“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEWPAWS is the beating heart of the Northwest animal community. Since 1967, PAWS has united more than 130,000 homeless cats and dogs with loving families, cared for 115,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and made the world a better place for countless others through advocacy and education. With 70 employees during the busy (baby) season, over 1000 volunteers and an approximately $5 million budget, PAWS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Whether home is the family room or the forest, PAWS is dedicated to helping dogs, cats and wild animals in need heal, go home and thrive.

PAWS boasts over 10,000 donors and is a place of pride in Greater Seattle. PAWS’ greatest strength is the passion of its team and dedicated expert staff, Board and community supporters. The organization is unique in the U.S. in its combination of services to companion and wild animals, combined with robust educational programs. PAWS is part of a network of organizations nationwide who work together to save companion animals who are languishing in overcrowded shelters, have been the victims of abuse, or are displaced by natural disaster.

This is a moment of great change for the organization. The current physical location is not sufficient to support its dedicated staff in the timely and efficient delivery of its full range of services. In order to continue to expand its impact and provide even more effective services to both companion animals and wildlife, PAWS is moving to a new campus. The beautiful new campus will sit on 25 acres and provide space to meet the organization’s current and future goals. The site has been acquired and a Capital Campaign is underway. The campaign has already achieved over 70 percent of its fundraising goal with the public phase yet to be initiated.

Chief Executive Officer

In addition to the planned physical move, the long-time leader of the organization is retiring in August. The Board and staff are excited by the opportunities and challenges that these significant changes present and are in search of a charismatic, engaging, dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the team, serve as the face of PAWS, and steward this well-respected organization into its next phase of growth. This position will be critical in our community to bring together people to ensure animals are respected, safe and have a voice.

PAWS’ MISSIONPAWS is a champion for animals—rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.

PAWS’ VISIONPAWS envisions a world where all people recognize the intrinsic value of animals and consistently make choices that demonstrate compassion and respect.

ROLE OVERVIEWThe CEO of PAWS reports to the Board of Directors and has primary responsibility for the leadership, operational effectiveness, fiscal integrity and stability of PAWS. The CEO personifies the mission of PAWS and articulates a vision that ensures the organization’s role as a leading institution serving the animals and community.

Key Deliverables Year 1

• Lead a comprehensive 3-5 year strategic planning process: Key questions to be addressed include operating and budget strategy for the new campus, potential expanded programs and offerings, and staffing and team strategies aligned with growth.

• Commence construction of new campus, maintaining schedule and budget.

• Develop and implement a change management roadmap to ensure continued operational success during the transition to the new campus.

• Serve as the face of PAWS in the community. Maintain and deepen existing donor and community relationships while developing a new donor strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational and entrepreneurial leadership, direction and support to staff, Board and volunteers. Guide the organization in achieving PAWS’ mission/vision. Promote a culture that reflects PAWS’ mission, values, objectives and reputation. Encourage teamwork and collaboration across all agency functions.

• Lead the Capital Campaign and associated building project.

• Represent PAWS in the broader community, especially with key funders, policy makers, agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders; further build relationships with key influencers.

• Play a key role in major donor fundraising, stewardship and cultivation.• Serve as primary liaison between staff and Board of Directors; guide the Board in meeting its fiduciary

responsibilities by providing timely financial and fundraising information; alert the Board to important internal and external issues, trends and factors that may influence fulfillment of PAWS’ mission and objectives, and ensure a proactive position is taken.

• Provide executive-level oversight of the leadership team’s management of PAWS’ resources, including financial, human capital, property and other assets. Ensure sound fiscal operations of the organization.

• Oversee the Leadership Team in the effective delivery of the organization’s programs and fund development.

• Increase PAWS’ community relevance and stature, programmatic impact, and innovation.• Demonstrate a personal commitment to embracing and leading change.• Establish and maintain a commitment to high performance, sound business management, and

ethical standards. • In collaboration with the Board, guide the development of a strategic plan for PAWS.

Key Attributes

• Passionate, mission-driven leader• Inspirational personality and personal style • Appreciates the intrinsic value of all animals• Empathetic, humane and compassionate toward people and animals • Detail oriented and highly responsive• Dedicated to exceptional customer service• Sense of humor• Unquestionable ethics and integrity• Excellent communicator • Strong analytical and time management skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of organizational, budget and financial procedures and principles for nonprofit agencies.

• At least 10 years’ experience preferred in senior management positions, and a distinguished track record of achievement.

• Passion for the organization’s mission and the capability to lead PAWS into a new and creative chapter of its 50-year history.

• Knowledge of the philosophy of animal welfare issues and of animal health care.• Demonstrated creative and dynamic approaches to fundraising opportunities.• Demonstrated skills in human resource management and strong leadership abilities. • Comfortable and effective at engaging with high net worth individuals, heads of foundations,

government officials and others. Knows how to make a compelling and effective case.• Ideally, connected to and understanding of the local community. • Bachelor’s Degree required.

LOCATION: Lynnwood, WA

Scott Rabinowitz Partner

scott@herdfreedhartz.com (206)-299-2138

Fred Pabst, SPHR Partner

fred@herdfreedhartz.com (206)-299-2140

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