Toledo Humane Society, President - Maumee - Noetic Search

Description

MISSION

The Toledo Humane Society leads the community in efforts focused on relieving the suffering of, preventing cruelty to, and providing for the humane treatment of animals.

BACKGROUND

The Toledo Humane Society (THS) is the state of Ohio's oldest animal welfare organization, proudly serving the Toledo community since 1884.

For more than a century, THS has remained dedicated to protecting animals, strengthening the human–animal bond, and building an educated, caring, and responsible community free from animal abuse and neglect.

Each year, THS provides lifesaving care to nearly 4,000 animals through comprehensive programs and services.

Central to its mission is offering temporary shelter and compassionate care for animals in need while actively seeking their placement in permanent, loving homes.

THS is able to support a large number of animals in their care through a very robust foster network. Annually they place around 1,500 animals in foster homes which keeps kennels open for more pets.

THS recognizes that every adoption is unique and special, and it is committed to thoughtfully matching each pet with an appropriate forever family to ensure long-term success for both the animal and adopter.

Beyond sheltering and adoption, THS serves as a strong advocate for animals, investigating more than 2,000 animal cruelty reports annually and intervening in cases of abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

Through education and, when necessary, legal action, THS works to improve the quality of life for animals and to hold offenders accountable.

THS also provides leadership in advancing legislation designed to strengthen protections for animals across the community.

Education is a cornerstone of the work of THS, actively engaging the community on issues related to responsible pet ownership, proper care and training, and the critical link between animal cruelty and human abuse.

By fostering awareness and promoting responsible practices, the organization strives to prevent suffering before it occurs and to cultivate a culture of empathy and accountability.

THS is governed by a 9-member (and growing) Board of Directors and relies on community support to sustain its mission.

The operating budget for 2026 is approximately $4M.

This is a significant increase from prior years with growth anticipated from earned revenue in the new, reduced-cost, public veterinary clinic.

THS also generates earned income through its popular, well-managed thrift store. Philanthropy generates about $1M annually through individual giving and events.

The financial independence of THS underscores its deep connection to the local community and its commitment to serving the specific needs of the Toledo area.

Guided by core values of compassion, honesty, dignity, respect, and professionalism, THS creates a nurturing environment for both animals and people.

Through teamwork and collaboration with partnering agencies and community members, THS works to identify and resolve animal-related concerns effectively and ethically.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The opportunity to lead the Toledo Humane Society comes at a transformational moment in the organization's 140+ year history.

As Ohio's oldest animal welfare organization, THS has long been a trusted community institution that the public is encouraged to visit and ultimately adopt or participate in a wide range of educational programs.

The next President & CEO will have the rare chance to build off a strong foundation and shape the organization's next era of growth and impact.

THS recently acquired a new building that houses an expanded behavior training facility and public veterinary clinic, significantly broadening the organization's ability to serve pets and families across the region.

This expansion creates multiple new pathways for impact:

addressing behavioral challenges that often lead to surrender or cruelty cases where dogs can be rehabilitated and placed in a forever home, increasing community access to affordable veterinary care, and strengthening the human–animal bond before crises occur.

With these new assets in place, the incoming leader will step into an organization poised for innovation and measurable community transformation.

At the same time, there is a compelling opportunity to launch a capital campaign to enhance and modernize the main shelter and clinic facilities.

An investment in the facility will expand lifesaving capacity, elevate the standard of care, and enable new programs that respond to emerging community needs.

Beyond philanthropy, THS has a number of earned revenue streams including:

adoption fees, the new public clinic, a thrift store that has the potential to increase profits, behavior and training classes for public, and educational programs including summer camp and career camp.

A strong business leader who maximizes the potential of these revenue streams will thrive at THS.

Beyond facilities, the President & CEO will shape strategy at a time when animal welfare is increasingly recognized as interconnected with public health, social services, and community safety.

With a respected brand, a dedicated Board, diversified revenue streams, and a committed staff, THS is positioned for a leader who can harness data, partnerships, and advocacy to drive systemic change.

There is room to deepen donor engagement, expand earned revenue initiatives, strengthen legislative leadership, and elevate the organization's voice.
This role is particularly compelling for an accomplished nonprofit leader who is energized by both mission and momentum. The platform is established; the credibility is earned. What lies ahead is growth in programs, facilities, fundraising capacity, and community impact.

The next President & CEO will not be asked to rebuild or stabilize; they will be invited to reimagine, expand, and elevate.

THE POSITION

The President & CEO of the Toledo Humane Society serves as the chief executive leader of the organization, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership while overseeing all staff and organizational functions in alignment with Board-approved policies.

The President & CEO currently manages eight direct reports and is responsible for a staff of 70 and hundreds of volunteers.

In partnership with the Board and management team, the President & CEO sets the strategic direction of the organization by establishing long-range goals, growth priorities, and annual operating plans.

This leader ensures that strategic initiatives are tied to measurable animal welfare outcomes and meaningful community impact.

By leveraging data, benchmarking, and industry best practices, the President & CEO guides informed decision-making, resource allocation, and organizational development to meet evolving community needs.

The role carries full executive oversight of daily operations, including shelter management, cruelty investigations, veterinary and clinic services, thrift store operations, and all administrative functions.

The President & CEO translates strategy into clear goals and actionable plans, fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.

Major responsibilities include leading fundraising as well as driving diversified revenue strategies, and adherence to the annual operating budget.

The President & CEO also ensures strong internal policies, risk management practices, and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofit and animal welfare operations.

As the organization's primary spokesperson, the President & CEO represents THS at the local, state, and national levels. This leader cultivates strategic partnerships, strengthens donor relationships, leads major gift engagement, and enhances the organization's public image.

The role includes advancing advocacy and legislative initiatives that support animal welfare and reinforcing THS's position as a trusted community leader.

Internally, the President & CEO is responsible for building and sustaining a high-performing, mission-driven team. This includes mentoring and developing staff, fostering leadership capacity, and supporting succession planning. The President & CEO creates an environment where employees are empowered, engaged, and aligned with the mission.
Financial stewardship and governance are central to the role.

The President & CEO ensures transparent financial reporting, strong internal controls, audit readiness, and responsible management of donor and organizational assets.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, this leader maintains a collaborative and transparent partnership, supporting Board engagement, development, and governance excellence.

Overall, the President & CEO is accountable for ensuring organizational effectiveness, financial health, and mission-driven results—positioning THS to continue protecting animals, serving the community, and advancing animal welfare for generations to come.

THE PROFILE

The President & CEO of the Toledo Humane Society will be an accomplished, mission-driven executive who combines strategic vision with operational discipline and a deep commitment to community impact.

This leader brings at least 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, including senior-level responsibility for complex organizations with multiple revenue streams and diverse stakeholder groups.

Experience in animal welfare is valued, but most essential is a genuine passion for the mission and a willingness to deepen expertise in the field.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader and fundraiser who is a confident and compelling communicator.

Serving as the public face of the organization, leading major donor conversations, facilitating board and community meetings, and navigating sensitive or high-conflict situations with sound judgment and diplomacy is required.

They possess the executive presence to inspire trust, build partnerships, and influence others in support of strategic goals.
Financial acumen is critical. The successful leader demonstrates strong literacy in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and long-term sustainability planning.

They understand nonprofit governance, work effectively with a Board of Directors, and ensure responsible stewardship of donor and organizational assets.

This individual is also a proven team builder who leads with clarity, accountability, and empathy.

They know how to attract and retain talented professionals, delegate effectively, set measurable expectations, and build leadership capacity across the organization.

With strong planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, they translate strategy into action and guide multi-functional teams toward measurable outcomes.

Organizationally savvy and resilient, the President & CEO is energized by a dynamic environment that includes public engagement, fundraising, and the realities of shelter operations.

They are prepared to lead in both office and animal care settings and to represent the organization at events and community forums beyond traditional business hours.

Above all, this leader embodies integrity, compassion, and professionalism, modeling the values that define THS and inspiring others to advance its mission every day.

ABOUT TOLEDO, OHIO

Toledo is a mid-size Midwestern city that blends affordability, community spirit, and access to nature with a growing cultural and economic landscape.

Located along the western shore of Lake Erie, Toledo offers strong connections to the outdoors.

Residents enjoy waterfront activities like boating and fishing, as well as miles of trails and green space through the nationally recognized Metroparks Toledo system.

The city's location also places it within easy driving distance of Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus, giving people access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining a lower cost of living.

Culturally, Toledo has a strong arts and education presence. The renowned Toledo Museum of Art is known for its world-class collection and community programming.

The University of Toledo contributes to research, healthcare, and workforce development, while also adding energy to the city through collegiate athletics and events.

Historically known as the "Glass City," Toledo has deep roots in manufacturing and innovation, particularly in glass and solar technologies.

Today, its economy is supported by healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, and small business growth.
Perhaps most notably, Toledo offers a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Neighborhoods are diverse and community-oriented, and the city continues to invest in revitalizing its downtown and waterfront.

For those seeking a balance of opportunity, recreation, culture, and affordability, Toledo presents a well-rounded and accessible place to live, work, and explore.

SALARY & BENEFITS
$165,000 – $185,000 plus comprehensive benefits package including medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and leave, a matched 401(k) retirement plan, and life insurance.