Executive Director Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Rescue and Programs Logistics Officer

Status: Exempt Full-Time - Experienced -Level (Classification 8810)

No Remote- In-Office Position other than Regular Travel

Salary: Annual- Starting at $120,000

Benefits: After 60 Days: Medical, Dental, and Vision Offered

Primary Function:Rescue Management & Coordination / Overseeing Refuge Facilities

Direct Supervisor: Executive Director

Who We Are
At The Wild Animal Sanctuary, our work sits at the intersection of discipline and purpose.
This is not casual nonprofit work. Our operations demand precision, resilience, and accountability - paired with a deep commitment to animal welfare. If you combine the structure and execution of high-performance organizations with a mission rooted in service, you begin to understand what we do.
We are a team that shows up, solves problems, and delivers results - often under pressure, often in complex environments, and always with purpose.

The Role
The Chief Rescue & Programs Logistics Officer leads the planning, coordination, and execution of all rescue operations while supporting oversight of refuge facilities. This role operates as a strategic and operational partner to the Executive Director and is responsible for ensuring that every rescue mission is executed safely, legally, and effectively.
This is a hands-on leadership role-not a desk-only position. You will plan missions, manage logistics, coordinate with agencies, and deploy in the field when required.

Core Responsibilities
Planning and end-to-end executing complex rescue operations (U.S. & international)
Coordinating extensive logistics, personnel, permits, and transport under real-world constraints
Ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies (USFWS, DOJ, USDA, CPW, etc.)
Acting as the operational lead during active rescue missions
Building and maintaining relationships with agencies, partners, and stakeholders
Supporting oversight and coordination across multiple refuge facilities
Creating, managing and curating both pre and post mission documentation, reporting, and after-action reviews

What This Role Requires
This position is best suited for individuals who:
Operate with high accountability and ownership
Can make sound decisions under pressure
Are comfortable managing complex, moving operations
Maintain professionalism in highly visible situations
Are willing to travel frequently and work irregular hours
Minimum Qualifications
3-5+ years leading operations, logistics, or mission-critical work
Bachelor's degree
Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills
Proficient with a wide range of computer software, including most of the Adobe Suite products, Microsoft Office and other office-centered data management and communication programs
Valid U.S. passport and driver's license
Have no physical restrictions or limitations, and can lift 100 lbs.
Have strong physical background with proven endurance
Willingness to travel frequently, including internationally
Preferred Backgrounds
Candidates with experience in the following environments tend to succeed in this role:
Large-scale logistics or operations management
Nonprofit or animal welfare organizations
Emergency response, disaster relief, or field operations
Military, law enforcement, or structured leadership environments
Who Performs Well in This Role
This role strongly aligns with backgrounds such as:
Military logistics, operations, or command roles
Law enforcement or federal agency coordination
Emergency management / disaster response
Large-scale field operations or project execution
International law and federal and state animal transport regulations
Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary: $120,000 annually
Medical, dental, and vision benefits after 60 days

Why This Role Matters
Every rescue we conduct changes the trajectory of an animal's life.
This role is central to making that happen-ensuring that missions are not only successful, but executed with integrity, precision, and care.
If you're looking for a position where your work directly translates into real-world impact-and you're willing to meet the demands that come with it-this is that role.

Clear Focus:

The above Job Description is intended to describe the general duties/nature of the level of work being performed. This Job Description is not to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required. Job Descriptions are somewhat fluid and will change depending on the Organization's strategic direction and overall objectives accordingly.

Background Check Statement:

Approval for Hiring is contingent upon successfully passing a background check prior to your Hiring/Acceptance/Offer. This background check does not report to any credit bureau and no impact will be seen on the applicants side. This process helps the Company screen for any past background experiences that pose a threat or a discrepancy to the Organization, as TWAS does not hire any violent offenders, or individuals that have been charged criminally involving endangering/threating/hurting children and/or animals. By applying you are authorizing The Wild Animal Sanctuary to perform this background check.

EEOC Statement:

Our Non-Profit organization, "The Wild Animal Sanctuary" is an equal opportunity employer.All applicants will be considered foremploymentwithout attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.