Director of Programs

Rural Humane is the first national organization dedicated to strengthening animal welfare in rural and underserved communities. The organization does not operate shelters or clinics. Instead, it helps the organizations that do become stronger, more effective, and better equipped to serve their communities. Its work includes building and supporting peer networks—training, mentorship, technical assistance—cross-sector partnerships, and national advocacy. Rural Humane brings rural perspectives into conversations where they have historically been absent.

Rural Humane is practitioner-directed. Local organizations determine how resources are used, and rural leaders help shape the work at every level.

About the role

The Director of Programs will serve as the first employee of Rural Humane and will play a defining role in building the organization from the ground up. During the founding period, the Director will lead the organization’s daily work, including direct support to rural leaders, network development, training, partnerships, program delivery, financial management, and organizational growth.

The Director will work closely with a Governing Board responsible for strategic direction, fundraising, and accountability—financial and otherwise. The position will also collaborate with an Advisory Board of eight experienced rural animal welfare leaders who will help guide priorities, teach, mentor, and strengthen regional connections. The Director’s role will be to turn this vision and leadership structure into a strong, trusted, and sustainable national organization.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how rural animal welfare organizations are supported for years to come. The Director will also help the Governing Board plan the growth of Rural Humane from a one-person operation into a fully staffed institution.

Responsibilities

• Help support rural animal welfare leaders. The Director will provide technical assistance, consultation, and mentorship to leaders of rural shelters, rescues, and public animal services agencies. Support will be driven by the needs and priorities identified by each organization.
• Develop and deliver training. The Director will create and organize workshops, training, and convenings designed specifically for rural communities. Working closely with members of the Advisory Counsel, the Director will also represent rural animal welfare at select conferences, industry gatherings, and cross-sector forums. They will also ensure Leadership Committee members have everything they need to represent Rural Humane at external conferences.
• Build and manage the national network. The Director will organize and support the peer network for Rural Humane, including regional and national convenings, member communications, the online platform, and in-person gatherings. The Director will work to expand the network from its existing base of engaged organizations.
• Develop cross-sector partnerships. The Director will work with the Governing Board and Advisor Counsel to build relationships with leaders in public health, social services, rural development, emergency management, and other related fields. The Director will coordinate with aligned organizations to strengthen services and avoid duplicating existing work.
• Coordinate the Advisory Board. The Director will coordinate the Advisory Board’s active participation in the work of Rural Humane, including teaching assignments, mentorship pairings, regional representation, program development, and strategic guidance.
• Manage research partnerships. The Director will advance Rural Humane’s evidence base by working with academic institutions, researchers, and field partners. Research will be developed through partnerships rather than through an internal research department.
• Help build the organization. The Director will manage the administrative responsibilities of a growing, one-person organization, including scheduling, program coordination, budget tracking, member information, communications, and event logistics. The Director will also partner with the Governing Board on strategy, fundraising, program priorities, and a staged plan for organizational growth.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has led, or played a significant leadership role in, a rural animal welfare organization, such as a shelter, rescue, or public animal services agency. The candidate understands the realities of this work through direct experience.

• Understands rural communities and respects local knowledge.
• Believes the strongest solutions are built with communities rather than prescribed to them.
• Is an effective teacher, facilitator, and presenter who can lead a room, guide a virtual discussion, and communicate complex ideas in practical terms.
• Builds strong relationships and maintains them across regions, organizations, and professional disciplines.
• Is comfortable working independently and managing the details required to run a small organization, including calendars, budgets, member information, communications, events, and competing priorities.
• Communicates clearly and directly, both in writing and in public settings.
• Must be willing and able to travel regularly throughout the United States, including to rural communities located far from major airports.

Formal credentials are less important than practical experience, sound judgment, and demonstrated commitment to rural communities. Candidates who have led rural organizations with limited funding, limited staffing, and significant community needs, and still found ways to make meaningful progress, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay

Salary: $68,000 to $75,000, plus an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Schedule

Location: Remote within the United States, with occasional national travel.