Animal Welfare Society, Executive Director

MISSION Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for lost and homeless pets and to provide access to affordable services and resources necessary for long term well-being, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.

BACKGROUND A recognized leader in progressive animal welfare, the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in Kennebunk, Maine has been keeping pets safe, healthy, and home since 1967.

As a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AWS supports more than 10,000 pets and people each year through a comprehensive array of services.

Operating from a 40-acre Fear-Free campus with a budget $3M budget and a dedicated staff of 40, AWS serves as a community service organization for pets and their people with three distinct units :

• Adoption Center, Community Veterinary Clinic, and administration.  AWS takes in animals from owners that can no longer care for them, from animal control officers in York County municipalities, in support of Maine's Animal Welfare Program anti-cruelty work, and via trusted partner organizations transporting from greater Maine and across the country.
• At the heart of AWS’s mission is keeping pets and families together.
• Through its innovative Stay@Home program, AWS supports pet owners in crisis—including seniors and veterans—by offering temporary boarding, pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and assistance with behavior concerns.
• This upstream work reduces shelter intake and ensures pets remain with the people who love them.
• Specific programs include a state-licensed Adoption Center, Community Veterinary Clinic, Behavior & Training services, and collaborates with funding partners and veterinary professionals to deliver accessible spay / neuter and wellness services statewide.
• With a values-driven commitment to humane care, AWS only considers euthanasia for animals with untreatable medical conditions or behaviors that pose a risk to public safety.
• AWS also partners with animal control officers, state agencies, and transport networks to care for vulnerable animals across Maine and beyond.
• A robust volunteer corps (100–150 strong) augments daily operations, fosters animals, and supports humane education efforts.  It is governed by an 11-person board of directors comprised of dedicated animal advocates from the business and civic community.
• THE OPPORTUNITY This is a thrilling moment to join the Animal Welfare Society.
• With a bold vision for the future, AWS is poised to launch a new strategic plan supported by $2M in capital improvements and a multi-million dollar campus expansion that will double the size of the veterinary clinic and unlock new mission-aligned business opportunities—such as expanded training programs and potential boarding services.
• The 40-acre property offers extraordinary potential for reimagining what a modern, community-centered animal welfare campus can be.
• Key opportunities include expanding the community clinic, increasing capacity for high volume, low cost spay neuter, improving the standard of care to include a full spectrum of care, and increasing wellness visits.  Utilizing software solutions that enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide medical care, improve staff efficiency, and build more economically successful practices is a current priority.  Overall, there is an interest in leveraging technology throughout the organization to drive accountability and lead to stronger outcomes.  The next Executive Director will have the chance to lead this transformation.
• Key priorities include scaling the Community Veterinary Clinic, expanding access to high-volume, low-cost spay / neuter and wellness care, and delivering a full spectrum of veterinary services to more families.
• AWS is also focused on harnessing technology to elevate care, improve workflow efficiency, and create sustainable, data-informed practices across the organization.  AWS has consistently played an important role as an advocate for humane policies on the local, state and federal levels.  Continuing this leading role in ensuring policies that result in living saving outcomes will continue to be a priority.
• This is an exciting opportunity for a bold, entrepreneurial leader—someone ready to innovate, build, and extend AWS’s reach across Maine.
• From designing community-based care models and enhancing rural access, to forging regional partnerships and shaping humane policy at all levels of government, the possibilities for impact are vast.
• AWS is powered by a skilled and mission-aligned leadership team, a committed Board of Directors, and a passionate staff—all ready to welcome a new Executive Director who brings vision, operational excellence, and the drive to lead an organization already thinking toward tomorrow.

THE POSITION Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of AWS, leads the organization's mission, strategic vision, and overall operations. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including administration, programs, fundraising, and community engagement. The Executive Director also fosters a positive work environment, inspires staff, and ensures the organization meets high standards of service and care.  Strategic Leadership and Vision :

Organizational Growth :

Financial Management :

Fundraising :

Compliance :

Specific Responsibilities Related to Animal Welfare :

Adoption Programs :

Key Leadership Qualities :

APPLY Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search.  Please submit a current resume and cover letter.  For more information, visit www.noeticexsearch.com or www.animalwelfaresociety.org .