Executive Director

Canine Companions®; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO + holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness programs

Pet discount

Job summary

Canine Companions seeks an Executive Director for its Southwest Region, based at the Oceanside, CA training center. Lead fundraising, volunteer engagement, and regional operations while expanding mission impact and Colorado expansion planning.Requires exceptional leadership, donor cultivation, and regional fundraising success.

The role oversees a $5.75 million revenue goal with a six-person direct team, travels up to 25% regionally, and collaborates with national leadership to drive strategy and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated nonprofit executive leadership experience.
• Deep fundraising experience, with success securing and stewarding major gifts of $100,000+.
• Proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship-building, public speaking, and communication skills.
• Strategic and resilient leader balancing day-to-day execution with long-term planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior leader for the Southwest Region, expanding regional impact.
• Lead and manage staff in fundraising activities to meet the regional goal of $5.75M.
• Develop and implement regional fundraising plans with metrics and accountability.
• Oversee regional operations, budgeting, and fiscal stewardship.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team and foster inclusion.
• Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Act as the regional ambassador, promoting Canine Companions locally and nationally.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Nonprofit leadership

Public speaking

Strategic planning

Job description

Canine Companions is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of expertly trained service dogs, empowering children, adults, veterans, and professionals to live and work with greater independence. Since 1975, the organization has placed more than 8,500 service dog teams and built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and client outcomes. Uniquely, all dogs, training, and lifetime follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $44 million and more than 340 employees nationwide, Canine Companions serves individuals with physical, cognitive, hearing, and developmental disabilities, veterans with service-related disabilities and PTSD, individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes, and professionals working in healthcare, education, and criminal justice settings. Guided by a commitment to inclusion, access, and service excellence, the organization is executing an ambitious strategic plan to expand its impact, strengthen community engagement, and reduce wait times for qualified applicants.

The Southwest Region currently serves Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Hawaii and plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission through program delivery, community engagement, and philanthropy.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

The Southwest Region operates within a collaborative national structure while maintaining significant responsibility for fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and community visibility. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Southwest Region's Program Director, sharing leadership of the region across fundraising and program delivery. The culture is deeply mission-driven, with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through the human-canine partnership. Collaboration, authenticity, and service are highly valued throughout the organization. Well positioned for continued growth, the region benefits from a strong foundation, longstanding community support, and meaningful opportunities to expand engagement, philanthropy, and mission impact.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance
• PTO: 17 paid days off, 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday, paid volunteer hours
• Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Programs
• VCA Pet Perks Program (20% veterinary discount)

LOCATION

This position is based at the Canine Companions Southwest Training Center in Oceanside, CA. Approximately 25% travel throughout the region and to national headquarters is required.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the VP of Philanthropy and in collaboration with the Program Director, the Executive Director (ED) acts as the senior leader for Canine Companions' Southwest Region, providing overall leadership for fundraising, community engagement, volunteer engagement, and regional operations. As the region's primary external ambassador, the ED will cultivate and steward relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community leaders while advancing the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. The ED oversees a $5.75 million annual revenue goal and leads a team of six direct reports. Supported by a dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, loyal donors, and a nationally recognized brand, the Southwest Region is well positioned for continued growth, expanded philanthropic support, and increased mission impact.

Year One Priorities

• Cultivate a Mission-Centered Culture. Build trust, strengthen communication, and foster alignment across program and development teams, reinforcing the connection between mission delivery and philanthropy.
• Strengthen the Team and Organizational Capacity. Fill key vacancies, clarify roles and expectations, support professional growth, and create an environment where staff feel valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
• Deepen Donor and Community Relationships. Strengthen engagement with donors, volunteers, and community partners while expanding visibility and cultivating new strategic relationships.
• Advance Fundraising Growth. Lead efforts to achieve and exceed regional fundraising goals by strengthening individual giving, expanding grant revenue, and maximizing the impact of special events. Provide clear direction, accountability, and support to ensure a cohesive and effective development strategy.
• Lead the Colorado Expansion Strategy. Guide the strategic exploration and planning process for future growth into Colorado, including market assessment, partnership development, fundraising strategy, and operational readiness.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the senior leader for the Southwest Region, advancing Canine Companions' mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities while positioning the region for future expansion into Colorado.
• Lead and manage staff in all regional fundraising activities, including major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, special events, donor stewardship, and revenue diversification to achieve and exceed the region's $5.75 million annual fundraising goal.
• Develop and implement comprehensive regional fundraising plans, goals, and performance metrics in partnership with the VP of Philanthropy and national leadership.
• Oversee regional operations and administration, ensuring effective management of resources, strong fiscal stewardship, and alignment with organizational policies and objectives.
• Manage the regional budget, monitor financial performance, and provide accurate forecasting and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and mission excellence.
• Partner closely with program leadership to ensure strong alignment between fundraising, volunteer engagement, and program delivery.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, community leaders, and strategic stakeholders to strengthen regional visibility and philanthropic investment.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Canine Companions throughout the Southwest Region, building awareness and advancing community engagement.
• Partner with the Southwest Regional Advisory Board and volunteer leaders to support fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach efforts.
• Provide oversight and support for regional volunteer engagement activities in collaboration with national volunteer program leadership.
• Lead strategic planning efforts related to regional growth opportunities, including the exploration and development of future expansion initiatives.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Demonstrated nonprofit executive leadership experience, including oversight of operations, budgets, staff, and organizational performance.
• Deep fundraising experience, with proven success securing and stewarding major gifts of $100,000+ and leading comprehensive development strategies.
• Proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Experience leading organizations through growth, change, or leadership transitions while maintaining momentum and stakeholder confidence.
• Strong relationship-building, public speaking, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage donors, volunteers, board members, community leaders, and staff at all levels.
• Strategic and resilient leader with sound judgment, strong personal integrity, and the ability to balance day-to-day execution with long-term planning within a matrixed organizational environment.