Executive Director

Executive Director

Location Concord, NH 3301 Date Posted October 16, 2026 Job ID 15556 Employment Type Retained

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Executive Director of Pope Memorial SPCA, an organization dedicated to caring for abandoned and homeless pets, protecting and advocating for pets in need, and promoting the humane treatment of all animals. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Concord, NH.

ABOUT Pope Memorial SPCA:

Pope Memorial SPCA is an animal welfare organization based in Concord, New Hampshire, driven by the belief that every community should be a safe haven for animals, one where the bond between people and pets is nurtured and every animal is treated with compassion and respect. Established in 1910, the organization has spent more than a century growing and evolving to meet the changing needs of the Capital Area and the State of New Hampshire.

Each day, Pope Memorial SPCA provides shelter, food, and medical care to homeless pets in need. Its work goes well beyond basic care: the organization provides necessary veterinary treatment, offers enrichment and socialization to help animals thrive while they wait, and guides potential adopters with the information and support they need to make lasting matches. Alongside its shelter operations, Pope Memorial SPCA hosts programs designed to prevent cruelty to animals, extending its impact into the broader community. As an organization that does not euthanize animals for time or space, Pope Memorial SPCA gives every animal the time it needs.

Rooted in a proud legacy of compassion and service, Pope Memorial SPCA has become a trusted resource for animals and the people who love them across central New Hampshire. It is an organization defined by patience, care, and an unwavering commitment to finding every lost or abandoned pet a loving home.

This is a remarkable moment to join an organization with deep community roots and a clear sense of purpose. As part of a planned leadership transition, Pope Memorial SPCA is entering an exciting new chapter and seeks its next dynamic, dedicated, and mission-driven Executive Director, a leader who will honor its century-long legacy while shaping its future at a time when compassionate, community-focused animal welfare leadership is more essential than ever.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director provides both strategic and operational leadership, guiding organizational direction, program effectiveness, fundraising, and community engagement while ensuring excellence in animal welfare, financial stewardship, and sustainable growth. As the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the broader community, the Executive Director champions the mission and cultivates a collaborative, compassionate culture grounded in integrity, reliability, accountability, and clear role expectations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with the mission, program goals, and organizational priorities in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Maintain strong collaboration with the Board President, ensuring transparent communication and fulfillment of fiduciary and governance responsibilities.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising activities, including individual, corporate, and foundation giving, charitable events, and the annual fund.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, securing significant contributions through strong relationship building with key stakeholders and community partners.
• Supervise the Development Manager across all development functions: events, annual fund, direct mail, grants, online giving, database management, gift processing, and donor acknowledgements.
• Oversee marketing, public relations, and community outreach to strengthen visibility and advance the mission.

Financial Management

• Direct organizational budgeting, financial planning, and long?term fiscal stability.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, responsible expenditures, and sound financial stewardship.

Shelter Operations & Animal Welfare

• Uphold high standards of animal care, health, safety, and overall well?being.
• Oversee shelter operations and medical teams, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop senior staff to ensure operational excellence.
• Maintain updated standard operating procedures, protocols, and best practices across all departments.
• Oversee facility maintenance, cleanliness, and effective allocation of resources.

Team & Human Resources

• Foster a positive, compassionate, collaborative, mission?driven culture for staff and volunteers.
• Manage personnel, promote teamwork, and ensure effective delegation and role clarity.
• Provide regular staff and volunteer training and workforce development to support safety, skill growth, and high?quality interactions with shelter animals.

Community & Public Relations

• Represent the organization with professionalism, credibility, and empathy in complex or sensitive situations.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson, strengthening public trust and organizational reputation.
• Expand community visibility and promote compassion, kindness, and humane values for both pets and people.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related field, with a minimum of three years of senior leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit or animal welfare organization. Master's degree preferred; CAWA certification a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizations and teams through periods of change and growth.
• Strong proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and facility oversight.
• Proven experience building strong, trusting relationships with boards, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Genuine passion for animal welfare, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to the evolving needs of staff, animals, and clients.
• Knowledge of New Hampshire pet vendor regulations, animal welfare laws, shelter operations, and applicable state and federal employment laws

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This full-time, on-site executive role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a highly respected, mission-driven animal welfare organization into its next chapter of impact. The position provides a competitive salary range of $90,000 to $115,000 (DOE), along with relocation support for the right candidate. PMSPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage, dental insurance, and employer-paid vision insurance. Additional benefits include short-term disability and life insurance through UNUM, paid time off beginning after 90 days with increasing vacation accrual based on tenure, six paid holidays, three personal days, and five sick days, and access to veterinary care for personal pets at employee rates. Employees are also eligible for a Simple IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match after one year of service.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

Pope Memorial SPCA 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/15556

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.

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