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Animal Shelter Management Consultant & Interim Executive Director

Position Summary: As C.A.R.E. prepares for the next phase of its development and impact, it seeks a seasoned animal shelter management professional to provide strategic consulting services and operational leadership during a six-month engagement. This consultant will conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment, provide guidance on qualities and expertise to be considered in hiring an Executive Director, and manage daily shelter operations as we build the foundation for a sustainable future. This engagement is also open to candidates who may have interest in being considered for the permanent Executive Director role. The right individual — someone who demonstrates strong organizational fit, leadership, and mission alignment during the consulting engagement — may be considered for the Executive Director position as C.A.R.E. moves through its transition. Candidates interested in either track are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

Organizational Assessment & Strategic Recommendations (Months 1–2)

  • Conduct comprehensive evaluation of C.A.R.E.’s current operations, including animal care protocols, volunteer management, facility management, and community programs

  • Assess organizational structure, policies, procedures, and systems against animal welfare best practices and industry standards

  • Provide written assessment of operational strengths to leverage, gaps to address, and activities to discontinue

  • Review financial management practices, fundraising strategies, and resource allocation

  • Evaluate volunteer and staff management systems

  • Present findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors

Executive Director Transition Planning (Months 2–4

  • Develop implementation plan for critical infrastructure, policies, and systems needed prior to Executive Director hire

  • Create comprehensive Executive Director job description aligned with C.A.R.E.’s mission, development trajectory, and operational needs

  • Recommend Executive Director compensation range based on comparable organizations and local market conditions

  • Advise on Executive Director search timeline, process, and candidate evaluation criteria

  • Develop Executive Director onboarding plan and transition timeline

  • Recommend Board governance structures to support effective Executive Director leadership

Interim Executive Director Operations (Months 1–6)

  • Oversee daily shelter operations, ensuring high standards of animal care and welfare

  • Supervise staff (one full-time Medical Care Manager and one 30-hour Canine Program Manager)

  • Oversee animal intake and medical care protocols, and adoption processes

  • Support fundraising efforts

  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and animal welfare standards

  • Attend Board meetings and provide regular operational updates

  • Manage facility maintenance and vendor relationships

  • Maintain financial oversight in coordination with Board Treasurer

  • Handle urgent operational decisions and crisis management as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum seven years of progressive leadership experience in animal shelter management or animal welfare organizations

  • Proven track record managing shelter operations including animal care, volunteer coordination, fundraising, and budget oversight

  • Experience conducting organizational assessments and developing strategic recommendations

  • Demonstrated success hiring and onboarding executive leadership

  • Strong understanding of animal welfare best practices, shelter medicine, and industry standards

  • Experience with nonprofit governance, financial management, and board relations

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Board and volunteers

  • Proficiency with shelter management software and standard business applications

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) or similar professional certification

  • Experience with shelters transitioning to their first paid Executive Director

  • Background in organizational development or nonprofit consulting

  • Knowledge of Illinois animal welfare regulations and regional differences

  • Experience with fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation

  • Experience working with volunteers and understanding of volunteer management best practices

Engagement Details

  • Duration: 6-month contract (approximately July – December 2026), with potential transition to permanent Executive Director

  • Time Commitment: Estimated 20–30 hours per week, with flexibility based on operational needs

  • Location: Primary work at C.A.R.E. facility in Skokie, Illinois, with some remote work possible

  • Compensation: Competitive consultant rate commensurate with experience (to be discussed); Executive Director compensation to be determined based on organizational assessment and market benchmarking

  • Reports to: C.A.R.E. Board President

Deliverables

  • Comprehensive organizational assessment report with prioritized recommendations

  • Proposed Executive Director job description and hiring preparation plan

  • Monthly progress reports to the Board

  • Final transition report with recommendations for incoming Executive Director

  • Documented policies, procedures, and systems improvements implemented during tenure

To Apply

Please submit a resume, relevant work samples (such as organizational assessments or executive job descriptions you’ve developed), and a cover letter describing your approach to this engagement — and, if applicable, your interest in being considered for the permanent Executive Director role — to Holly Stevens, C.A.R.E. Board President, at holly@carenorthshore.org no later than 6/30/26. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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