Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership and oversight, driving the organizations’ success to make a positive impact on the wildlife rehabilitation community. The Executive Director drives fundraising efforts, engaging in inward- and outward-facing activities to cultivate donors and funding relationships that support NWRA’s mission. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising, Development, and Community Relations - 30%

• Develop and implement board-approved annual and long-term fund development, fundraising activities, and marketing plans; work with board, committees, staff, and others on development activities.
• Secure symposium and organizational sponsorships
• Research, review, and submit grant proposals, collaborating with program staff and project leaders as needed; review all NWRA grant proposals prior to submission to ensure consistency in language and style; ensure complete recordkeeping and reporting throughout grant cycle.
• With staff and board, develop and fulfill individual donation campaigns (online, appeal letters, etc.)
• Cultivate donor relationships; communicate with stakeholders and major donors consistently to keep them informed of NWRA’s mission, achievements, strategic plans, and needs
• Manage an online donor database to ensure the full cycle of donor relations is completed, including thank-you notes, fulfillment of donation-level rewards, etc.

Fiscal Management - 25%

• Oversee financial management of the organization through collaboration with the board treasurer, accountant, auditing firm, and the Finance Committee. Review monthly reports generated by the accountant for accuracy and clarity.
• Prepare annual operating budget with the staff and Finance Committee for board approval; operate NWRA within budget according to the current NWRA Financial Procedures manual.
• Manage all expenses, revenue (including donations), payroll processing, event site deposits, bequests, estates, contracts, donations, and other matters.
• Adhere to financial and accounting rules that apply to nonprofits to ensure continued 501(c)3 status.
• Ensure compliance with solicitation registrations in various states and ensure appropriate recordkeeping.
• Act on behalf of NWRA in designated matters pertaining to bequests, estates, contracts, donations, and other matters.

Administration and Staff Management - 20%

• Oversee all aspects of organizational operations and collaboratively work with staff to implement policy and ensure efficient and professional operations. 
• Ensure operational procedures incorporate state and federal legal and financial reporting.
• Oversee the recruiting, hiring, orientation, training, development, employment, evaluation, and discharge of all employees according to the NWRA Employee Manual, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct a performance management process for all employees, including annual reviews.
• Oversee acquisition and maintenance of NWRA equipment as appropriate.
• Administer insurance for organization, board, and staff.

Strategic Planning and Board Relations – 15%

• Work with the board of directors and staff to develop, implement, and maintain a working strategic plan.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff and volunteers to implement and achieve strategic goals.
• Regularly inform the NWRA board of directors of all matters affecting the status and viability of the organization; issue regular communications and updates; alert the board to any known potential problems within, affecting, and/or compromising the mission of the organization. 
• Act as chief liaison to staff and board of directors, promoting a culture of team building, honesty, integrity, communication, respect, and openness.
• Prepare executive summary reports for each board meeting, and no less than quarterly, for the board of directors.
• Attend board meetings and appropriate committee meetings. Work with the Board President to prepare monthly board meeting agendas; support logistics of board meetings and trainings as needed.

Programs and Publications -10%

• Oversee and direct organizational program activity in consultation with the board of directors, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the organization is meeting the expectations of members.
• Oversee programs, publications, and projects ensuring quality control and mission alignment; oversee progression to completion.
• Oversee all communications, website content, and social media messaging to ensure professional quality and alignment with NWRA’s mission.
• Represent NWRA at selected public and professional meetings applicable to NWRA’s mission and vision, and train and coordinate staff to assist as needed.
• Stay current on wildlife rehabilitation issues across North America and serve as NWRA’s spokesperson on issues relevant to NWRA’s mission, vision, and scope of work. 

Skills and Strengths:

Ideally, we are seeking a seasoned executive with experience in leadership and development positions within the nonprofit sector and exposure to a variety of professional environments. Candidates must have the following:

• At least four years' experience in the non-profit sector, and a minimum of 5 years of successful experience directing operations, personnel, and programs; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in animal welfare, and wildlife rehabilitation; experience in the wildlife conservation field is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial procedures for nonprofit organizations.
• Success in fundraising and building stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent technology skills and experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, project management software, online financial and time management software, etc.
• Ability to manage and inspire remote staff with a team-oriented style, developing staff while setting measurable goals and holding them accountable.
• Ability to evaluate and communicate program success through specific measures of desired outcomes.
• Ability to objectively and strategically evaluate challenges and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to move multiple projects forward while maintaining organization's priorities.
• Ability to work with the public, staff, volunteers, and board members in a tactful, positive and diplomatic manner.
• Ability to work a schedule that includes some evenings and weekends and some travel.
• Media, social media and community relations experience is desirable.
• Experience with membership-based organizations is highly desirable

Equal Employment Opportunity: NWRA is an equal opportunity employer. NWRA employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. NWRA is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please note: This is a fully remote-work position. The successful applicant will have the ability, motivation, and initiative to work independently and as part of a team, successfully managing remote staff. Reports directly to the president of the board of directors and is accountable to the board of directors. This is a full-time salaried position. Travel is required for at least three trips throughout the year, including working an eight-day period at our symposium and two additional trips (conference tabling, mid-year meeting, etc.).