Chief Executive Officer - Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County
Vero Beach
Full Time
Executive
MISSION
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, FL, Inc. makes a better community for its people and animals by:
HSVB is governed by an 18 person board comprised of dedicated business and community leaders. The current operating budget is approximately $5.5M. Seventy-six percent of the operation revenue comes from private donations, fundraising activities, and revenues from Thrift Shops. Additional earned revenue sources include adoption fees and clinic service fees. A portion of the annual operating budget is paid by Indian River County, as HSVB serves as the County’s animal sheltering service provider.
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") is a separate nonprofit corporation. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to manage funds given by donors for long-term investment. Income of the Foundation is distributable to the shelter unless restricted. The Foundation’s Board is comprised of five members of the HSVB Board as well as others and manages approximately $9M in assets and allocates on average $450,000 annually.
In 2023, the shelter cared for 3,864 animals, facilitated 2,144 adoptions and 562 family reunifications, achieving a save rate of 95%. All HSVB employees and volunteers are fear free certified and uphold the Five Freedoms.
Programs and services including adoption, wildlife rescue, a pet care clinic and pet support to help families keep their animals during times of need. The shelter takes in every healthy or treatable and safe pet and makes sure they are well taken care of with daily enrichment and behavior modification training when necessary. The goal is to find loving homes for all the pets in the shelter’s care. Since 2020, HSVB has met or exceeded 90% live release rate —meeting “no-kill” qualifications.
The community health clinic is a donor and grant subsidized service, it has the potential to provide the community with affordable, accessible, high-quality medical care for dogs and cats. Providing low-cost spay/neuter programs has resulted in reducing pet overpopulation. The clinic serves owned pets, community cats, HSVB shelter and adoptable pets, and rescue partners.
Pet help resources help keep pets with their families and include: pet resources assistance, a pet food pantry, reclaim fee forgiveness, a pet care assistance program, behavior and training along with eviction/crisis boarding. Additionally, HSVB offers a lost pet reunification service and supports pet rehoming. Beyond caring for companion animals, HSVB also provides shelter and care for farm animals and wildlife.
THE OPPORTUNITY
HSVB enjoys a positive reputation within the community, Florida and nationally and is recognized as one of the top five nonprofit organizations in the area. The organization celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023, as a progressive, best practice organization.
With Board enthusiasm for change and innovation, the new Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to assess and enhance, where needed, all operations, procedures and policies to ensure that they are the most up-to-date and best in class. Additionally, with Board guidance and in partnership with the staff, there is an interest in developing and implementing new programming focusing on community engagement, considering the needs of pet owners and keeping pets with their families, to enhance health and well-being of the community’s animals.
Vero Beach is considered a philanthropic community. There is an opportunity to increase both the organization’s visibility among key donors and to generally broaden the base of support resulting in increased financial gains. The new leader will work with the Board of Directors to increase both the visibility of the organization and its donor base. Engaging more individual donors at all levels, particularly at the major gifts level, is critical to sustain the organization, regardless of any future growth goals. Securing five and six-figure multi-year gifts is desired. Engaging with the Board to build a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization will enable a stronger fundraising case.
Earned revenue comprises about 25% of the operating budget with the two thrift stores bringing in the most revenue. There is a desire to continue to grow store profits. The public clinic is an essential asset to the community and generates earned income. Like all animal welfare organizations, recruiting and retaining veterinarians is needed to increase the services offered and therefore raise overall revenue is an ongoing need. Hiring additional veterinarians and expanding the Miriam D. Oberkotter Clinic could create more profitability. Recruiting, training and retaining staff and volunteers will be needed to continue to scale the organization and keep pace with demand for services.
Ensuring that programming continues to elevate the importance of the human animal bond is a core focus going forward. This will require building partnerships with a range of organizations that support all people with pets, especially people that are historically marginalized and under-served.
Focusing on community support to reserve space in the shelter for the animals who most critically need it, while keeping families together, is a key driver for HSVB.
An ambitious master plan, developed in 2021, focuses on maximizing the 36 acres owned by HSVB, creating a campus that encourages people to come visit for community, nature and to best care for animals. As more funds are raised, HSVB will be able to put this plan into action.
The opportunity now exists for an externally facing, relationship builder and strong business leader to carry forward a fiscally and operationally strong organization, build its visibility, and raise unrestricted funds resulting in continued growth.
THE POSITION
HSVB is seeking a dynamic leader with a commitment to its mission, goals, and values to be its next CEO. The ideal candidate will bring a solid history of managing operations and finances, creating and implementing strategic planning, partnering with a Board, and staff development, as well as possess solid experience in fostering the growth of a sustainable organization. The CEO will be a fundraising advocate who is able to build upon HSVBF’s past successes and provide a strong vision for its future.
The CEO will oversee HSVB’s administration, operations, programs, and funding. Reporting to the President and working closely with the Board, the CEO must have the capacity to articulate a vision, present it to the Board, and build consensus around organizational goals and objectives. They will have an entrepreneurial spirit and a big-picture mindset, be adept at building programs that will involve and energize the community and donors, and be a passionate advocate for the rescue, transport, training, and protection of the health and well- being of animals in HSVB’s care.
Specific Responsibilities
All candidates should have proven leadership, fundraising, and management experience as well as:
$120,000 - $150,000 plus current benefits including 75% coverage of health care cost, 403(b) with 3% match, and paid time off. Relocation assistance including temporary housing, if needed, will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please submit a current resume and cover letter. For more information, visit www.noeticexsearch.com or www.hsvb.org.
Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, FL, Inc. makes a better community for its people and animals by:
- Providing humane care and shelter for homeless animals.
- Placing adoptable pets in permanent loving homes.
- Promoting spaying and neutering of companion animals.
- Promoting responsible pet ownership and respect for all life through humane education.
- Protecting animals from cruelty.
- Pledging to be advocates for animal protection.
BACKGROUND
For seven decades, Humane Society of Vero Beach (“HSVB”) has been dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the community. The mission is to provide compassionate care, shelter, and advocacy for animals, while also promoting responsible pet ownership through education and outreach. They have helped thousands of animals find loving homes, provided low-cost spay/neuter services to reduce pet overpopulation, offered humane education programs to inspire the next generation of animal advocates and focused on public policy that benefits pets and their forever families. Ensuring that forever families have the resources they need to keep their pets safe and at home has led to a focus on caring for the people that care for the animals. HSVB is governed by an 18 person board comprised of dedicated business and community leaders. The current operating budget is approximately $5.5M. Seventy-six percent of the operation revenue comes from private donations, fundraising activities, and revenues from Thrift Shops. Additional earned revenue sources include adoption fees and clinic service fees. A portion of the annual operating budget is paid by Indian River County, as HSVB serves as the County’s animal sheltering service provider.
The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") is a separate nonprofit corporation. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to manage funds given by donors for long-term investment. Income of the Foundation is distributable to the shelter unless restricted. The Foundation’s Board is comprised of five members of the HSVB Board as well as others and manages approximately $9M in assets and allocates on average $450,000 annually.
In 2023, the shelter cared for 3,864 animals, facilitated 2,144 adoptions and 562 family reunifications, achieving a save rate of 95%. All HSVB employees and volunteers are fear free certified and uphold the Five Freedoms.
Programs and services including adoption, wildlife rescue, a pet care clinic and pet support to help families keep their animals during times of need. The shelter takes in every healthy or treatable and safe pet and makes sure they are well taken care of with daily enrichment and behavior modification training when necessary. The goal is to find loving homes for all the pets in the shelter’s care. Since 2020, HSVB has met or exceeded 90% live release rate —meeting “no-kill” qualifications.
The community health clinic is a donor and grant subsidized service, it has the potential to provide the community with affordable, accessible, high-quality medical care for dogs and cats. Providing low-cost spay/neuter programs has resulted in reducing pet overpopulation. The clinic serves owned pets, community cats, HSVB shelter and adoptable pets, and rescue partners.
Pet help resources help keep pets with their families and include: pet resources assistance, a pet food pantry, reclaim fee forgiveness, a pet care assistance program, behavior and training along with eviction/crisis boarding. Additionally, HSVB offers a lost pet reunification service and supports pet rehoming. Beyond caring for companion animals, HSVB also provides shelter and care for farm animals and wildlife.
ABOUT VERO BEACH
Vero Beach is the county seat of Indian River County. In 2021 the population was approximately 164,000. Located between Melbourne, FL and West Palm Beach, FL, Vero Beach has its own airport and is only 43 miles from the Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, FL. With its beautiful coastal location, Vero Beach is considered one of the best small towns in America and has activities for every member of the family. Whether you enjoy golfing on one of its 13 courses, visiting the Vero Beach Museum of Art or McKee Botanical Gardens or even snorkeling for sunken treasures, Vero Beach has activities for every interest.
HSVB enjoys a positive reputation within the community, Florida and nationally and is recognized as one of the top five nonprofit organizations in the area. The organization celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023, as a progressive, best practice organization.
With Board enthusiasm for change and innovation, the new Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to assess and enhance, where needed, all operations, procedures and policies to ensure that they are the most up-to-date and best in class. Additionally, with Board guidance and in partnership with the staff, there is an interest in developing and implementing new programming focusing on community engagement, considering the needs of pet owners and keeping pets with their families, to enhance health and well-being of the community’s animals.
Vero Beach is considered a philanthropic community. There is an opportunity to increase both the organization’s visibility among key donors and to generally broaden the base of support resulting in increased financial gains. The new leader will work with the Board of Directors to increase both the visibility of the organization and its donor base. Engaging more individual donors at all levels, particularly at the major gifts level, is critical to sustain the organization, regardless of any future growth goals. Securing five and six-figure multi-year gifts is desired. Engaging with the Board to build a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization will enable a stronger fundraising case.
Earned revenue comprises about 25% of the operating budget with the two thrift stores bringing in the most revenue. There is a desire to continue to grow store profits. The public clinic is an essential asset to the community and generates earned income. Like all animal welfare organizations, recruiting and retaining veterinarians is needed to increase the services offered and therefore raise overall revenue is an ongoing need. Hiring additional veterinarians and expanding the Miriam D. Oberkotter Clinic could create more profitability. Recruiting, training and retaining staff and volunteers will be needed to continue to scale the organization and keep pace with demand for services.
Ensuring that programming continues to elevate the importance of the human animal bond is a core focus going forward. This will require building partnerships with a range of organizations that support all people with pets, especially people that are historically marginalized and under-served.
Focusing on community support to reserve space in the shelter for the animals who most critically need it, while keeping families together, is a key driver for HSVB.
An ambitious master plan, developed in 2021, focuses on maximizing the 36 acres owned by HSVB, creating a campus that encourages people to come visit for community, nature and to best care for animals. As more funds are raised, HSVB will be able to put this plan into action.
The opportunity now exists for an externally facing, relationship builder and strong business leader to carry forward a fiscally and operationally strong organization, build its visibility, and raise unrestricted funds resulting in continued growth.
THE POSITION
HSVB is seeking a dynamic leader with a commitment to its mission, goals, and values to be its next CEO. The ideal candidate will bring a solid history of managing operations and finances, creating and implementing strategic planning, partnering with a Board, and staff development, as well as possess solid experience in fostering the growth of a sustainable organization. The CEO will be a fundraising advocate who is able to build upon HSVBF’s past successes and provide a strong vision for its future.
The CEO will oversee HSVB’s administration, operations, programs, and funding. Reporting to the President and working closely with the Board, the CEO must have the capacity to articulate a vision, present it to the Board, and build consensus around organizational goals and objectives. They will have an entrepreneurial spirit and a big-picture mindset, be adept at building programs that will involve and energize the community and donors, and be a passionate advocate for the rescue, transport, training, and protection of the health and well- being of animals in HSVB’s care.
Specific Responsibilities
- In partnership with the Board, provide leadership for HSVB maintaining its position as the lead organization in animal rescue
- Direct the operations of the organization, including the management and efficiency of its day-to-day workings, as well as administrative policies and procedures
- Manage and develop staff within a culture of collaboration, openness, and inclusivity
- Oversee recruitment and hiring of staff
- Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Board with timely and regular communications
- Engage the Board in meaningful participation that will boost a culture of fundraising, support, and engagement
- Together with staff, Board, and key stakeholders, extend the organization’s reach into new communities by building relationships and collaborations with peer organizations
- Maintain financial oversight including annual budgets and quarterly financial reports; set long- and short-term financial goals and expectations
- Lead the design, implementation, and refinement of HSVB’s programs and services
- Develop and manage a multi-faceted fundraising strategy that includes creative, as well as traditional, funding strategies, techniques, and approaches as well as training and developing a donor relations team
- Serve as public face and spokesperson for HSVB in the community and among diverse constituencies
- Work with the marketing/communications staff to implement strategic reporting to stakeholders that effectively conveys the mission, vision, and goals of HSVB
- Oversee the operations and budget of the HSVB thrift store
All candidates should have proven leadership, fundraising, and management experience as well as:
- Eight (8) or more years of senior non-profit management experience
- The ability to provide visionary and credible leadership and advocacy for HSVB to ensure its continued excellence and the provision of quality programs and services
- Fundraising skills with proven success in the role of securing individual gifts, seeking corporate support, and overseeing grantmaking, fundraising events, and donor campaigns
- Entrepreneurial and innovative leadership skills that demonstrate success in growing an organization while providing support of daily operations
- Solid experience working with and supporting a Board of directors, including Board development and governance
- Experience maintaining a financially stable and sustainable organization including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to form strategic relationships both internally and externally, including with a highly committed and active board
- The ability to work collaboratively with staff, fostering collegiality and a positive work culture
- Demonstrated success in working with a committed volunteer pool, as well as facilitating collaboration and cooperation among diverse groups
- Superior organizational skills with the proven ability to focus, prioritize and implement as well as address and solve problems as they arise
- Exceptional oral and written communications abilities, including persuasive presentation skills to reach diverse audiences
- Highest levels of integrity and professionalism
- Deep, personal commitment to the mission and vision of HSVB
- If not already knowledgeable, a willingness to learn about the challenges of companion animal rescue and adoption, delivering quality medical services to animals, as well as the issues that affect pets and their caregivers in the home
- Ability to work on nights and weekends, must be willing to live in or near Vero Beach.
$120,000 - $150,000 plus current benefits including 75% coverage of health care cost, 403(b) with 3% match, and paid time off. Relocation assistance including temporary housing, if needed, will be provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search. Please submit a current resume and cover letter. For more information, visit www.noeticexsearch.com or www.hsvb.org.
Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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