Current Job Openings

Executive Director Position is : OPEN

 

 Position Profile: Executive Director

 The Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL) is looking for an Executive Director to guide the organization's strategic vision, oversee daily operations, and support future growth. This role will work closely with the Board, staff, and community partners to further our mission: "to provide rescue and relief to suffering and homeless animals, and to carry out charitable or benevolent acts for the welfare of animals."

 With a passion for PARL’s critically important work the Executive Director will build upon the legacy of PARL, a well-respected, trusted animal welfare agency that has provided services to the community for over 100 years. They will manage a $2M budget, a staff of over 20, and provide services to the community. Reporting to the Board of Directors—community, private, and public sector leaders—they will further PARL's mission and vision.
 About The Providence Animal Rescue League
“We envision a community in which animals and their human families have the support and resources they need to thrive together.”
Founded in 1913, PARL has helped thousands of animals across Greater Providence as an open admission shelter. We manage intake to assist anyone needing to surrender a pet and offer adoption, rehoming, veterinary care, humane education, and community programs. Our services include pet food assistance, affordable vaccine/microchip clinics, and low-cost spay/neuter options. Recognized as a 'no-kill' organization, we do not euthanize animals for age, space, or length of stay—only for severe aggression or untreatable medical conditions.
As a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, PARL does not receive any local, state or federal funding, nor are we affiliated with any national humane organization. PARL relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to provide critical programs and services for the animals and people in the community.
To learn more, please see the PARL website.
 
Position Summary
 The Executive Director is responsible for administration, programs, and strategic planning while ensuring financial sustainability through grants, fundraising and marketing. The Executive Director advances the organization’s mission by strengthening veterinary and shelter services and cultivating relationships with the community andPARL’s partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
 Vision, Mission and Organization Strategy: Works with the board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through strategic planning and that the organization effectively delivers quality services and programs to the community. Stays abreast of changes in our field and is committed to progressive, best practices in animal welfare.

 Organizational Leadership: Creates an inclusive, cohesive team-based organizational culture built on our values of integrity, innovation, service, positivity and quality.
Attracts, recruits, leads, develops, mentors and motivates an empowered staff ensuring everyone is connected to the organization's mission, vision, core beliefs and values.

 Fund Development/Fundraising: Raises funds and directs the grant process; cultivates
donors, develops resources and funding streams to support PARL’s mission.

Marketing/Branding: Provides strategic leadership for the organization’s brand, ensuring clear, consistent, and mission-aligned messaging across all programs, communications, and stakeholder touchpoints.
Partnerships and Advocacy: Advocates for the mission, vision and values of the organization to build relationships and partnerships with community-based organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders.

 Financial Performance and Viability: Insures the fiscal integrity of the organization to ensure maximum resource utilization. Responsible for developing and maintaining budgets.

 Leading Change and Project Management: Spearheads the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes.

 Operational Management: Ensures efficient organizational operations by allocating appropriate resources. Implements employment, operational and administrative procedures to ensure effective operations.   Executes all contracts, notes and agreements on behalf of the organization. Oversees all major building, IT and facility projects.
 
 Board Relations: Collaborates actively with the Board to achieve the organization's mission. Builds cooperative relationships with Board members by maintaining open communication, supporting committees, and leading the strategic planning process.

 The Voice of PARL: Works closely with other professional, civic and private organizations; is active and visible in the community and the state; serves as the chief advocate, champion and spokesperson for PARL to the media, state and local government, and the general public.

Experience and Education
The Executive Director is a proven leader and collaborator. Experience or strong familiarity leading a non-profit organization, reporting to a board of directors preferred.
    •    Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Master’s or continuing education a plus.
    •    Operational management experience; hands-on approach, with an understanding or experience managing a small organization.
    •    Fundraising public and private funds required, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate new donors and sources of income.
    •    Must have experience creating an inclusive work environment that values transparency and teamwork. Is a role model, a visible leader who motivates and develops staff, encouraging their professional and       intellectual growth by championing, reinforcing, and providing ongoing training and education.
    •    Has a track record of building and leveraging relationships within and among a diverse group of stakeholders, such as community, government, non-profits and businesses within RI, the region and nationally is required.
    •    Fiscal management experience required.
    •    Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Key Competencies
We seek a collaborative Executive Director who is excited about our mission: able to foster relationships with all stakeholders and engage the community around PARL’s mission to protect and care for animals. The ideal candidate is personable, enthusiastic, and has a good sense of humor.

They should possess the following attributes:
    •    A strong advocate with a genuine passion and demonstrated commitment to the animal welfare community.
    •    Able to clearly communicate PARL’s strategic vision to stakeholders, inspiring engagement and advancing the mission.
    •    An effective leader who engages, empowers, and involves a diverse staff in decision-making while delegating appropriately.
    •    Strong customer service orientation and mindset; compassionate approach to working with and supporting people.
    •    Approachable, accessible and inclusive in style. Capable of exhibiting leadership, professionalism, and empathy towards animals, staff, and our constituents when making difficult decisions, such as euthanasia.
    •    Excellent oral, written, and listening skills; confident in public speaking, community engagement, and group facilitation.
    •    Strong financial management, budgeting, business acumen and project management skills.
    •    Flexible, adaptable; open to new ideas and able to develop creative solutions to challenges in our business.
    •    Transparent in their actions; personal integrity, honesty, and respect for others as demonstrated throughout their career.
    •    Sound judgement in decision-making with the long-term success of the organization in mind. Can make difficult decisions when needed.
    •    Strong organizational skills.

Contact
 This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals, public service, and effective leadership and mentorship. Compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The role is onsite, with an annual salary range of $110K–$135K.

 PARL is an equal opportunity employer and fully committed to a culturally diverse staff to better serve our community. Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest in this position, references, and salary requirements by May 1, 2026, to:

Cynthia Butler, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Butler & Associates Human Resources Consulting
cjbutlerhr@gmail.com

Important Notice

We have been made aware of various scam/phishing accounts posing as PARL and interviewing people for fake internship or job positions. Our interview process follows the application guidelines in job descriptions and we will never ask you for personal information such as social security number, passwords, etc. over the phone. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly at 401-421-1399 or reception@parl.org to inquire if a job or internship posting is legitimate. Thank you!