ABOUT THE VIRGINIA BEACH SPCA (VBSPCA)

At the Virginia Beach SPCA (VBSPCA), we believe that human compassion is critical to the elimination of animal suffering. Through shelter operations and adoptions, income-based public veterinary clinic services, educational programs, wildlife triage, and numerous animal welfare partnerships, the VBSPCA strives to create a more humane and responsible community. Our mission is to eliminate animal suffering and increase human compassion.

VBSPCA CULTURE AND VALUES STATEMENT

At VBSPCA, we believe in the value of all living creatures and that the animal-human bond creates healthier, happier, more connected communities. We believe that a strong, values-based team is the foundation of our organization.

We engage with one another with empathy—seeking to better understand and be understood by others—and joy, passionately sharing and promoting our mission. We are dedicated and committed to our mission, our work, and ourselves, and we lead through collaboration by openly sharing our individual and collective expertise.

We strive to be innovative and always evolving, and we are proud to be an integral and critical partner in animal welfare throughout the Hampton Roads region.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The VBSPCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic direction to ensure all animal welfare and humane education programs continue to grow in effectiveness, delivers sustainable financial support, and manages the organization’s human, financial, and material resources while guaranteeing VBSPCA culture and values are centered in every activity and interaction across the organization and reflected in community partnerships.

The CEO is a visionary leader ensuring open shelter access while caring for nearly 4,000 companion animals each year and supporting the 74 staff members who sustain the organization. The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors through its Chair and leads the Executive Team, which includes:

• Shelter Operations

• Clinic Services and Medical Oversight

• Human Resources

• Fundraising and Marketing

• Finance and Administration

The CEO oversees an annual budget of approximately $7 million.

The ideal candidate is a strong, inclusive leader with a track record of listening, trusting staff expertise, and leading a unified team that collaborates through daily challenges and successes. They think creatively, infuse innovation across the organization, and use data analysis to make informed decisions. They engage, include, delegate, and amplify others. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, entrepreneurial leader to build on a strong foundation and deepen and broaden the impact for which VBSPCA is known.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Management

• Build and execute the organization’s Strategic Plan, managing operations according to established objectives and reporting results quarterly.

• Provide leadership to the Executive Team in daily operations while maintaining focus on key mission priorities.

• Provide executive oversight of Shelter, Clinic, Mission Delivery, and Humane Education programs through program managers to ensure measurable outcomes.

• Develop annual business and operational plans aligned with the Strategic Plan and budget, including key performance indicators.

Fund Development

• In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, oversee all aspects of fundraising, including major donors, individual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, foundations, United Way, and special events.

• Communicate the mission and priorities of VBSPCA to key supporters and present to prospective donors.

• Support Development staff by analyzing fundraising trends, applying best practices, engaging the Board, and ensuring stable financial support.

Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary public representative of VBSPCA, increasing awareness and community engagement.

• Assess and strengthen VBSPCA’s leadership role in animal welfare throughout the community.

• Partner with Marketing and Communications to implement comprehensive branding, marketing, and public relations strategies.

Organizational Leadership and Financial Management

• Provide executive oversight of internal functions including Shelter, Clinic, mission programs, human resources, financial management, administration, fundraising, and community relations.

• Ensure organizational processes follow best practices and continuously improve.

• Lead preparation of annual budgets and financial reports for the Board, including revenue, expenses, cash flow, service costs, and investment performance.

• Advance forward-funding goals and evaluate facilities, space needs, and operating reserve strategies.

• Oversee internal policies, procedures, and operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Board Relations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic goals, review policies, and support sustainable growth.

• Support Board leadership in maintaining a diverse and representative Board membership.

• Provide timely reporting and ensure Board committees are staffed and supported to achieve strategic objectives.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Chief Advancement Officer

• Director of Shelter Operations

• Director of Finance and Administration

• Director of Human Resources

• Director of Clinic Operations

• Medical Director

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Building Effective Teams

• Business Acumen

• Dealing with Paradox

• Decision Quality

• Ethics and Values

• Managing Vision and Purpose

• Motivating Others

• Process Management

• Strategic Agility

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable experience (graduate degree preferred).

• Minimum of 5 years of nonprofit leadership experience and at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

• Extensive experience in strategic and financial management, including senior leadership roles.

• Demonstrated nonprofit fundraising success and experience managing complex budgets.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire employees, partners, and donors.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Strategic leadership with both long-term vision and operational execution skills.

• Experience in nonprofit governance through board service or executive leadership roles.

• Proven success in fundraising and philanthropic engagement.

• Strong analytical, financial planning, and organizational management skills.

• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities with experience engaging volunteers and forming strategic partnerships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

• Ability to work around animals and wildlife, including those receiving medical care.

• Ability to perform job duties independently.

• Ability to use computers and standard office equipment.

• Ability to move throughout facilities as needed.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in a fast-paced environment.

Virginia Beach SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, military status, veteran status, genetic history, or any other protected status. VBSPCA encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

Position: Chief Executive Officer 

Department Executive 

Reports To: Board Of Directors 

Status: Exempt; Full-Time

Compensation: $170,000

This role is onsite, in-person, five days per week with evening and weekend events and responsibilities as needed.

How to Apply

VBSPCA has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to lead this search. Candidates should share a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role and upload it to the LeaderFit system through this link.

Virginia Beach SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against candidates or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, military status, veteran status, genetic history or any other protected status. Virginia Beach SPCA encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

At LeaderFit, all candidate materials are reviewed by experienced humans, never by AI. We believe that evaluating leadership potential, lived experience, and alignment with mission and culture requires human judgment, insight, and care. We leverage AI in other ways to ensure efficiency, optimized research, and allowing LeaderFit staff to focus on what humans do best, which is connecting, engaging, and building community.