MISSION & VISION The mission of Pasadena Humane is to lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals. The vision is for companion animals to reside in loving homes and for communities to coexist with wildlife.
CORE VALUES:
LEARNING: Commitment to best practice and professional development through continuous education.
INTEGRITY: Value honest and transparent communication and decisionmaking using evidencebased practices.
COLLABORATION: Value teamwork in the organization and partnerships with the community to deliver exceptional service.
KINDNESS: Show compassion care respect and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.
BACKGROUND Situated in the heart of Pasadena Pasadena Humane is more than an animal shelter; it is a communitysupported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903 Pasadena Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At the Pasadena campus staff provide shelter dedicated care and new beginnings for thousands of the communitys most vulnerable animals every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster they focus on programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep their pets such as free and lowcost spay/neuter and vaccines a pet food pantry and an animal support call center. In 2023 Pasadena Humane helped more than 47000 animals through adoptions wildlife rehabilitation lost & found veterinary services training classes and surrender prevention assistance.
As an openadmission shelter committed to socially conscious practices it accepts all animals from its service arearegardless of age medical condition breed or other factors. This inclusive policy ensures care and shelter for thousands of animals who would otherwise have nowhere to go. The Helping Paws program assists pet owners in crisis. This service aims to keep pets out of the shelter by providing resources such as a pet food bank wellness services and temporary boarding to pet owners in need. This service was critical during the recent Eaton Fires allowing families that lost their home in the fire to have a safe place for their pets while they rebuild.
Pasadena Humane had a total shelter intake of over 7000 animals in 2023 and 2024 including both companion and wild animals. This includes animals taken in for various reasons such as adoptions wildlife rehabilitation and lost and found. They place 100% of healthy and safe animals into new homes or back to their natural habitat. Upon arrival all animals receive a medical and behavioral evaluation. Most animals can be placed for adoption but animals with untreatable health or behavior issues may be humanely euthanized.
Pasadena Humane has animal control contracts with twelve communities including Pasadena and surrounding cities and counties. Animal Control Officers are an integral partner with these communities in that they rescue stray pets enforce the laws educate the community about responsible pet ownership in addition to conducting cruelty investigations and claims of animal abuse.
In addition to the lowcost wellness clinic dog training classes and an attractive and spacious retail store Pasadena Humane provides boarding facilities for the community on its property a service that not only ensures the pet owner of the quality care their animal will receive but also securing revenue for Pasadena Humane. In 2021 wild friends moved into the Sandra J. Goodspeed Wildlife Center which includes an intensive care unit a separate incubator room to care for orphaned babies and outdoor space to prepare wildlife for release back into the wild.
With constant positive attention from both the media as well as social media Pasadena Humane is thesource for animal welfare issues affecting the city and county. Pasadena Humanes reach is far beyond the City of Pasadena and it will continue to spread both its information and assistance to the animals and people of the region.
Pasadena Humane is governed by a dedicated 15member Board of Directors comprised of business civic and community leaders. THE OPPORTUNITY Following their heroic and highly effective response to the Eaton Fire in January 2025where they sheltered and cared for over 1000 displaced animalsPasadena Humane has emerged as a vital community lifeline and national beacon for animal welfare. Energized by overwhelming community support and momentum the organization stands on the brink of transformative growth.
Pasadena Humane seeks a visionary President & CEO to lead it into a bold new chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide an exceptional organization committed to surrender prevention socially conscious sheltering and toptier animal care. The next leader will craft and execute a forwardthinking strategic plan that cements Pasadena Humane as a national model in progressive sheltering practices. Key opportunities include expanding access to care beyond the shelter through innovative communitybased programming strengthening partnerships across the region and potentially growing the organizations physical footprint and lowcost veterinary services to serve more animals and families in need.
With a strong leadership team empowered staff and robust operational foundation in place the new CEO can focus on expanding communitybased care deepening regional partnerships and scaling veterinary services and facilities to serve more pets and people. Rooted in a culture of learning integrity collaboration and kindness Pasadena Humane is ready to elevate its impactand invites a bold compassionate leader to shape its future.
THE POSITION Reporting to the Board of Directors the President/CEO is responsible for the oversight of Pasadena Humane which includes administration of all programs and services. The President/CEO will develop and oversee a budget of $19M. Additionally the President/CEO is responsible for the strategic processes of the organization managing and developing a talented paid staff of 150 and more than 1250 volunteers. An exceptional leadership team includes five direct reports: Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Chief Philanthropy Officer Chief of Marketing & Communications Officer Chief Programs & Services Officer and Chief Veterinarian and Animal Care. The President/CEO will also partner with a dedicated Board of Directors and will implement Board driven longrange and strategic plans to ensure that the goals and objectives of Pasadena Humane are successfully achieved. In addition the next leader will support and assist the Board in recruitment and engagement efforts with a goal to add diversity that reflects the communities served.
The President/CEO will lead the design and execution of a new Strategic Plan as well as the development of strategic directions and policy in the fulfillment of the agencys mission. This individual is responsible for the overall management and operation of Pasadena Humane in compliance with Boardadopted policies and with all applicable local state and federal regulations and laws. The President/CEO provides a leadership role in initiating and maintaining community relationships and securing the operating and investment funds necessary to sustain current and future operations. Key Responsibilities:
Lead with Vision: Initially the focus will be on continuity and ensuring sustainability and then drive the organizations strategic direction ensuring continued growth.
Champion Animal Welfare: Maintain and enhance Pasadena Humanes lifesaving initiatives including adoption programs veterinary care community outreach and progressive animal control policies.
Expand Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with government officials donors volunteers and the broader surrounding communities to support Pasadena Humanes mission.
Ensure Financial Sustainability: Oversee fundraising efforts grant acquisition and financial stewardship.
Inspire and Empower Staff: Sustain a workplace culture that continues to be rooted in the core values of learning integrity collaboration and kindness and fosters professional development.
Build visibility: locally regionally and nationally serving as a spokesperson.
Innovate and Adapt: Implement forwardthinking strategies that anticipate trends in animal welfare and develop datadriven solutions.
THE PROFILE Pasadena Humane is seeking a dynamic visionary and valuesdriven President/Chief Executive Officer to lead one of the nations most respected animal welfare organizations into its next chapter of impact and innovation. This exceptional opportunity calls for a seasoned executive with a deep commitment to the ethical and humane treatment of animalsand the proven ability to inspire modernize and unify.
The ideal candidate will be a compassionate confident and approachable leader with high emotional intelligence and strong communication skills. Demonstrating unwavering integrity and a traumainformed leadership approach this individual will honor the dedication of a resilient staffespecially in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire where Pasadena Humane sheltered over 1000 displaced animalswhile forging a bold path forward.
This leader must bring demonstrated experience in financial oversight including longterm capital planning and budget management alongside a track record in strategic planning organizational development and continuous improvement. A datadriven decisionmaker and skilled change agent the CEO will steer the organization through complex challenges while ensuring operational excellence and adherence to bestinclass animal care standards. As Pasadena Humanes chief ambassador the CEO will promote its mission and values cultivate relationships with donors and partners and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to ensure sound governance diversification and alignment with strategic goals. The incoming leader will also partner closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to drive fundraising donor relations and community engagement efforts.
Deep expertise in marketing and branding is essential as is the ability to elevate the organizations visibility on a national stage. This leader will guide crossfunctional teams foster innovation and build a collaborative culture that breaks down silos and encourages cohesive missionaligned performance.
Equally important is a passion for people: this CEO will lead with empathy prioritize staff development and champion a valuesdriven culture of inclusion professionalism and excellence. A thoughtful consensus builder they will navigate complexity with fairness and balance ensuring that Pasadena Humane continues to be a place where animalsand the people who care for themthrive.
Competitive candidates will have proven experience in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit organization preferably in animal welfare or a related field. Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred. CAWA credential is helpful.
SALARY & BENEFITS $300000 $350000 plus comprehensive benefits package including health and dental 403(b) plan Life and LongTerm Disability Insurance.
Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race creed color national origin religion sex gender identity pregnancy physical or mental disability medical condition ancestry marital status age sexual orientation citizenship genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or alien righttowork status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drugfree workplace and performs preemployment substance abuse testing.
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