Executive Director – Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS)

📍 Location: Columbia, South Carolina
📅 Status: Full-Time, Exempt
💼 Reports to: Board of Directors

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Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive responsible for the overall health, sustainability, and growth of Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), an ADI and AASI accredited organization. The ED leads the organization’s business, financial, and operational functions, ensuring that staff, volunteers, and programs have the structure, resources, and support needed to thrive.

This position requires a hands-on, strategic leader who excels in nonprofit administration, fundraising, financial management, and community engagement—while upholding PAALS’ culture of integrity, compassion, and commitment to the wellness of dogs, staff, volunteers, clients, and program participants.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Financial Management

· Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure fiscal health and accountability.

· Cultivate new corporate donors and partnerships while caring for relationships with current stakeholders and funders.

· Work with the Board Treasurer and Board Executive Committee to manage budgets, audits, and compliance filings.

· Maintain accurate financial and administrative systems, ensuring responsible stewardship of all resources.

· Manage contracts, insurance, licenses, and vendor relationships.

· Seek opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, long-term sustainability, and responsible growth.

Fundraising & Development

· Oversee development and execution of a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, including individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and events.

· Build and nurture donor and corporate relationships that advance PAALS’ mission.

· Oversee communications, marketing, website, and public relations efforts to enhance awareness and support.

· Support grant writing, tracking, and reporting in collaboration with staff or volunteers.

Organizational Leadership & Governance

· Lead and manage the daily business operations of PAALS in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term sustainability.

· Provide supervision, coaching, and support to senior staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.

· Work closely with the Board of Directors to establish and monitor organizational goals, budgets, and policies.

· Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff, maintaining transparent communication and actionable reporting.

· Uphold PAALS’ values and culture by creating an environment of respect, inclusion, and professionalism where animal and human well-being is central to all operations.

Be available beyond typical workday hours for urgent matters and organizational needs

Compliance & Program Support

· Ensure organizational compliance with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and Animal Assisted Services International (AASI) standards, as well as applicable state and federal regulations.

· Support program leaders in implementing, evaluating, and improving service dog training, placement, and animal-assisted service programs.

· Oversee safety, welfare, and ethical practices in all animal-related operations.

· Monitor risk management, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies related to animal welfare and client care.

Community & External Relations

· Represent PAALS to donors, partners, regulatory bodies, and the broader community.

· Strengthen partnerships with other nonprofits, agencies, and community stakeholders.

· Serve as the public voice for PAALS’ mission, values, and impact.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field preferred.

· Preferred minimum of 3 years of progressive nonprofit leadership or management experience, ideally in a small- to mid-sized organization.

· Demonstrated skill in financial management, budgeting, and operational oversight.

· Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement.

· Familiarity with service dog or animal-assisted service programs strongly preferred.

· Understanding of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or Animal Assisted Services International (AASI) standards a plus.

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Collaborative leadership style with the ability to guide, support, and empower others.

· Clean driving record.

Personal Attributes

· Mission-driven and compassionate leader who values animals’ abilities to improve the lives of those in need without compromising animal well-being.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to be flexible in solution approaches.

· Demonstrates professionalism under pressure and reacts to changing situations with integrity and a calm, reassuring demeanor.

· Ethical, transparent, and accountable in all professional practices.

· Skilled at balancing organizational sustainability with program excellence.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation and benefits are based on experience and qualifications. A competitive package will be offered commensurate with the candidate’s background and leadership capabilities.

Please send resume, cover letter, and at least three references to jobs@paals.org