Executive Director

Executive Director

Location Albuquerque, NM 87108 Date Posted September 15, 2026 Job ID 15384 Employment Type Retained

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Executive Director of Animal Humane New Mexico, an organization that supports and improves the lives of New Mexico's cats and dogs through sheltering, adoptions, humane education, and veterinary services. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Albuquerque, NM.

ABOUT ANIMAL HUMANE NEW MEXICO:

Animal Humane New Mexico (AHNM) is a shelter located in the heart of New Mexico, driven by the belief that every adoptable animal deserves the love of a home, and every home deserves the transformative love of a pet. Through community outreach and shelter animal transfer efforts, Animal Humane helps improve the lives of cats and dogs across the state, providing support to more than 10,000 homeless and at-risk animals each year

AHNM's impact reaches well beyond the shelter walls through a comprehensive network of programs serving animals and pet owners alike. Its Behavior Support team provides enrichment and training to hundreds of shelter and owned pets each year, addressing the root causes that separate pets from their families. Its Pet Resource Center, the first of its kind in New Mexico, keeps owned pets happy, healthy, and with the families who love them. Its donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic delivers reduced-cost care to shelter animals and low-income pet owners, ensuring veterinary access is never a barrier to keeping a family together. The Animal Humane Thrift Shop rounds out this network, turning everyday donations into direct funding for the thousands of animals who pass through the shelter's doors each year.

Rooted in community and driven by compassion, Animal Humane has grown into a trusted, multifaceted resource for animals and pet owners across New Mexico, one that meets need wherever it exists, from the shelter floor to the exam room to the front porch of a family working to keep their pet at home.

This is a remarkable moment to join an organization whose work not only saves and improves the lives of thousands of animals each year, but also strengthens the bond between pets and the families who love them. AHNM's next leader will help shape the organization's future at a time when compassionate, community-driven animal welfare leadership is more essential than ever.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the organization in accordance with the mission, policies, and strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. This role provides visionary leadership to advance the organization's lifesaving mission while ensuring operational excellence across all departments, including Marketing and Development, Veterinary Clinic, Volunteer Services, Community Programs, Pet Pathways, Lifesaving Programs, Thrift Shop Operations, Facilities, Human Resources, Finance, and Executive Administration.

Serving as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff, the Executive Director implements board policies, manages organizational resources, leads the senior leadership team, and ensures the effective delivery of programs and services. The Executive Director also serves as a key ambassador for the organization, strengthening community relationships, fundraising efforts, and partnerships within the animal welfare field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction aligned with the mission and goals of Animal Humane New Mexico, developing priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Ensure alignment between strategy, programs, and operations, and lead the senior leadership team to strong organizational performance.
• Monitor performance and community impact, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and mission-driven work.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board, providing timely information to support decision-making.
• Partner with the Board President on meeting agendas and strategic discussions, and support board engagement in planning, fundraising, and advocacy.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, governance standards, and nonprofit best practices.

Departmental Oversight

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight across: Marketing & Development, Volunteer Services, Veterinary Clinic (ensuring compliance with the Veterinary Practice Act and high medical standards), Community Programs, Pet Pathways, Lifesaving Programs, Thrift Shop Operations, Facilities, Human Resources, Finance, and Executive Administration (including supervision of the Executive Assistant).

Financial Oversight

• Ensure responsible financial management and long-term fiscal sustainability, overseeing the annual budget with the Finance Director and Board.
• Provide regular financial reporting, maintain strong controls and risk management, and ensure transparency in the use of resources.
• Lead fundraising strategy, cultivating relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners; partner with Development and Marketing on donor engagement and actively participate in cultivation and outreach efforts.

Program Oversight

• Ensure programs effectively support the mission and strategic goals, monitoring outcomes and operational performance.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with community needs and industry best practices.
• Staff Leadership & Culture
• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong leadership team, providing supervision and coaching.
• Foster a culture of compassion, respect, and accountability, ensuring staff and volunteers have the resources and training to succeed.

Community & External Relations

• Serve as primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, building relationships with donors, community organizations, government agencies, and animal welfare partners.
• Represent the organization at events and in media, strengthening its visibility and leadership in the community and sector.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit organizations, with demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor engagement, and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors, with knowledge of nonprofit governance.
• Experience overseeing multi-department operations and complex organizational structures.
• Experience in animal welfare, social services, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Strong team leadership and organizational development skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to build partnerships and represent the organization publicly.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Animal Humane New Mexico.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This full-time, on-site executive role offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of New Mexico's most respected and mission-driven animal welfare organizations into its next chapter of impact. The position offers a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $170,000 (DOE), along with relocation assistance, a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, with the organization absorbing a substantial portion of the cost, as well as voluntary life and AD&D insurance. Employees are also eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA) option and a 403(b) retirement plan through Mutual of America, with access to a dedicated Participant Account Specialist for personalized retirement planning support.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

Animal Humane New Mexico has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in recruiting for mission-driven organizations, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via:https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/15384

Please address applications to:

Ellen Johnson, Executive Recruiter

Scion Executive Search

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

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