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Executive Director

FULL-TIME; In-person;
Chestertown, MD

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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Leadership & Governance

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership to advance the Cat Colloquium’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability

  • Translate Board priorities into annual goals, work plans, and measurable outcomes

  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors; prepare reports, support governance, and communicate risks and opportunities

  • Foster an inclusive, caring, and accountable organizational culture

Operations, People, Animals

  • Oversee all programs and daily operations, ensuring high standards for animal care, visitor experience, safety, and facilities

  • Establish and maintain clear policies, procedures, and operational systems

  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff

  • Lead a strong volunteer program with clear roles, support, and recognition

  • Provide hands-on and on-call support as needed during busy periods or emergencies

  • Comfort handling cats, administering medications, and transporting them safely

  • Willingness to participate in daily care routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment)

Development, Communications & Community Engagement

  • Lead fundraising and development efforts, including individual giving, grants, events, and partnerships

  • Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, and supporters

  • Oversee communications, marketing, and public presence; serve as a visible ambassador for the organization

  • Build partnerships and programs that position the Cat Colloquium as a community hub

Finance, Administration & Accountability

  • Oversee financial operations in partnership with the Board, including budgeting, monitoring revenue and expenses, and reporting

  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit, employment, safety, and animal welfare requirements

  • Maintain accurate financial, donor, program, and operational records

  • Use data and reporting to assess impact, guide decisions, and support continuous improvement

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive of Cat Colloquium / Kit Care Inc. and is responsible for the overall leadership, vision, and day-to-day management of the organization. The ED oversees program development, animal care standards, visitor experience, fundraising and development, financial management, staff and volunteer leadership, facilities, and community partnerships.

This role requires a hands-on leader who is as comfortable scooping litter and comforting a shy cat as they are presenting to donors, writing grants, and working with the Board of Directors on long-term strategy. The ideal candidate is mission-driven, compassionate, organized, creative, and capable of balancing strategic vision with detailed, daily execution.

ABOUT CAT COLLOQUIUM:

The mission of Cat Colloquium is to create a community in Chestertown that advocates for animals and children in a warm, friendly, and inquisitive way. Our vision is to create a physical space where the Chestertown community can come together, in the company of well-supported cats, to engage in opportunities that support animals and children. At the Cat Colloquium, we say it’s not people saving cats but cats saving people. Our point of view and attitude toward life is CARE. We embrace this by caring for and providing a home for our cats (Citizen Cats) who welcome visitors to our warm, safe, and creative environment. 

REQUIREMENTS & EXPERIENCE:

  • Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation (for emergency veterinary visits, supply runs, community events)

  • Previous volunteer experience as Cat Colloquium

  • Ability to work flexible hours (some evenings and weekends)

  • Ability to lift 30+ lbs

  • Experience in nonprofit management, small business management, or equivalent leadership role

  • Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.

  • Experience with fundraising and donor relations (individual giving, campaigns, or events)

  • Experience with budgeting and basic financial oversight

Highly Preferred:

  • Grant writing 

  • Familiarity with animal care and welfare, including cat behavior, health, and safety protocols

  • Experience working in animal welfare, humane education, youth services, or community programs

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

  • Mission & People-Centered Leadership: Deep commitment to the mission of the Cat Colloquium and a genuine love of cats, children, and community.

  • Leadership & Judgment: Strong leadership skills with the ability to set direction, make sound decisions, and inspire staff and volunteers.

  • Communication & Relationships: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.

  • Integrity & Emotional Resilience: Demonstrates high standards of integrity, reliability, and confidentiality, and remains steady in emotionally complex or unpredictable environments.

  • Problem-Solving & Organization: Creative, adaptable problem-solver with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

  • Technical Skills: Proficient with or able to quickly learn core tools including Google Workspace, reservation/scheduling systems, donor or contact management databases (CRM), social media platforms, and website management tools (e.g., Squarespace); comfortable adopting new software as organizational needs evolve.

BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Salary commensurate with experience and local nonprofit benchmarks.

  • Paid time off and professional development opportunities, as budget allows.

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Cat Colloquium / Kit Care Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages all people of diverse backgrounds to apply.