Executive Director - Non-Profit

Company Description

K9 Konnection is a "no-kill" 501(c)(3) dedicated to rescuing, reuniting and re-homing dogs in the Wickenburg, AZ area. The organization provides care, enrichment, and support services that promote responsible pet ownership and enhance animal welfare. K9 Konnection collaborates with local partners, volunteers, and supporters to deliver programs that make a meaningful impact. Team members are encouraged to bring compassion, professionalism, and innovation to their work with both animals and people.

Role Description

The Executive Director is a full-time, on-site role located in Wickenburg, AZ, responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing day-to-day operations at K9 Konnection. This role manages staff and volunteers, ensures the effective delivery of programs and services, and maintains high standards of animal care and safety. The Executive Director develops and implements organizational strategies, oversees budgets and financial management, and leads fundraising efforts, including grants, donations, and community events. Daily responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with community partners, donors, and stakeholders, supervising administrative processes, ensures adherence to all local, state, and federal laws regarding animal welfare and safety, and reporting to the Board of Directors on organizational performance. The Executive Director also promotes K9 Konnection’s mission through public speaking, outreach, and advocacy, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including team supervision, performance coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Experience with nonprofit or small organization administration, including strategic planning, program oversight, and board relations.
• Financial management abilities, such as budgeting, monitoring expenses, and working with basic accounting or reporting tools.
• Fundraising, development, and community outreach experience, including building donor relationships and coordinating events or campaigns.
• Strong communication skills, including clear writing, public speaking, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to prioritize multiple projects and respond to changing needs.
• Comfort working in an animal-centered environment and, ideally, prior experience with animal welfare, rescue, or related fields.
• Proficiency with common office software, email, and basic digital tools; familiarity with donor or CRM systems is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to work on-site in Wickenburg, AZ, including occasional evenings or weekends as organizational activities require.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Proven leadership experience in animal welfare (shelter or rescue), nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, and financial management abilities.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with shelter software (e.g., Shelterluv) and best practices for animal health and behavioral care.
• Passion: A strong commitment to animal welfare and humane treatment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a high-stress, loud environment with sick, injured, or dangerous dogs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive tasks.
• Flexible scheduling to include evenings, weekends, and holidays

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range $66,000 - $72,000 per year
• 4 weeks paid vacation
• 3 paid sick days
• Optional onsite housing rent free for 6 months in a newly remodeled studio apartment

K9 Konnection is a "no-kill" 501(c)(3) dedicated to rescuing, reuniting and re-homing dogs in the Wickenburg, AZ area. The organization provides care, enrichment, and support services that promote responsible pet ownership and enhance animal welfare. K9 Konnection collaborates with local partners, volunteers, and supporters to deliver programs that make a meaningful impact. Team members are encouraged to bring compassion, professionalism, and innovation to their work with both animals and people.