Executive Director

Executive Director

EASEL Animal Rescue League

 

Location: Ewing, New Jersey
Position Type: Full-time
Reports To: Board of Directors

 

About EASEL Animal Rescue League

 

EASEL Animal Rescue League operates under the motto "Every Animal Should Enjoy Life." Founded in 2008, EASEL is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing euthanasia rates for unwanted animals in Mercer County through rescue, adoption, community partnerships, and innovative animal welfare programs.

 

Recognized nationally as a model for a rescue-driven municipal shelter, EASEL is Mercer County's only no-kill facility. Working closely with Ewing Township, the organization has achieved significant success through its Trap/Neuter/Return Program and has celebrated more than 11,000 successful adoptions.

 

With an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million, EASEL is supported through adoption fees, grants, and generous individual and corporate donors.

 

The organization employs 4 full-time and 10 part-time staff members, supported by approximately 100 active volunteers. EASEL is also planning the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot animal shelter on more than five acres of land.

 

Position Summary

 

EASEL seeks an experienced, strategic, and compassionate Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth.

 

As the Board transitions from direct operational management to governance and strategic oversight, the Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief executive, partnering with the Board, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to strengthen operations, organizational culture, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.

 

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with exceptional management skills, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to build strong relationships while guiding organizational change.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Organizational Leadership

 

• Provide strategic leadership to staff, volunteers, and the Board.

• Lead the organization's transition from a board-managed model to an executive-led structure.

• Serve as an agent of organizational change and continuous improvement.

• Diagnose organizational challenges and implement sustainable management practices.

• Foster collaboration, transparency, accountability, and effective decision making.

 

Quality Services

 

• Maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for staff, volunteers, adopters, and community members.

• Ensure the highest standards of animal care and shelter operations.

• Develop and maintain systems for program administration, reporting, and recordkeeping.

• Evaluate services using data, feedback, and performance metrics.

• Strengthen relationships with Ewing Township.

• Develop partnerships with municipalities throughout Mercer County to expand community impact.

 

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

 

• Strengthen organizational culture through clear expectations, coaching, and accountability.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and develop staff.

• Conduct performance evaluations.

• Partner with senior staff to recruit, train, and retain volunteers.

• Ensure volunteer committees remain aligned with organizational goals.

 

Financial Management

 

• Develop annual budgets with the Finance Committee.

• Prepare financial reports and assist with annual audits.

• Monitor organizational finances alongside the Board Treasurer.

• Maintain strong fiscal controls and financial accountability.

 

Fundraising & Development

 

• Partner with the Director of Development to prepare for a future capital campaign.

• Support fundraising events and grant development.

• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, sponsors, and community partners.

• Work closely with the Board to expand philanthropic support.

 

Marketing & Community Engagement

 

• Oversee marketing, communications, public relations, website content, and social media.

• Review marketing materials for accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness.

• Serve as the public ambassador for EASEL.

• Build partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach and programming.

 

Board Partnership

 

• Attend Board of Directors meetings.

• Partner with Board committees.

• Assist with strategic planning and business planning.

• Help streamline shelter operations and organizational systems.

• Support planning for the future shelter expansion project.

• Clarify governance roles and responsibilities between the Board and Executive Director.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board.

 

Qualifications

 

Required

 

• Passion for animal welfare and rescue.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, preferably within animal welfare.

• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.

• Strong organizational management and administrative experience.

• Experience managing budgets and financial operations.

• Experience working with Board committees and governance.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Strong computer proficiency.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

• Commitment to EASEL's mission and no-kill philosophy.

 

Compensation

 

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

 

How to Apply

 

Please submit:

 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

 

Please note: Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

 

Submit application materials to:

 

Executive Director Search Committee

Email: EASELexedirector@gmail.com

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

EASEL Animal Rescue League is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected.