The Mitzvah Fund Executive Director

 

Reports to: Board of Directors, The Mitzvah Fund 

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Position Status: Open until filled 

Compensation: $65,000-$85,000 starting commensurate with experience. 

 

Job purpose:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of The Mitzvah Fund (TMF), responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, operational oversight, and community engagement. In a co-pilot partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures organizational sustainability, excellence in animal care, and meaningful community impact.

 

Duties and responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement strategic plans.

• Partner with the Board on long-term vision and sustainability.

• Attend and report at monthly Board meetings.

• Ensure mission alignment across all programs and activities.

 

Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.

• Oversee financial reporting and compliance.

• Lead fundraising strategy and implementation with the board chair.

• Diversify revenue streams (individual donors, grants, events, etc.)

 

Operations & Program Oversight

•  Assist the veterinary staff to ensure high standards of veterinary care.

• Oversee logistics of active cases.

• Supervise facility, mobile unit, and headquarters property maintenance.

• Maintain operational software & hardware systems and administrative efficiency with IT companies.

 

Fundraising & Community Engagement

•  Serve as the organization’s tactful ambassador and chief curator of community connections.

• Cultivate relationships with donors, partners, and government officials.

• Respectful and kind representation of the TMF in the community and media channels.

• Strengthen partnerships with humane and social service organizations.

 

Team Leadership

• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff.

• Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

• Support volunteers and build team capacity.

 

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

• Oversee insurance, contracts, and risk mitigation.

 

Qualifications & Essential Skills:

• Proven leadership and senior management experience in animal welfare or non-profit is preferred, and a deep, empathetic love of animals and the human-animal bond is imperative.

• Strong financial management, budgeting,  and non-profit fundraising skills are essential.  

• Possessing outstanding leadership and team management abilities, all while fostering a positive and uplifting atmosphere. 

• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills are necessary, and a strong background in Human Resource management is required.  

• Ideally, a working knowledge of Washington County (VT), including economics, major businesses, organizations, and community needs.

• Previous experience working with an engaged Board of Directors.  

• Deep commitment to the organization's mission and health.

• Ability to work in varied environments, including with animals and under pressure.

• Experience with software, grant writing, and strategic planning.

• Review essential business documents, such as insurance policies, and assess them to identify issues or concerns to present to designated board members. 

• Supervises employees and veterinarians and reports back to the President and the board. In addition to supervising employees also perform annual performance evaluations, hiring, firing, and training.

 

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

This job requires the ability to work with animals and staff in a challenging environment. Stress levels and emotions can run high due to the nature of the work, so a strong and calm personality is essential. The successful candidate must prioritize tasks effectively and transition smoothly from responding to emergent situations to presenting to a core group of donors or board members. Being able to pivot, reposition, and reassess is critically important.

The position may require standing and sitting for long periods, and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Work will take place inside the mobile veterinary unit, in the clinic office, and out in the field.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, salaried position with a starting salary range of $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid time off, discounted veterinary care for up to 2 personal animals per year, and access to veterinary products at reduced cost. Additional benefits may be negotiated based on the candidate's qualifications. TMF is growing and evolving rapidly, and the right candidate has the opportunity to expand this position in various directions. After completing sufficient training, part-time remote options may also be available.

 

About The Mitzvah Fund:

The Mitzvah Fund is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that offers quality veterinary care for the companion animals of low-income seniors, low-income Vermont veterans, unhoused neighbors, victims of domestic abuse, and low-income disabled first responders. We operate a full-service veterinary mobile facility based out of East Montpelier.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. We celebrate the diversity of our community and encourage all interested individuals to apply for this role.

To apply, please email your CV or resume, along with a cover letter and references, to: jobs@themitzvahfundvt.org.