Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kauai Humane Society

Kauai Humane Society (KHS), Kauai’s only open admission animal shelter, seeks a community-centered Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer is generally responsible for overseeing employees and volunteers who provide animal care at the KHS Shelter, and for providing leadership and strategic vision for KHS’ successful, sustainable growth. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the financial management of the non-profit business, and the direction of administrative, managerial, and supervisory activities while acting as a dynamic liaison between the KHS Board of Directors, the shelter staff, and the greater Kauai community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment that recognizes and values staff contributions
• Ensure organizational integrity, including ethical, operational and cultural alignment
• Directly supervise the managerial team (i.e., Manager of Operations/Chief Operating Officer, Director of Medical Operations, Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Development/Chief Development Officer)
• Develop and implement short- and long-term operational goals
• Clearly communicate organizational priorities, updates, successes, and challenges to staff and volunteers
• Review and update existing and operational policies and develop new ones that promote animal welfare
• Regularly brief the staff on the successes, opportunities, and issues facing the organization
• Assess and strengthen organizational structure, including addressing staffing gaps and implementing necessary changes
• Maintain strong engagement with the Board of Directors, ensuring they are well-informed of key issues, risks, and opportunities

Operational Management of the Non-Profit Business

• Work collaboratively with the development team to generate revenue from available sources; personally acknowledge major gifts and donations
• Develop and promote programs and services that align with KHS’s mission
• Establish productive working relationships with stakeholders, businesses, other non-profit organizations, donors, partner agencies, and volunteers
• Assure that animal-welfare data are accurately collected and recorded
• Collaborate with select managers and veterinarians on euthanasia decisions
• Oversee marketing communications, including press releases, newsletters, and social media postings
• Collaborate with the Kauai Emergency Management Agency on disaster preparations and responses
• Represent KHS at wildlife-related meetings supporting local endemic wildlife and Kauai cats
• Review and recommend positions on proposed animal welfare legislation

Fiscal Management and Financial Stewardship

• Demonstrable financial acumen for a non-profit business
• Provide overall financial leadership and oversight of the organization
• Interpret financial statements and use data to inform strategic decision-making
• Develop and manage the annual budget (~$4M) and ensure responsible fiscal management
• Understanding non-profit revenue structures: grants, donations, fundraising, government contracts, restricted vs unrestricted funds
• Ensure financial accountability, governance, and compliance with nonprofit standards
• Strategic Financial Decision Making
• In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, develop an understanding of and creating corrective strategies for underperforming cost centers (e.g., Medical Department, Customer Service Department, Animal Care Department, etc.)
• Develop financial goals and the strategies and tactics to achieve them
• Develop and present annual contract proposal for services provided for the County of Kauai
• Collaborate with the Director of Development regarding annual targets for grants, fundraising events, and fundraising campaigns, and the strategies and tactics for achieving them

Grant Strategy & Management

• Support grant funding strategy, including identification, application, and reporting
• Ensure proper stewardship and compliance of restricted and unrestricted funds
• Collaborate with development leadership to align grant funding with program priorities

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of KHS
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, businesses, nonprofits, and partner agencies
• Advocate for animal welfare and elevate KHS’s presence within the Kauai community
• Oversee external communications, including marketing, public relations, and social media

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experience is acceptable
• An authentic, proactive, and professional leadership style with strong presence and energy
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of team and organizational management
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams
• Interpersonal skills and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential
• Achievement-oriented and having a high stress tolerance
• Experience in animal welfare is a plus
• Demonstrated program management knowledge
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations for the workplace
• Experience managing diversified activities to a specified budget
• Willingness to actively participate in fundraising and capital campaigns 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual salary of $125,000 - $150,000
• Reimbursement of Relocation Expense
• Use of a personal vehicle
• Health Insurance
• 401(k)
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Continuing Education

Requirements

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the below documents to Kauai Humane Society Hiring Committee c/o Inkinen Executive Search via email to Martha Om at mom@Inkinen.com.

Application deadline: Friday, June 19th, 2026

-Cover Letter – expressing the reason for your interest in KHS and how your skills and experiences match the CEO role
-Resume