Description

Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: Where Passion Meets Purpose in the Heart of the Foothills
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of wildlife rehabilitation in California? Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director (ED) to guide us through an exciting era of growth and transformation. Located in the historic gold mining town of Auburn, CA, GCWR is a regional powerhouse. We are one of only two rehabilitation centers in the region, and one of only three in the entire state permitted to rehabilitate Black Bear cubs.

GCWR is one of Northern California’s leading providers of wildlife care. We are open 365 days a year, helping approximately 4,000 individual animals yearly, spanning over 200 species. GCWR receives over 20,000 emails and phone calls annually from people and organizations needing help. To date, we have cared for over 54,000 animals from 35 counties across California and parts of the US. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organization with elite credentials and a massive footprint. We have longstanding relationships with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, including the Oiled Wildlife Care Network and Wildlife Disaster Network. Our impact extends across dozens of Northern California counties.

As our new ED, you won’t just be managing operations; you will be building our future. You will spearhead the development of our permanent home – a stunning 15-acre property designed to be a rehabilitation center for wildlife and a center for education. If you are ready to combine hard work and professional excellence with the unparalleled lifestyle of Placer County, located in the Sierra foothills, a short drive from the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, and a quick trip to San Francisco, we invite you to join us in saving lives and building a legacy.

Learn more at www.goldcountrywildliferescue.org 
 
Our Mission
Rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick, injured and orphaned wildlife while advancing public awareness and understanding of the critical role of wildlife in the ecosystems we share.
 
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is the leader and chief spokesperson for Gold Country Wildlife Rescue and is responsible for driving the success of GCWR. The ED will provide strong leadership, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration. GCWR seeks an ED who has a genuine understanding of and passion for GCWR’s mission, understands and appreciates the necessity of capacity building and organizational development, and is excited to grow and change with the organization.

The ED collaborates with the Board of Directors in the development of strategic plans and policies, operationalizes standardized business practices, and enhances the organization’s visibility. The ED performs proactive outreach, implements and coordinates sophisticated fundraising to ensure sustainability, prepares and monitors budgets, and provides direction on programs and facilities. The ED reports to and is accountable to the Board of Directors, and partners with local and national organizations to share and learn current wildlife rehabilitation best practices. 

The ED leads our capital campaign to realize the completion of our new home on our 15-acre property, ushering in GCWR’s next exciting chapter and expanding the organization’s community impact. This position will work predominantly in the WIC, give tours at the 15-acre property, and travel locally as needed to network and represent GCWR at important events and activities. This position requires availability on varied weekends, evenings, and holidays. 
 
Key Responsibilities
Finance, Operations and Program Management
Oversee day-to-day operations, including animal care, fundraising, financial management, and administration.
Develop and manage annual and long-term budgets, oversee financial planning, reporting, and investment management to ensure fiscal health.
Ensure strong internal controls, accurate tracking of income and expenditures, proper monthly reconciliations, and timely, accurate reporting to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
Assess and refine organizational structure and staffing to maximize effectiveness, quality of service, and operational capacity.
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services.
Oversee the planning and development of the 15-acre property that will become GCWR’s permanent home.
Ensure all staff have the training, resources, and support needed to succeed.
Ensure the maintenance of accurate records and compliance with all laws and other regulatory requirements.
Develop and update organizational policies and internal controls to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective risk management.

Leadership and Board Relations
Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers staff and volunteers to excel.
Partner with the Board of Directors and management staff to develop and implement strategic plans and policies.
Keep the Board informed of key issues, opportunities, and challenges through regular reports and meetings.
Support the Board in governance, policy development, and recruitment.
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance and maintain the highest ethical standards.
Execute contracts and agreements as authorized by the Board.
Effectively communicate GCWR’s mission and impact to stakeholders and the public.
Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, elected officials, other nonprofits, and relevant organizations to advance the organization’s goals.

Staff and Volunteer Management
Provides and oversees a positive work environment that attracts, recruits, motivates, develops, supports, and retains staff, interns and volunteers.
Fosters effective collaboration among staff, interns and volunteers.
Develop and implement sound Human Resources practices, systems, policies, and procedures that comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Fundraising, Communications and Community Engagement
Lead GCWR’s capital campaign and facilitate the continuing buildout of the 15-acre property
Leverage knowledge of the extended community to cultivate relationships with stakeholders who care about wildlife, including conservation and education.
Build and steward relationships with donors, foundations, government agencies, businesses and community partners.
Oversee and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual and capital campaigns, major gifts, grants, events, and sponsorships.
Ensure effective implementation of GCWR’s communications plan and serve as the organization’s primary ambassador and public voice.
 

Risk Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to staff, volunteers, finances, facilities, and organizational reputation.
Manage compliance for all grants and contracts, and ensure compliance with reporting and permitting requirements.
 

Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Permitted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, GCWR has served the community since 1991. GCWR currently has three locations: our leased Wildlife Intake Center (WIC), a 15-acre property that is currently being developed into a permanent home for the organization, and our remote site used for gradually and safely reintroducing rehabilitated animals into the wild. 

To apply: please send your cover letter and resume to: lauren@forayconsulting.com 

Requirements

Qualifications
A persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
Deep knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation and educational programs
Experience managing legal and compliance requirements along with standards applicable to nonprofit organizations
Proven success in nonprofit leadership, including managing staff, volunteers, and donors.
Experience in non-profit strategic planning, fundraising, and financial management.
History of effectively developing and collaborating with active and engaged Boards of Directors. 
Proven skill in strategic data analysis, operational implementation, and use of key performance indicators to drive continuous process improvements.
Proven leadership and team development skills, effective problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and mediation skills.
Strong financial acumen and project management skills.
Highly detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting processes and GAAP accounting standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Google Workspace, DonorDock, Asana, QuickBooks and WRMD preferred.
 
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Involves standing, walking, and sitting throughout the day; frequent bending and physical activity are required.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Work is performed in an environment with frequent exposure to animals, animal waste, allergens, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, strong odors, and unpredictable animal behavior.
May be exposed to zoonotic diseases and stressful situations involving sick, injured or orphaned animals.
Work may take place both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, or protective clothing may be required.
Requires work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and potential emergency situations.