Animal Welfare Society, Executive Director

Noetic Search • Full-time • Maine • 4m ago

MISSION
Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for lost and homeless pets and to provide access to affordable services and resources necessary for long term well-being, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.

BACKGROUND
A recognized leader in progressive animal welfare, the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in Kennebunk, Maine has been keeping pets safe, healthy, and home since 1967. As a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AWS supports more than 10,000 pets and people each year through a comprehensive array of services.

Operating from a 40-acre Fear-Free campus with a budget $3M budget and a dedicated staff of 40, AWS serves as a community service organization for pets and their people with three distinct units: Adoption Center, Community Veterinary Clinic, and administration. AWS takes in animals from owners that can no longer care for them, from animal control officers in York County municipalities, in support of Maine's Animal Welfare Program anti-cruelty work, and via trusted partner organizations transporting from greater Maine and across the country.

At the heart of AWS’s mission is keeping pets and families together. Through its innovative Stay@Home program, AWS supports pet owners in crisis—including seniors and veterans—by offering temporary boarding, pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and assistance with behavior concerns. This upstream work reduces shelter intake and ensures pets remain with the people who love them.

Specific programs include a state-licensed Adoption Center, Community Veterinary Clinic, Behavior & Training services, and collaborates with funding partners and veterinary professionals to deliver accessible spay/neuter and wellness services statewide. With a values-driven commitment to humane care, AWS only considers euthanasia for animals with untreatable medical conditions or behaviors that pose a risk to public safety.

AWS also partners with animal control officers, state agencies, and transport networks to care for vulnerable animals across Maine and beyond. A robust volunteer corps (100–150 strong) augments daily operations, fosters animals, and supports humane education efforts. It is governed by an 11-person board of directors comprised of dedicated animal advocates from the business and civic community.

THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a thrilling moment to join the Animal Welfare Society. With a bold vision for the future, AWS is poised to launch a new strategic plan supported by $2M in capital improvements and a multi-million dollar campus expansion that will double the size of the veterinary clinic and unlock new mission-aligned business opportunities—such as expanded training programs and potential boarding services. The 40-acre property offers extraordinary potential for reimagining what a modern, community-centered animal welfare campus can be.

Key opportunities include expanding the community clinic, increasing capacity for high volume, low cost spay neuter, improving the standard of care to include a full spectrum of care, and increasing wellness visits. Utilizing software solutions that enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide medical care, improve staff efficiency, and build more economically successful practices is a current priority. Overall, there is an interest in leveraging technology throughout the organization to drive accountability and lead to stronger outcomes.

The next Executive Director will have the chance to lead this transformation. Key priorities include scaling the Community Veterinary Clinic, expanding access to high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter and wellness care, and delivering a full spectrum of veterinary services to more families. AWS is also focused on harnessing technology to elevate care, improve workflow efficiency, and create sustainable, data-informed practices across the organization. AWS has consistently played an important role as an advocate for humane policies on the local, state and federal levels. Continuing this leading role in ensuring policies that result in living saving outcomes will continue to be a priority.

This is an exciting opportunity for a bold, entrepreneurial leader—someone ready to innovate, build, and extend AWS’s reach across Maine. From designing community-based care models and enhancing rural access, to forging regional partnerships and shaping humane policy at all levels of government, the possibilities for impact are vast.

THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AWS, leads the organization's mission, strategic vision, and overall operations. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including administration, programs, fundraising, and community engagement. The Executive Director also fosters a positive work environment, inspires staff, and ensures the organization meets high standards of service and care.

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

Strategic Planning: Develops and implements the organization's long-term strategic vision & goals.
Mission Advancement: Leads efforts to advance the organization's mission of animal welfare.
Organizational Growth: Guides organizational growth, potentially including technology and systems upgrades and facility expansion or major capital projects.

Operational Management:

Administration: Oversees the director of administration in the day-to-day administrative functions of AWS.
Program Management: Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of animal welfare programs. Ensure all programs – including adoption, community outreach, veterinary care, and temporary assistance meet the needs of pets and the public.
Financial Management: Manages the organization's budget and ensures financial compliance working as a team with the directors.
Fundraising: Leads fundraising efforts in partnership with the Director of Development & Community Engagement, including donor cultivation, corporate sponsorships, and grant acquisition.
Staff Management: Provides leadership and support to staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Community Engagement: Connects with community members, volunteers, and external stakeholders. Represents AWS in local, state and national forums to raise visibility and influence public policy and awareness.
Compliance: Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and AWS policies.
Facility: Lead and manage facility expansions or major construction projects while maintaining continuous operations.

Specific Responsibilities Related to Animal Welfare:

Animal Care: Provides leadership and oversight to ensure shelter operations align with best practices in animal care and organizational goals.
Adoption Programs: May oversee the adoption process and ensure animals are placed in suitable homes.
Community Outreach: Engages with donors and the community through events, education, public speaking, visibility in the media and partnerships.

In essence, the Executive Director is the driving force behind AWS, ensuring the organization effectively serves animals and the community.

THE PROFILE
AWS is seeking a dynamic, visionary, data driven, mission-aligned Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and expansion in animal welfare. This highly experienced leader will bring a deep passion for the ethical and humane treatment of animals, along with a proven track record of growth inclusive of transparent, and forward-thinking leadership in complex organizations.

The ideal candidate will be an empathetic, confident, and approachable servant leader who possesses strong communication skills and demonstrates unwavering integrity. With high emotional intelligence and a genuine collaborative approach to leadership, the Executive Director will foster a culture of growth, empowerment, innovation, and unity across all levels of the organization.

The Executive Director will be a skilled fundraiser and brand ambassador, promoting the mission and values of AWS as the face of the organization while building relationships with community partners, donors, and stakeholders. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure sound governance, assist in board recruitment and diversification, partner in fundraising efforts and foster a productive and transparent relationship. A proven change manager, the Executive Director will lead with data-driven decision-making, spearhead the evaluation and implementation of modern technologies, and model industry best practices to advance the organization’s operational excellence and animal care standards.

Key Leadership Qualities:

Foster a positive, team-oriented culture across the organization
Visionary and future-oriented, with a strong commitment to organizational growth
Compassionate and confident, with a calm, steady presence
Highly communicative, approachable, and respected internally and externally
Skilled at unifying diverse teams and stakeholders
Emotionally intelligent and trauma-informed

An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university is required. Leadership experience in a nonprofit organization strongly preferred. CAWA credential is helpful. Prior experience running an animal hospital is desired.

ABOUT KENNEBUNK, MAINE
Nestled along Maine’s iconic southern coast, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer an exceptional quality of life in a region known for its natural beauty, historic charm, and strong sense of community. Located just 90 minutes north of Boston and minutes from Portland, Southern Maine is a vibrant and economically diverse area where innovation and tradition intersect. Kennebunk has a high seasonal population due to its traditional role as a summer coastal vacation spot. The summer population is estimated to increase by 50% when seasonal homes, hotels, motels, and B&Bs are taken into consideration. The region’s leading industries include healthcare, education, tourism, marine sciences, and advanced manufacturing, alongside a growing creative economy that celebrates the arts, local craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship.

Kennebunkport’s renowned food scene—anchored by farm-to-table restaurants, fresh seafood, and award-winning chefs—attracts culinary enthusiasts from around the country. The area also boasts a thriving arts community, with galleries, theaters, and festivals that highlight the work of local and nationally recognized artists. With excellent schools, year-round recreational opportunities, and a welcoming spirit, Kennebunk and its surrounding communities provide an inspiring setting for the next Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Society to lead and thrive.

SALARY & BENEFITS
$150,000 - $160,000 plus comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance, paid time off and leave, a matched 401(k) retirement plan and life insurance.

Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please submit a current resume and cover letter. For more information, visit www.noeticexsearch.com or www.animalwelfaresociety.org.

Animal Welfare Society is an equal opportunity employer.