Description

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead one of San Diego’s most respected animal welfare organizations as it enters its 20th year of service. The Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) face4pets.org is a beloved local charity with a strong reputation and a passionate community of supporters.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction and operational success of the organization. This includes managing a $2 million annual budget, strengthening programmatic impact, and cultivating innovative partnerships. The Executive Director will serve as a visible and influential leader in the community, working closely with the Board and its President, while overseeing three direct reports: the Director of Development, Director of Operations, and a third role to be defined.

While FACE’s impact to date is significant, the organization holds tremendous untapped potential. We are seeking a visionary and passionate animal advocate who can elevate our reach and effectiveness—particularly through dynamic fundraising leadership and a comprehensive development strategy.

The Executive Director will play a central role in expanding FACE’s capacity by spearheading fundraising events, cultivating donor relationships, and stewarding a results-driven development program. Fundraising will be the top priority, serving as the engine that powers our mission and amplifies our impact across the community.

Requirements

• Engage and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders to support FACE’s mission and amplify its impact across the community. 
• Support effective board governance practices, including board development, recruitment, onboarding, oversight, and ongoing engagement.
• Lead fund development efforts, actively participating in donor cultivation, stewardship, and the execution of successful fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as a visible public advocate for FACE, building strategic relationships and partnerships to advance philanthropic support and organizational visibility.
• Provide inspirational leadership and foster team growth, ensuring programmatic excellence and operational efficiency across all activities.
• Exercise prudent financial oversight, managing resources with transparency and accountability in alignment with FACE’s mission.
• Guide strategic planning and organizational development, regularly evaluating program effectiveness and financial performance.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards, operational accountability, and legal compliance, maintaining public trust and organizational integrity.

Qualifications

• Proven success in fundraising and donor stewardship, with a strong track record of diversifying funding sources, including individual giving, events, grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships. Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Extensive senior leadership expertise in strategic planning, board engagement, change management, team collaboration, and talent development.
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational growth, leveraging data-informed strategies to implement innovative programs and expand impact.
• Strong fiscal management, including budget development, oversight, and financial accountability.
• Track record of building effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and individual supporters.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen deeply, connect authentically, and inspire stakeholders.
• Highly empathetic and diplomatic, demonstrating sound judgment, tact, and professionalism in all internal and external interactions.