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Job Description

The William A. Harrison Jr. Foundation is accepting applications for an Executive Director opening. The Foundation is a Virginia-based animal welfare organization working to raise funds and awareness to keep animals with their families, strengthen smaller animal welfare nonprofits and build a sustainable, reliable hub that unites the animal welfare community. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader with a passion for animal welfare and community engagement. 


WAHJF’s founder and CEO, Bill Harrison, has served as the organization’s CEO and plans to transition fully out of the day-to-day operations by January 2028. The incoming Executive Director will assume the organizational leadership, fundraising and external relations responsibilities that Bill has held, working with him during an extended transition period to ensure continuity of donor relationships, community partnerships and institutional knowledge. The Board of Directors, which is also being strengthened during this period, will remain involved during this transition.


As the Executive Director, you will serve as the chief leader and manager for the William A. Harrison Jr. Foundation. You will oversee daily operations, financial health, talent recruitment for board and skilled committees, and supporting organization-wide fundraising and grant-making. You will provide strategic vision and operational expertise to drive the nonprofit’s growth and mission impact for animal welfare across Virginia.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Development 
• Program and Public Relations
• Human Resources and Management
• Board of Directors
• Budgeting and Compliance 
What we’re ideally looking for in you:
• You have > five years of nonprofit management or executive-level experience, with a record of successful operational, management, financial, and fundraising leadership.
• You have strong communications skills, with experience serving as a public-facing organizational representative.
• You have a demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners and civic stakeholders;
• You have experience working with or reporting to a nonprofit board of directors. 
• You have financial fluency with budgeting, audit, and reporting standards.
• You have a passion for animal welfare and community engagement.
• You are proficient in nonprofit technology platforms for finance, fundraising, and volunteer management.
• You have a sense of humor and can contribute to a positive work environment.
• You should have experience creating and managing budgets and organizational finances;
• You have experience with and comfort with working with staff, board members, volunteers and/or other stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and demographics.
Details:
• The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000, depending on experience level, with a benefits package.
• Candidates must be based in (or willing to move to) the Richmond, VA area. 
• This is a hybrid role; the travel expectations are roughly 25%. 
• You will report to our Board Chair and Board Executive Committee.
• You will supervise our General Manager of Furbish Thrift. We plan to hire an executive assistant shortly after filling the Executive Director position. 
• Relocation assistance is possible for candidates moving from outside the region.
To apply, please visit our website. Let us know where you heard about the job. WAHJF is partnering with Rooted Edge Consulting on this search.
 

This is a full time job

Contact Information

Job Contact Details

Sarah Marini Lessin
Senior Recruiter

Closing Date: Monday, December 28, 2026

Posting Date:

Closing Date: