at the shelter. It has three full-time and six part-time staff members dedicated to saving animals and finding them loving adoptive homes. In January 2025, its new Director of Development was hired to enhance the organization’s fundraising capacity for the new building. They have an active group of about 100 volunteers who participate in all aspects of its programs, from shelter greeters to fundraising to organizing events.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Executive Director (ED) is primarily responsible for:
- The implementation and operation of best practices in animal welfare for the shelter
- Accountable for the management, budget, safety and success of the shelter
- Budget development, financial oversight, program development and implementation, marketing, communications and public relations and facilities
- Oversight of fundraising – Individual, corporation, foundation and government
- Hire and supervise key shelter staff as well some volunteers
This is a management position requiring independent judgment, initiative, strong interpersonal skills, great presentation skills and advanced administrative skills. The ED will need to be creative in developing new programs, collaborations and activities as well as providing strong leadership to staff. In partnership with the Board, the Executive Director provides leadership to the shelter, and support to the Board and its committees.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Services:
- Responsible for the overall coordination and development of all services and activities in cooperation with program and support staff
- Maintain and coordinate service evaluations, feedback and statistics, and conducts evaluations of key services to ensure the shelter meets the highest standards in animal care and sheltering
- Ensure a safe and respectful working environment for all staff and volunteers
- Develop and implement a system of administration and record keeping for all projects and programs
- Ensure a welcoming, respectful and friendly job environment
Financial Management:
- Develop annual budgets, financial reports and draft audits with Finance Committee
- Monitor budget compliance with Board Treasurer and maintain tight fiscal controls
- Purchase shelter equipment, supplies and oversee staff purchases
- Oversee A/Rs and A/Ps in a fiscally responsible manner
Fundraising Oversight:
- Supervise and support the Development Director, collaborate and approve fundraising strategies
- Ensure the successful coordination and execution of fundraising events and grant applications
- . Build and maintain relationships with prospects, funders and donors
Staff:
- Provide leadership to stimulate staff to develop and assess ‘best practices’
- Manage the Director of Operations to train staff and facilitators and identify ongoing training needs
- Recruit, interview, and hire staff in collaboration with the Director of Operations Conduct evaluations of key services, programs and administrative staff
- Remediate problems with staff as needed and facilitates termination of employee(s) if necessary
Board Responsibilities:
- Attend Board of Directors meetings; partner with Board Secretary on minutes
- Develop and direct volunteer committees related to Governance, Fundraising, Marketing, Event, Finance and other Ad Hoc committees
- Staff specific program and administrative committees as assigned
- Partner with Board of Directors in long range planning, including business plans and strategic planning
Marketing/Communications and Community Engagement:
- Oversee publicity, public relations, social media, website and marketing for all services and events
- Review all program materials including flyers, brochures, website, social media for accuracy, overall integration and marketability
- Enhance working relationships with community organizations, agencies, and businesses
- Ability to liaison and network with the community, serving as an ambassador for EASEL, and outreach to other organizations for potential partnerships with EASEL in presenting programs to a wider audience
General:
Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Board President and Committee chairs
Qualifications:
- Passionate about animals and animal welfare
- BA degree in related field and at least 10 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience, preferably working with animal welfare.
- Proven skills in staff supervision, program, administrative and budgetary experience
- Experience with managing board committees and leading teams
- Demonstrated skills in oral and written presentations and computer competency
- Detail oriented and highly motivated to achieve
- Commitment to EASEL’s mission and core values as a no-kill animal shelter
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and a cover letter to: Executive Director Search Committee at EASELexedirector@gmail.com. Please note the resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.
Statement of Non-discrimination:
EASEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
