Executive Director
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas
Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief fundraiser, strategic leader, and public ambassador for PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization through donor development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, and major gift cultivation.
The Board seeks a relationship-driven leader with a proven ability to secure philanthropic support, engage high-capacity donors, and inspire investment in PAWS' mission. The successful candidate will spend a significant portion of their time building and strengthening relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders while providing strategic oversight of shelter operations and staff.
This is an opportunity for an experienced fundraiser and nonprofit leader to help shape the future of one of Central Texas' longest-serving no-kill animal shelters during a critical period of growth, financial stabilization, and community impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Serve as the organization's chief fundraiser and primary external ambassador.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective donors and supporters.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies focused on increasing unrestricted revenue and long-term sustainability.
• Expand major gift, planned giving, sponsorship, grant, and donor stewardship programs.
• Lead fundraising events, donor engagement opportunities, and community outreach initiatives.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors.
• Establish meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals, community leaders, businesses, and philanthropic organizations throughout Central Texas.
• Track fundraising performance and implement strategies to increase donor acquisition, retention, and lifetime giving.
• Provide transparent, mission-driven leadership across all functions of the organization.
• Support and develop a cohesive and empowered leadership team.
• Ensure sound financial management through budgeting, forecasting, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Oversee shelter operations and organizational performance while maintaining focus on strategic growth and sustainability.
• Champion a positive workplace culture that supports collaboration, accountability, and staff well-being.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to advance organizational priorities and strategic goals.
• Represent the organization with integrity, humility, and purpose.
• Lead emergency response efforts during critical incidents such as natural disasters, animal cruelty cases, or large-scale seizures and serve as a visible spokesperson when needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 5+ years of progressive senior leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, sponsorships, grants, and fundraising revenue in a nonprofit environment, with a track record of personally cultivating and closing donor relationships.
• Experience leading donor development, community engagement, and revenue diversification efforts.
• Inherent passion for animal welfare and willingness to be hands-on in support of the shelter's mission.
• Experience overseeing organizational budgets of $1M+; experience with budgets over $5M preferred.
• Strong financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership skills.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Strong change-management capabilities and ability to lead through organizational transition.
• Excellent public speaking, relationship-building, and community engagement skills.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn animal shelter operations and clinic management.
• Deep appreciation for the emotional complexity of shelter work and the importance of staff morale.
This is a full time job
Contact Information
Job Contact Details
Closing Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
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