Executive Director

ROME GROUP; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ROME GROUP is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead the Belleville Area Humane Society towards its mission of animal welfare and community engagement. The role involves strategic leadership, fundraising, and operational management while fostering a collaborative organizational culture.

Applicants should have at least eight years of nonprofit leadership experience and a Bachelor’s degree. This position offers a salary between $90,000–$110,000 based on experience, along with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Experience with grant funding and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Provide leadership for all fundraising activities.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and audits.
• Recruit and mentor senior leadership staff.

Skills

Fundraising and donor stewardship

Strategic thinking and organizational leadership

Financial management

Outstanding communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Tools

Donor CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Executive Director

Location: Belleville, IL

Reports To: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Executive Medical Director, Director of Operations, Director of Development

The Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic nonprofit leader who is passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and organizational excellence. The Executive Director of BAHS provides visionary leadership, oversees daily operations, and works closely with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission. This individual will champion fundraising initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, ensure financial sustainability, and foster a collaborative, high‑performing organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities and achieve long‑term goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, donors, and animal welfare organizations.
• Promote innovation and best practices in nonprofit leadership and animal shelter operations.
• Support the Executive Medical Director and Director of Operations in achieving operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Fundraising & Development

• Provide leadership for all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, memberships, planned giving, and special campaigns.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, grantors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant research, proposal development, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to expand philanthropic support and donor engagement.

Financial & Organizational Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and fiscal accountability.
• Work closely with the organization’s accountant to maintain strong financial controls and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards, IRS regulations, employment laws, and grant requirements.
• Review and update organizational policies, procedures, and employee handbook as needed.
• Prepare reports and organizational performance metrics for the Board of Directors.

Human Resources & Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate senior leadership staff.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, employee development, and organizational culture.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable workplace that supports professional growth.

Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for BAHS.
• Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, networking opportunities, and public engagements.
• Increase awareness of BAHS’s mission, programs, and community impact.
• Respond to escalated stakeholder concerns and strengthen community relationships.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience, including staff supervision.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Experience with grant funding, grant compliance, and public or private funding opportunities.
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management systems.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in animal welfare or shelter management.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis Metro East animal welfare community, including shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary partners, and major funders.

Desired Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and organizational leadership
• Fundraising and donor stewardship
• Financial management and nonprofit governance
• Team development and employee engagement
• Grant development and compliance
• Community partnership building
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Commitment to animal welfare and the mission, vision, and values of the Belleville Area Humane Society

Why Join BAHS?

At BAHS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of animals and the people who care for them. We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative leader who is committed to building a sustainable future for our organization while inspiring staff, volunteers, donors, and the community to support our mission.

If you are a strategic nonprofit leader who is passionate about animal welfare and creating meaningful community impact, we encourage you to apply at [e-mail].

Salary: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package.