POSITION GUIDE
POSITION:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ORGANIZATION:
Western Pennsylvania Humane Society
(www.wpahumane.org)
LOCATION:
1001 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
REPORTS TO:
Board of Directors
MISSION
The mission of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society is to provide the most
comprehensive, compassionate and humane services to enhance the lives of companion
animals for families and the community; to educate and to prevent cruelty of all animals in the
region they serve.
BACKGROUND
The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society was established in 1874 to prevent cruelty to
animals, children and the elderly. Today WPHS embraces an ‘Open Door Mission’ and cares
for every pet in need, upwards of 6,000 annually. WPHS is constantly revising and improving
its strategies in order to meet the challenges of caring for and finding homes for every
adoptable pet that comes through its doors.
In addition to adopting approximately 4,000 animals a year, WPHS has numerous programs
and services it offers the residents of Pittsburgh including:

The Silver Society, which adopts senior dogs, “Senior Muzzles” and senior cats and
rabbits, “Senior Whiskers”.


The Veterans Program, which allows veterans to adopt pets free of charge as well
as free obedience training classes. Reduced rates are also given to the vets at the
Wellness Clinic.
Ellie’s Pet Pantry provides the low-income pet owner with free food for their animals.
WPHS is also instrumental in providing cruelty investigations through its Humane
Investigations department. This highly regarded department has recently assisted in a number
of high-level abuse and neglect cases.
Further, WPHS is working in conjunction with the State Legislature to pass significant animal
welfare laws. They sit at the table with the congressmen to lobby and petition to have
proposed new laws not only heard but also passed.
The Wellness Clinic provides basic veterinary care to the public’s animals on an appointment
basis. There is no income level necessary to utilize the services of the Clinic. Most routine
procedures are performed through the Clinic as well as laboratory tests and treatments.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The WPHS is at a time in its history when it needs stability and strong leadership. The Board
is poised to begin a strategic planning process and in fact is ready to mount this task as soon
as the new Executive Director is hired. The outcome of this process will be a unified vision for
the future that results in WPHS regaining its position as the animal welfare leader in the
Pittsburgh area. Therefore, the new executive will have the opportunity of working with the
Board to set the future goals and opportunities as one of his/her first assignments.
The animal welfare community in Pittsburgh has many components from shelters to rescue
groups to spay/neuter organizations. While there is competition for the donor dollar with
agencies performing many of the same services, there is an opportunity to raise awareness of
WPHS and clearly outline its differences, strengths and valuable programs. Currently WPHS
is recognized for the exceptional enrichment programs that are in place for animals in their
care, as well as a strong humane education program and increasingly, the leadership role that
WPHS is taking around animal welfare advocacy and policy.
The Board and staff are committed to identifying a leader who brings strong managerial and
strategic experience to this very well known and reputable animal welfare organization. A key
priority is to put in place a leader who will embrace not only WPHS but Pittsburgh as well and
to position WPHS for the future.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the oversight of
WPHS, which includes administration of all programs and services of the organization. The
Executive Director is responsible for the strategic processes of the organization, managing and
developing a talented paid staff of 60 employees and a volunteer staff of over 400 people; and
overseeing a $4 million budget and endowment of approximately $7 million. The Executive
Director supervises 4 direct reports.
The Executive Director will assist the Board in the development of the overall strategic
direction of WPHS. This individual will be responsible for the overall management and
operation of WPHS in compliance with Board-adopted policies and with all applicable local,
state, and federal regulations and laws. The Executive Director is expected to be a leader and
play a key role in initiating and maintaining community relationships and securing the operating
and endowment funds necessary to sustain current and future operations. A key attribute of
the new Executive Director is that they must be a strong fundraiser, be able to foster and
develop new relationships with foundations, individual donors and the corporate community
and also to maintain strong ties with WPHS’s existing constituents and donor base. Further,
this person needs to be innovative and creative in marketing WPHS.
CORE COMPETENCIES
LEADERSHIP
In conjunction with the Board, provide vision and direction for the future growth of programs,
policies and procedures at WPHS. In collaboration with the Board, provide support in all its
activities; suggest direction toward the achievement of the WPHS mission, philosophy, and
strategy; provide guidance, stability, support and collaboration to a staff of talented
professionals; and implement Board driven long-range and strategic plans to ensure that the
goals and objectives of WPHS are successfully achieved. Collaboration with other humane
agencies in Pittsburgh as well as throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond
is an important element of WPHS’s mission.
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Work with the Board to (a) foster long-term relationships with new donors, including
individuals, corporations and especially foundations, (b) continue and enhance the support of
WPHS’s existing donor base, and (c) address and nurture past relationships with major
donors. Evaluate the department to ensure that it has the needed professional staff to assist in
all development activities. Establish a planned giving program to raise gifts to strengthen and
add to the financial security of the WPHS endowment. Develop new, creative fundraising
opportunities with staff in order to secure WPHS’ financial position.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Oversee the WPHS budget and business plans and ensure sound fiscal management and
capital allocation. Maintain and implement fiscal policies and procedures in accordance with
Board directives. Oversee and guide the policies for the investment of fiscal resources for the
organization so as to achieve reasonable returns.
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Guarantee that staff is well informed of decisions that affect them and the agency and ensure
that those policies are explained and communicated clearly and concisely. Develop and
implement procedures to ensure good management, administrative and fiscal practices;
ensure that staff understands the vision and direction of WPHS and that in return they will be
able to develop and mature in their roles and responsibilities; lead by example and maintain
the highest professional standards and practices for WPHS. Review shelter departments and
responsibilities of department heads to ensure that each is adequately staffed with the
necessary experience level professional to achieve optimal success.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Serve as a spokesperson for WPHS and effectively represent its goals and mission to
individuals, private foundations, government leaders, the media, sponsors and donors in order
to attract the widest interest and support. Ensure that WPHS is represented locally, regionally
and nationally at coalitions, membership organizations and other humane field associations.
Help develop the WPHS legislative agenda and collaborate as necessary in order to promote
animal welfare initiatives.
PROGRAM AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT
Establish short range objectives and work plans, research and evaluate potential programs for
the WPHS in consultation with other staff, based on Board-approved strategic plans and goals;
develop and implement new programmatic activities and capitalize on new opportunities for
new service areas.
THE PROFILE
We seek a highly experienced leader with a demonstrated vision and passion for the humane
and ethical treatment of animals. A successful track record of strong innovative and inclusive
leadership that will facilitate open communication to harmonize staff, the Board and the other
constituents with whom he/she will interface is sought.
Demonstrated accomplishments in fundraising and financial management of a multi-million
dollar budget are needed. Experience in a senior leadership role where he/she has either
reported directly to or worked closely with a Board of Directors is expected. The ideal
candidate will bring strong and successful leadership of an animal welfare/control agency or
other nonprofit organization if there is a demonstrated level of both passion for and
involvement with an animal welfare organization. The person we seek should demonstrate a
balance between creative thinking and management acumen as well as the ability to assess
and maintain policies and procedures for building an organization. The candidate should excel
in planning, forecasting and determining courses of action.
We seek an exceptional communicator who can demonstrate a successful background in
external relations. This person will welcome and respect the multiple perspectives and groups
that demonstrate an active interest in animal welfare. This individual has demonstrated
success in building and sustaining coalitions toward the achievement of goals. The candidate
should also demonstrate an ability to address situational confrontation presented by issues
faced by the WPHS.
An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit enterprise, including a
background of good budget management, is necessary. Personnel management skills that
include an ability to work collaboratively, listen, provide feedback, build morale, delegate, “roll
up one’s sleeves” and make decisions are essential. The candidate should be motivated by the
best interests of the organization, demonstrate success managing change, and be an
exemplary manager of financial, capital and human resources.
An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university is required; a graduate degree
is preferred. Evidence of a passionate commitment to the proper care of all animals is strongly
recommended. CAWA credential is helpful.
For more information, contact:
Jane M. Luiso, Vice President
Rhyan Zweifler, President
Noetic Search
Noetic Search
Mobile: 312-952-1901
Mobile: 312-497-0052
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]