Executive Director

Executive Director

Longhopes Donkey Shelter is a 501c3 charity that has been rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming and providing a safe retirement for unadoptable donkeys for more than 26 years. It is the longest standing U.S. donkey charity and has pioneered innovative programs and research to advance the quality of donkey care across the country. With a strong focus on community outreach, and cutting-edge veterinary care, Longhopes has become a national model for donkey husbandry, now specializing in sanctuary care for elderly and special needs donkeys.

Position Summary

Are you a mission-driven leader with a passion for nonprofit excellence? Do you want to be a voice for donkeys? We're seeking a hands-on, strategic thinker to serve as Executive Director and guide the daily operations and long-term vision of Longhopes Donkey Shelter.

This full-time, nonexempt role, reports directly to the Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of organizational leadership — from exceptional animal care and team supervision to fundraising, financial management, and meaningful community outreach.

We're looking for someone adaptable, mission-focused, and committed to cultivating a positive, team-centered culture that reflects the heart and values of Longhopes.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact — we'd love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Provide visionary leadership to guide the organization's growth and sustainability.
• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the shelter's mission and long-term goals.
• Lead with integrity, compassion, and humility, fostering a positive and collaborative culture among staff and volunteers.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Longhopes, representing the organization to donors, partners, media, and the public.
• Partnership with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight, and mission alignment.

Program Development and Animal Care

• Oversee rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and retirement programs, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare.
• Lead the development of outreach programs to promote longer private donkey ownership with improved donkey welfare.
• Collaboration with veterinarians, farriers, and other equine shelters to improve equine welfare standards and provide resources to global partners.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness to ensure measurable outcomes and continual improvement.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support annual costs, and growth, including grants, donor campaigns, and major gifts.
• Maintain financial stability by analyzing trends, diversifying revenue streams, and implementing innovative approaches.
• Prepare and manage an annual budget. Oversee financial forecasting, investments, and expense tracking.
• Prepare financial reports for the Board of Directors, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Oversee social media, donor contacts and newsletter publications.

Team and Culture Development

• Lead a high-performing team, including staff and volunteers, to implement mission.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and training to enhance staff skills and job satisfaction.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience, encouraging work-life balance and stress management.
• Recruit, onboard, and retain top talent, fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace. Develop job descriptions and handle all hiring with the guidance of President. Oversee payroll and HR processes.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Oversee shelter operations, including facility maintenance, safety protocols, and animal care standards.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including animal welfare and employment laws.
• Manage emergencies and crisis situations, providing hands-on leadership when needed.
• Monitor equipment, inventory, and supplies, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing, the Longhopes' message to staff, volunteers, guests and stakeholders.
• Develop and sustain community partnerships to expand the organization's reach and impact.
• Collaborate with local, national, and international shelters to share resources, provide training, and promote equine welfare.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in management preferably in nonprofit and/or animal welfare.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage performance, and build organizational culture.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, media engagement, and report writing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, donor databases, and financial software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with flexibility to handle emergencies.
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, sit for extended periods, walk 2 miles a day, and climb stairs. Ability to work around dust, pollen, hay, inclement weather, strong odors, cleaning solutions, and equines. The physical, mental and emotional ability to safely work with and around large animals without creating a hazard to self or others.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.

Preferred:

• Degree in Nonprofit Management, Leadership, Animal Science, or related fields.
• Experience with crisis management and emergency response in animal care settings.
• Proven success in fundraising, including major gifts, grants, and donor engagement.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Full-time, 5 days per week, 7.5 hours per day minimum, nonexempt position.
• Flexible schedule with weekend and holiday duties as needed.

Benefits

Compensation Range: $35-$50 per hour depending on training and experience. 40lK matching, accrued sick leave, overtime and holiday pay, paid personal leave. Housing available. Relocation costs negotiable.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io for confidential consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference to applications received before June 15, 2026. Employment references required.