Potter League for Animals, Executive Director

The Potter League for Animals is Rhode Island’s most comprehensive animal care and resource center, dedicated to enriching lives and promoting the humane treatment of animals. Founded in 1929 as the Newport County League for Animals, the organization will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029. Based in Middletown on Aquidneck Island, the Potter League has a 2027 operating budget of $5.5M, approximately $14M in reserves, a staff of about 50 full and part time employees and more than 400 volunteers.

 

The Potter League’s Animal Care and Adoption Center is the only shelter and adoption provider in Newport County. It operates as an open admission shelter with managed intake and cares for approximately 2,000 dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals each year. Last year it placed about 1,700 animals in new homes with a 95% live release rate. The Potter League also holds animal control contracts with Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth and Tiverton. Its Spay/Neuter Clinic in Warwick performs more than 5,000 affordable surgeries a year. Community programs including the Pet Food Pantry, Pet Safe and the one of a kind Community Navigator initiative help keep pets and families together in stable, loving homes.

 

The Potter League enters this leadership transition from a position of strength with an engaged staff and remarkable event growth. Yappy Hour has grown from $80,000 to nearly $800,000, and Bark and Boogie raised nearly $500,000 this year. The new Executive Director will lead the organization into its centennial, develop a new strategic plan and refine systems and operations. They will also strengthen the Potter League at home first by building partnerships across Newport County. The new leader in partnership with key stakeholders will evaluate growth opportunities that may lead to the organization’s first capital campaign since 2008.

 

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate animal welfare executive who is a true hands on operator. This is someone who walks the building, knows the staff, explains the “why” behind decisions and brings people together. Qualified candidates will bring senior leadership experience at a humane society or animal control organization. They will know shelter operations, managed intake, transport partnerships and municipal contracts. Significant financial management experience and a proven record of securing major and planned gifts are required, and capital campaign experience is a plus. The person we seek is a warm, credible communicator with a history of building local partnerships, high emotional intelligence and success leading change. They will also have experience reporting to or working closely with a nonprofit board.

 

A minimum of ten years in a senior leadership role is required. A bachelor’s degree is expected and a graduate degree is preferred. A CAWA credential is a plus.