Open Position: Executive Director
The first round of interviews will take place September 4, 2026. Please submit your applications by August 29, 2026 for consideration.
About Us
Kitten Rescue of Mason County is a locally founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Shelton, Washington that is funded through grants and private donations. The rescue was established in 1999. It is currently the only dedicated cat rescue in Mason County. We operate a shelter, run a foster program, trap neuter release program, and provide education to the local community about how to care for cats and kittens.
Mission
Kitten Rescue of Mason County strives to reduce the number of abandoned and unwanted kittens and cats by adopting them to loving homes and by promoting spay/neuter programs to stop the cycle of overpopulation and neglect.
Position Description
The Executive Director of Kitten Rescue has overall strategic and operational responsibility for Kitten Rescue’s staff, volunteers, programs, expansion, and execution of the organization’s mission. The Executive Director is a seasoned, effective, and compassionate leader who is deeply committed to the mission of Kitten Rescue. They are a respectful, fair, and capable manager of staff and volunteers, able to inspire others through clear, thoughtful communication, and strong emotional intelligence. The Executive Director brings demonstrated leadership experience within the animal rights, protection, and sanctuary or shelter sectors.
Reports to: Board of Directors
Responsibilities & Duties
The Executive Director’s primary duties include organizational leadership, coordinating with the Board on fundraising, fiscal management, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Develop and implement strategies to fulfill Kitten Rescue’s mission and ensure compliance with all internal policies.
Lead Kitten Rescue in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to establish consistency in the operations of Kitten Rescue.
Monitor and review the timely completion of animal related paperwork, records related to adoptions, medical care, fosters, claims, bite reports, police records, lost/found, veterinarian care, and other miscellaneous paperwork.
Provide leadership and direction in training employees and volunteers on the proper ways to provide animal care and customer service (including cleaning, feeding, adoptions, reclaims, citizens turning animals into the shelter (owned and stray), euthanasia, and visitors to the shelter).
Ensure all animals are handled safely and humanely, including difficult to handle and potentially dangerous animals, and that staff and volunteers are properly trained.
Establish regular, consistent, and clear communication of shelter changes, changes to SOPs, etc. as necessary and applicable. Ensure that these communications reach all staff and volunteers in a timely fashion.
Ensure that Kitten Rescue meets the highest standards in stewarding its financial and other resources.
Provide inspirational and motivational leadership for this organization, which is made up of passionate and committed staff and volunteers.
Advance and embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) into Kitten Rescue’s culture and all organizational structures and activities.
Personally responsible for the well-being of the animals in the care of Kitten Rescue.
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Protect the fiscal integrity of Kitten Rescue, including assuring that Kitten Rescue operates within the annual budget approved by the Board, maintain a positive financial position for the organization, take proactive and quick response measures against financial challenges as they arise, and ensure Kitten Rescue’s long-term financial health to support its mission.
Work with staff and the Board to ensure compliance with all state and federal nonprofit-related laws, including tax, business, and employment laws.
Foster and maintain donor relations.
Assist and include the Board and the Fundraising committee with fundraising events, community events, grants, and in other activities that may arise related to fundraising.
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Provide full oversight and direction of animal care and Kitten Rescue programs.
Fully comprehend and always respect Kitten Rescue’s mission, volunteers, staff, the community at large, and supporters.
Lead the Kitten Rescue team to fulfill our organizational mission through first-rate animal care, educational programs, community outreach, and strategic planning.
Be active and visible in the community and work closely with other sanctuaries, civic organizations, and private organizations to enhance the image of Kitten Rescue and its mission.
Serve as the primary spokesperson with staff, volunteers, supporters, the media, and the public.
Externally, serve as an ambassador to Kitten Rescue’s vision, mission, and values.
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Collaborate and partner closely with the Board to deliver on organizational goals and priorities.
In coordination with the Board President, lead the reporting and activities of the Board of Directors.
Provide relevant, accurate, and timely updates and information to the Board.
Establish relationships with and steward members of the Board to contribute their skills, expertise, and knowledge to benefit Kitten Rescue’s work.
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Oversee the hiring and retention of staff as approved in the annual budget and bring staffing changes and needs immediately to the Board so it can be reviewed and assessed.
Provide leadership opportunities and professional development opportunities to staff and volunteers.
Ensure the volunteer program is managed by a suitable lead, who will retain and expand volunteers for program needs.
Effectively delegates tasks and responsibilities to others to ensure efficient workflow and productivity.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate demonstrates a deep understanding of and passion for Kitten Rescue’s mission and values, as well as the following qualifications:
Intermediate knowledge of shelter medicine and understanding of veterinary care is mandatory. This position needs to be able to communicate clearly with veterinary staff.
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant leadership and management experience is mandatory; more years of experience is preferred. Further, candidates with direct with animal welfare experience are preferred.
Certifications, Educational Degrees, and other similar or relevant animal welfare, and leadership and management credentials are strongly preferred.
Experience with operating a shelter, TNR program, and foster coordinator is preferred.
Knowledge of and experience in the animal rights or protection field, preferably within a sanctuary or shelter setting, is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in achieving strategic objectives and managing a budget is preferred.
Demonstrated management skills in human resources, employee and volunteer management and development, are preferred. The ideal candidate is an effective team builder, with a strong commitment to collaborative and team-oriented management.
Experience with fundraising and proven track record raising significant funds is preferred.
Experience in program development and management and ability to adapt programs to reflect social and political needs is preferred.
Proficiency with relevant technical suites, including Microsoft Office, ShelterManager, and Google applications is required.
Experience working in partnership with, and being accountable to, an engaged Board of Directors.
A highly consultative and collaborative approach to leadership, including exceptional listening skills and a focus on creative solutions.
Candidate must hold a valid drivers license.
Candidate must agree to a background, which will take place during the interview process.
In addition, the ideal candidate:
Is an inclusive, and purpose-driven leader who authentically and effectively models and advances Kitten Rescue’s mission and values.
Is a respectful, clear, and consistent communicator.
Is humble, passionate, and a person of integrity, who inspires trust.
Is an open-minded listener who seeks and values a range of viewpoints but is also comfortable making a final decision.
Possesses a high level of emotional intelligence, flexibility, and intuitive relationship management skills.
Possesses solid knowledge of, and has demonstrated their heart for the animal rights/welfare, shelter, and sanctuary sector.
Has the ability to easily convey Kitten Rescue’s successes and opportunities with passion and intensity in both formal and informal situations.
Offers strong management of conflict and conflicting views and has the ability to be clear minded in a state of ambiguity.
Is an authentic, honest, and ethical person as evidenced by how they live day to day, treat others, and operate in the animal rights, protection, sanctuary, or shelter realm.
Is patient, persistent, and resilient: can hold onto a vision or desired outcome regardless of obstacles, coupled with the ability to change tactics and approaches, when necessary.
Working hours
Currently the shelter operates with two shifts each day 7 days a week - AM shift and PM shift. Shifts are mainly staffed by volunteers, with some paid staff. The incumbent will start as a working position but the incumbent can organize and direct the work differently and as appropriate over time.
Annual Salary - Inquire
Submit Your Application
Application Instructions
In order to apply for the KRMC Executive Director position, you must submit the following documents:
Cover Letter describing your qualifications and how they meet KR needs.
Resume
3 professional references from related fields - name, relationship, email and phone.
Include proof of the relevant certifications, degrees, etc. in your application. Photocopy is fine.
Name, phone number, and email
Documents can be submitted through the form below (preferred), or to the KRMC Board directly at lanamg10@gmail.com.
The first round of interviews will take place September 4, 2026. Please submit your applications by August 29, 2026 for consideration.