POSITION GUIDE POSITION: ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Potter League for Animals (www.potterleague.org) 87 Oliphant Lane Middletown, RI 02842 Board of Directors MISSION As the heart of a humane community and in partnership with that community, the Potter League for Animals is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals. We promote the humane treatment of all animals and provide shelter and care for lost or unwanted companion animals. Through education, commitment to a standard of excellence in the care of animals, and fostering relationships between people and animals, we enhance the animals lives and enrich the human experience. BACKGROUND Founded in 1929 under the name Newport County League for Animals in order to take care of abandoned, sick, lame, overworked or cruelly-treated animals, the organization has undergone changes in name, location and scope of services. As an open admission shelter, the Potter League is able to help as many pets as possible. It accepts approximately 2,000 animals, including both owner-surrendered as well as strays from the neighboring communities. It consistently maintains a Live Release Rate of 90% or higher through placement to new families, returned to owner or released to another organization or rescue group. For the past 35 years, under the talented and dedicated leadership of Christie Smith, the Potter League has focused on developing and expanding its own proactive programs and services aimed at earlier intervention to reduce animal relinquishment.
Through a variety of services including dog obedience programs, Potter Pet University, and a behavior help line for all animals and their guardians, the Potter League has become a trusted animal welfare resource for the communities that it serves and beyond. It is heavily invested in providing funds for medical care for sick, injured or elderly animals. Foster programs expand temporary care for those requiring special attention or behavior rehabilitation. Animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Financial assistance is given to help others sterilize their pets. Additionally, the Potter League: Has implemented a humane education curriculum in area schools that encompasses more than 700 educational classes each year, in addition to afterschool programs, badge programs for scouts and the Pet University for adults. Further, Camp Happy Tails provides a summer outlet for the area children. Saves hundreds of dogs and puppies from overpopulated shelters in the south and matches them with forever families through its Fetching Friends Transport Conducts Pet Loss Support groups every month to help bereaved pet owners and those deciding upon euthanasia for their animal. Provides Pet Safe Haven, offering temporary housing for animals whose owners require hospitalization or are victims of domestic violence and have no one to care for their pets The Potter League strives to work collaboratively and in partnership with local communitybased organizations as well as with animal welfare and rescue groups nationwide. It is a founding member of the Ocean State Animal Coalition and its high-volume subsidized spayneuter clinic. The organization also serves as an animal emergency location for disasters and has been instrumental in placing animals following catastrophic event such as Hurricane Katrina. As an advocate for all animals, the Potter League monitors statewide legislative issues and works to ensure that those passed into law are beneficial and sound. ABOUT AQUIDNECK ISLAND According to the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Aquidneck Island ( the Island ) is easy to get to by land, sea or air, and is close to major business centers and attractions in New England. Winter skiing can be found two hours north, Cape Cod is one hour east, beaches and sailing are available. The Island is at the center of the eastern seaboard between the metropolitan areas of New York and Boston. The Island is comprised of three towns: Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport, with a combined population of approximately 60,870 according to the 2000 U.S. Census. The City of Newport, Rhode Island, is an internationally known destination. Often referred to as America s First Resort, visitors from all over the globe flock to Newport to enjoy pristine beaches, compete in major sailing events, and absorb Newport s rich history. Home to the Newport Mansions, the nation s first Synagogue, and countless other museums and attractions,
Newport has recently been named one of America s Dozen Distinct Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. With an economy driven by marine trades, defense and government contract-related industries, health care and hospitality; Newport continues to thrive in today s changing environment. The island is home to Salve Regina University, the Naval War College, the Newport campus of the Community College of Rhode Island, and International Yacht Restoration School. It is also home to two well-known private boarding schools, St. George's School in Middletown and Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth. The island also contains numerous public and private primary and secondary schools as part of the school systems of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth. THE OPPORTUNITY During Ms. Smith s tenure, the Potter League has evolved into a leader amongst animal welfare organizations locally, regionally and nationally. The modest size of the organization belies its far-reaching impact. Potter League is recognized as a true community partner, offering services to disadvantaged individuals and communities and providing much-needed educational programs. While many animal welfare organizations function as shelters, the Potter League has become a treasured, trusted and respected animal welfare resource, providing a full range of services, with a strong educational and advocacy focus. Locally, the Potter League is an inclusive organization that embraces, and is embraced by, the surrounding community. With an active volunteer corps of 1,250, the organization is strengthened by the support of dedicated individuals who are essential to daily operations. The full impact of our volunteer corps is estimated at 13 fulltime employee equivalents and are tasked with staff-related duties. The Potter League has undergone tremendous transformation over the years and its current facility is a stunning building opened in 2008. It is the first LEED Gold Certified animal shelter in the country, signifying the innovation and commitment of the Potter League s Board, staff and donor community. The building houses a state-of-the-art shelter and veterinary clinic for shelter animals. There may be an opportunity to expand veterinary services particularly for low-income pet owners. The shelter, clinic and the property surrounding the building are all tremendous assets not only for the animals in the care of the shelter, but also for the staff and volunteers who work with the animals, as well as the community at large. On the financial side, a prospective candidate will inherit an organization that is quite stable. Given a fairly new building, the balance sheet is virtually debt-free. Operationally, the $1.9M budget is diversified and is funded by 60% fundraising and 40% earned revenue from a variety of sources. Also, the organization has a system of planned operating reserves, an endowment fund that helps fund mission-related programs, as well as a funded building replacement fund. Financially, the Potter League is built on a solid foundation from both the financial and physical resource perspective. The success of ongoing spay/neuter programs has resulted in a decrease in adoptable animals. While the Potter League has an active transport program, the puppies and dogs are
adopted almost as quickly as they are received by the shelter. Historically, the Potter League s budget derived strong and steady revenue from adoption fees. The organization is now poised to move in a direction that will build upon its strengths and ensure future growth and sustainability. On the philanthropic side, Aquidneck Island s donor community is unique and, to some extent, shifting. Many long-time supporters of the Potter League have passed on and, while the next generation admires the organization, it is not a given that it will remain a part of their philanthropy plans. Additionally, many of the residents of the Island are in residence for only two to three months each year and their philanthropic support is often more focused on their primary residential communities. With the changing dynamics of the adoptable animal population and the shift in donor giving, the opportunity is created for a strong leader to re-imagine the Potter League s business model. With the current strategic plan (2016-2019) as a guide, developing new lines of business, growing the base of philanthropic support and strengthening collaborations will be core components of the agenda for the new Executive Director. The planned retirement of Christie Smith and the advanced notice she has given ensures that the new Executive Director of the Potter League will be afforded a smooth transition in inheriting a beloved organization, with a dedicated Board, staff and volunteers, that is perfectly positioned to continue its lead in innovating animal welfare. THE POSITION Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the oversight of the Potter League, which includes administration of all programs and services of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for the strategic processes of the organization, managing and developing a talented paid staff of 24 (with a mix of full time and part time) and volunteer staff of 1,250. The Executive Director supervises 4 direct reports, with a shared administrative assistant. The Executive Director will assist the Board in the execution of the current strategic plan and the development of strategic directions and policy in the fulfillment of the agency s mission. This individual is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Potter League in compliance with Board-adopted policies and with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws. The Executive Director provides a leadership role in initiating and maintaining community relationships and securing the operating and endowment funds necessary to sustain current and future operations. LEADERSHIP CORE COMPETENCIES In conjunction with the Board, provide vision and direction for the future growth of programs, policies and procedures for the Potter League. In collaboration with the Board of Directors
provide support in all its activities; suggest direction toward the achievement of the Potter League mission, philosophy, and strategy; provide guidance, stability, support and collaboration to a staff of talented professionals; and implement Board driven long-range and strategic plans to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Potter League are successfully achieved. Act as a resource for other humane organizations. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY Oversee the Potter League budget and business plans and ensure sound fiscal management and capital allocation. Maintain and implement fiscal policies and procedures in accordance with Board directives. Oversee and guide the policies for the investment of fiscal resources for the organization so as to achieve reasonable returns. FUND DEVELOPMENT Demonstrate development skills to reach a new population of major donors. Continue to develop and nurture past relationships with major donors including individuals, foundations and corporations. Develop new, creative fundraising opportunities with staff in order to secure the Potter League s financial position. Strengthen planned giving programs thereby adding financial security to the Potter League endowment. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Serve as a spokesperson for the Potter League and effectively represent its goals and mission to individuals, private foundations, government leaders, the media, sponsors and donors in order to attract the widest interest and support. Ensure that the Potter League is represented locally, regionally and nationally at coalitions, membership organizations and other humane field associations. Help develop the Potter League s legislative agenda and collaborate as necessary in order to promote animal welfare initiatives. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT Guarantee that staff is well-informed of decisions that affect them and the agency and ensure that those policies are explained and communicated clearly and concisely. Develop and implement procedures to ensure good management, administrative and fiscal practices; ensure that staff understands the vision and direction of the Potter League and that in return they will be able to develop and mature in their roles and responsibilities; lead by example and maintain the highest professional standards and practices for the Potter League. PROGRAM AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT Establish short range objectives and work plans, research and evaluate potential programs for the Potter League in consultation with other staff, based on Board-approved strategic plans and goals; develop and implement new programmatic activities and capitalize on new opportunities for new service areas.
THE PROFILE We seek a highly experienced fundraising leader and manager with demonstrated vision and passion for the humane and ethical treatment of animals. A successful track record of strong innovative and inclusive leadership, which will facilitate open communication to harmonize staff, the Board and the other constituents with whom he/she will interface, is sought. Experience in a senior leadership role where he/she has either reported directly to or worked closely with a Board of Directors is expected. The ideal candidate will bring strong and successful leadership of an animal welfare/control agency or other nonprofit organization if there is a demonstrated level of both passion for, and involvement with, an animal welfare organization. The person we seek should demonstrate a balance between creative thinking and management acumen as well as the ability to assess and maintain policies and procedures for moving an organization to a new level of excellence. Qualified candidates will have exceptional interpersonal skills and will be able to relate to all constituencies. This individual has demonstrated success in building and sustaining coalitions toward the achievement of goals. The successful candidate will have financial management experience as well as demonstrated accomplishments in fundraising, including securing major and planned gifts from individual donors, foundations and corporations. We seek an exceptional communicator who can demonstrate a successful background in external relations, including experience speaking with the media in a variety of situations. This person will be articulate and passionate about the humane treatment of animals and will welcome and respect the multiple perspectives and groups that demonstrate an active interest in animal welfare. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit enterprise, including a background of good budget management, is necessary. Personnel management skills that include an ability to work collaboratively, listen, provide feedback, build morale, delegate, roll up one s sleeves and make decisions are essential. The candidate should be motivated by the best interests of the organization and will bring high emotional intelligence to effectively transition the organization from a long-term executive director. Demonstrated success managing change, an exemplary manager of financial, capital and human resources is needed. The successful candidate will excel in planning, forecasting and determining courses of action. An undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university is required; a graduate degree is preferred. Evidence of a passionate commitment to the proper care of all animals is strongly recommended. CAWA credential is helpful. Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search via electronic mail at resumes@noeticexsearch.com. If interested, please submit a current resume and cover letter to the above email address.