Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

WildCare is entering a transformative era, marked by the highly anticipated opening of its new Wildlife Hospital and Education Center in Albert Park, San Rafael, in October 2026. This milestone is the culmination of a successful $24M capital campaign, reflecting the Bay Area community’s unwavering support for WildCare’s mission. The incoming Executive Director will have the exciting opportunity to lead this beloved institution during a significant period of transition, overseeing a fully funded project backed by a dedicated board, talented staff, and passionate volunteers.

The Executive Director will lead the organizational evolution that accompanies WildCare's move into its new, state-of-the-art facility, ensuring continued financial resilience and expanding community impact. This includes supervising key senior staff, including the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Director of Operations, building relationships with funders and donors, and sustaining the culture and values that define WildCare's work. A critical part of this role will be inspiring and motivating a dedicated team of staff and a large volunteer community whose passion and commitment are central to WildCare's mission. The organization enters this chapter with a supportive community, significant goodwill, and strong momentum, giving the incoming leader an exceptional platform to grow WildCare's reach in wildlife care and education.

The ideal candidate is an inspiring change leader and clear communicator, adept at engaging diverse audiences, from board and staff to major donors, civic leaders, and the broader public. They bring emotional intelligence and a people-centered approach, with the ability to lead talented staff through organizational evolution without losing the "heart" that makes WildCare beloved. A genuine passion for the animals and communities WildCare serves is essential. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an organization that is well resourced, well loved, and ready for its exciting next chapter. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Lead WildCare through a pivotal period of organizational evolution that follows the opening of its new facility, guiding board, staff, and volunteers through the changes that a sophisticated new facility brings.

• Execute on WildCare’s strategic plan to become a nationally recognized wildlife institute and a leader in environmental education and wildlife advocacy while maintaining and improving its organizational practices and dynamic financial growth.

• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring effective communication, governance support, and alignment on organizational priorities.

• Support board recruitment and development, strengthening the board’s capacity to govern, fundraise, and lead effectively.

People Leadership

• Model a people-centered, emotionally intelligent leadership style that honors WildCare’s mission-driven culture while building organizational maturity.

• Directly supervise the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Director of Operations, enabling effective leadership and accountability throughout the organization.

• Determine staffing requirements and oversee HR policies, procedures, and practices, including job descriptions and performance reviews, to support organizational management and program delivery.

• Foster a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.

Operational Management

• Develop and implement an operational plan aligned with the organization's strategic direction, including oversight of programs, services, and day-to-day operations.

• Strengthen internal systems, practices, and operational infrastructure to support a growing organization.

• Oversee operations across two sites during the transition period with clear communication and steady decision making.

• Draft and review organizational policies for board approval, maintaining official records and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Fish and Wildlife and other agencies governing wildlife rehabilitation.

• Execute official correspondence and legal agreements in accordance with board-approved policies and delegated authority.

Financial Stewardship and Fundraising

• Drive long-term financial sustainability through endowment building, diversified revenue development, and sound fiscal planning.

• Steward WildCare’s annual operating budget, overseeing financial planning and performance in close partnership with the Chief Financial Officer.

• Partner with the development team to expand WildCare’s fundraising reach beyond the regional donor base and cultivate new philanthropic relationships.

• Lead the final phase of the $24M capital campaign and oversee responsible close-out, transition financing, and major donor stewardship.

• Oversee new facility expenses and interim space decisions to ensure responsible and strategic use of organizational resources.

External Relations and Advocacy

• Actively pursue opportunities to elevate WildCare’s visibility and thought leadership and strengthen WildCare’s regional and national profile.

• Serve as WildCare’s primary spokesperson and public ambassador, representing the organization confidently in media, civic, and public settings.

• Build and sustain relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, and community partners across the Bay Area.

• Deepen institutional partnerships with academic, conservation, and environmental organizations to expand WildCare’s collaborative reach.

• Champion WildCare’s mission in regional policy discussions, elevating the organization’s voice on issues including wildlife care, habitat protection, rodenticide policy, and human–wildlife coexistence.

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Expirationdate

2026-07-31 00:00:00

Url

https://impactopportunity.org/job/8881/executive-director/

Salaryfrom

200000

Salaryto

220000

Companydescription

Potrero Group supports innovative leaders and organizations making a difference in the world with strategic planning, facilitation, organizational development, and board and executive search services. We are committed to equitable and inclusive practices in all of our work.

Companywebsite

https://potrerogroup.com

Companylocation

Santa Rosa, CA, USA