Executive Director

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA)

Job Description

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) seeks an exceptional and compassionate leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

Celebrating over 150 years, the MSSPA is dedicated to the rehabilitation and rehoming of equines who have suffered abuse and neglect. As the Executive Director, you will lead a dedicated team and vibrant volunteer corps, oversee a state-of-the-art facility, and execute a bold five-year strategic plan.

*The Role*
The Executive Director provides both strategic leadership and hands-on operational oversight for the Society. Serving as the organization’s primary spokesperson, this role advances animal welfare policy in Maine and oversees fundraising efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the mission.

*Key Responsibilities:*
Equine Welfare: Oversee day-to-day shelter operations, ensuring the highest standards of care, rehabilitation, and rehoming for all equines.
Strategic Leadership: Execute the organization’s strategic plan and manage the growth of its programs, endowment, and influence.
Fundraising & Fiscal Oversight: Ensure sufficient funding by overseeing donor cultivation, grants, and fundraising activities to meet the annual budget requirements and capital needs.
Community Advocacy: Represent the MSSPA to the public, the Maine horse community, and state/municipal decision-makers to influence animal welfare policy.
Team Management: Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive environment for professional staff and dedicated volunteers, while ensuring full compliance with all applicable employment laws and best practices.

*Qualifications*
Equine Passion: Deep knowledge of equine care and a genuine heart for horse welfare.
Leadership Experience: Proven track record in nonprofit management, ideally within animal welfare or similar environment.
Communication Mastery: Exceptional public speaking and written skills; ability to navigate political and community relationships with diplomacy and tact.
Financial Acumen: Experience in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, endowment oversight, and ensuring accurate, timely tax filings. Strong ability to understand and clearly communicate Form 990 and other key financial documents to board and stakeholders.
Fundraising Success: Demonstrated ability to cultivate major gifts and steward donor relationships. Experience with donor database systems is required; familiarity with eTapestry or comparable donor management software is strongly preferred.
Local Insight: Familiarity with Maine’s animal welfare landscape and challenges, along with working knowledge of applicable animal welfare laws and enforcement processes, is preferred.
Education/Experience: BS/BA degree, 5+ years experience, graduate or specialized training degree/certification preferred.

*Compensation & Benefits*
Salary: $85,000 – $115,000 (negotiable based on experience).
Time Off: 4 weeks of paid time off per year.
Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare and insurance benefits package.

*How to Apply*
If you are a resourceful, strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and ready to guide our organization into its next chapter, we encourage you to apply. Applications accepted through March 31. Send resume and introduction cover letter (in one PDF) to: President, Board of Directors at jen@phoenixnpc.com.

The MSSPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.