President/CEO, Pasadena Humane
Company: Noetic Search, LLC
Location: Pasadena
Posted on: May 20, 2025
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Job Description:
MISSION & VISION
The mission of Pasadena Humane is to lead the way toward a
compassionate and caring community for all animals. The vision is
for companion animals to reside in loving homes and for communities
to coexist with wildlife.
CORE VALUES:
BACKGROUND
Situated in the heart of Pasadena, Pasadena Humane is more than an
animal shelter; it is a community-supported animal resource center
providing compassion and care for all animals. Since 1903, Pasadena
Humane has offered lifesaving programs and services for animals and
the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area. At the
Pasadena campus, staff provide shelter, dedicated care, and new
beginnings for thousands of the community's most vulnerable animals
every year. In addition to pet adoptions and foster, they focus on
programs and services aimed at helping people care for and keep
their pets, such as free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines, a
pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2023,
Pasadena Humane helped more than 47,000 animals through adoptions,
wildlife rehabilitation, lost & found, veterinary services,
training classes, and surrender prevention assistance.
As an open-admission shelter committed to socially conscious
practices, it accepts all animals from its service area-regardless
of age, medical condition, breed, or other factors. This inclusive
policy ensures care and shelter for thousands of animals who would
otherwise have nowhere to go. The Helping Paws program assists pet
owners in crisis. This service aims to keep pets out of the shelter
by providing resources such as a pet food bank, wellness services
and temporary boarding to pet owners in need. This service was
critical during the recent Eaton Fires, allowing families that lost
their home in the fire to have a safe place for their pets while
they rebuild.
Pasadena Humane had a total shelter intake of over 7,000 animals in
2023 and 2024, including both companion and wild animals. This
includes animals taken in for various reasons, such as adoptions,
wildlife rehabilitation, and lost and found. They place 100% of
healthy and safe animals into new homes or back to their natural
habitat. Upon arrival, all animals receive a medical and behavioral
evaluation. Most animals can be placed for adoption, but animals
with untreatable health or behavior issues may be humanely
euthanized.
Pasadena Humane has animal control contracts with twelve
communities including Pasadena and surrounding cities and counties.
Animal Control Officers are an integral partner with these
communities in that they rescue stray pets, enforce the laws,
educate the community about responsible pet ownership in addition
to conducting cruelty investigations and claims of animal
abuse.
In addition to the low-cost wellness clinic, dog training classes
and an attractive and spacious retail store, Pasadena Humane
provides boarding facilities for the community on its property, a
service that not only ensures the pet owner of the quality care
their animal will receive but also securing revenue for Pasadena
Humane. In 2021, wild friends moved into the Sandra J. Goodspeed
Wildlife Center, which includes an intensive care unit, a separate
incubator room to care for orphaned babies, and outdoor space to
prepare wildlife for release back into the wild.
With constant positive attention from both the media as well as
social media, Pasadena Humane is thesource for animal welfare
issues affecting the city and county. Pasadena Humane's reach is
far beyond the City of Pasadena, and it will continue to spread
both its information and assistance to the animals and people of
the region.
Pasadena Humane is governed by a dedicated, 15-member Board of
Directors comprised of business, civic and community leaders.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Following their heroic and highly effective response to the Eaton
Fire in January 2025-where they sheltered and cared for over 1,000
displaced animals-Pasadena Humane has emerged as a vital community
lifeline and national beacon for animal welfare. Energized by
overwhelming community support and momentum, the organization
stands on the brink of transformative growth.
Pasadena Humane seeks a visionary President & CEO to lead it into a
bold new chapter. This is a rare opportunity to guide an
exceptional organization committed to surrender prevention,
socially conscious sheltering, and top-tier animal care. The next
leader will craft and execute a forward-thinking strategic plan
that cements Pasadena Humane as a national model in progressive
sheltering practices. Key opportunities include expanding access to
care beyond the shelter through innovative community-based
programming, strengthening partnerships across the region, and
potentially growing the organization's physical footprint and
low-cost veterinary services to serve more animals and families in
need.
With a strong leadership team, empowered staff, and robust
operational foundation in place, the new CEO can focus on expanding
community-based care, deepening regional partnerships, and scaling
veterinary services and facilities to serve more pets and
people.
Rooted in a culture of learning, integrity, collaboration, and
kindness, Pasadena Humane is ready to elevate its impact-and
invites a bold, compassionate leader to shape its future.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President/CEO is
responsible for the oversight of Pasadena Humane, which includes
administration of all programs and services. The President/CEO will
develop and oversee a budget of $19M. Additionally, the
President/CEO is responsible for the strategic processes of the
organization, managing and developing a talented paid staff of 150
and more than 1250 volunteers. An exceptional leadership team
includes five direct reports: Chief Financial & Administrative
Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief of Marketing &
Communications Officer, Chief Programs & Services Officer, and
Chief Veterinarian and Animal Care. The President/CEO will also
partner with a dedicated Board of Directors and will implement
Board driven long-range and strategic plans to ensure that the
goals and objectives of Pasadena Humane are successfully achieved.
In addition, the next leader will support and assist the Board in
recruitment and engagement efforts with a goal to add diversity
that reflects the communities served.
The President/CEO will lead the design and execution of a new
Strategic Plan as well as the development of strategic directions
and policy in the fulfillment of the agency's mission. This
individual is responsible for the overall management and operation
of Pasadena Humane in compliance with Board-adopted policies and
with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws.
The President/CEO provides a leadership role in initiating and
maintaining community relationships and securing the operating and
investment funds necessary to sustain current and future
operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Pasadena Humane is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and values-driven
President/Chief Executive Officer to lead one of the nation's most
respected animal welfare organizations into its next chapter of
impact and innovation. This exceptional opportunity calls for a
seasoned executive with a deep commitment to the ethical and humane
treatment of animals-and the proven ability to inspire, modernize,
and unify.
The ideal candidate will be a compassionate, confident, and
approachable leader with high emotional intelligence and strong
communication skills. Demonstrating unwavering integrity and a
trauma-informed leadership approach, this individual will honor the
dedication of a resilient staff-especially in the aftermath of the
Eaton Fire, where Pasadena Humane sheltered over 1,000 displaced
animals-while forging a bold path forward.
This leader must bring demonstrated experience in financial
oversight, including long-term capital planning and budget
management, alongside a track record in strategic planning,
organizational development, and continuous improvement. A
data-driven decision-maker and skilled change agent, the CEO will
steer the organization through complex challenges while ensuring
operational excellence and adherence to best-in-class animal care
standards.
As Pasadena Humane's chief ambassador, the CEO will promote its
mission and values, cultivate relationships with donors and
partners, and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to
ensure sound governance, diversification, and alignment with
strategic goals. The incoming leader will also partner closely with
the Chief Philanthropy Officer to drive fundraising, donor
relations, and community engagement efforts.
Deep expertise in marketing and branding is essential, as is the
ability to elevate the organization's visibility on a national
stage. This leader will guide cross-functional teams, foster
innovation, and build a collaborative culture that breaks down
silos and encourages cohesive, mission-aligned performance.
Equally important is a passion for people: this CEO will lead with
empathy, prioritize staff development, and champion a values-driven
culture of inclusion, professionalism, and excellence. A thoughtful
consensus builder, they will navigate complexity with fairness and
balance, ensuring that Pasadena Humane continues to be a place
where animals-and the people who care for them-thrive.
Competitive candidates will have proven experience in a senior
leadership role within a nonprofit organization, preferably in
animal welfare or a related field. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
experience required; advanced degree preferred. CAWA credential is
helpful.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and nominations are being received by Noetic Search.
Please click to submit a current resume and cover letter. For more
information, visit or .
SALARY & BENEFITS
$300,000 - $350,000 plus comprehensive benefits package including
health and dental, 403(b) plan, Life and Long-Term Disability
Insurance.
Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy
not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or
harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization
on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical
condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation,
citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran
including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent
with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This
policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of
applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of
citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane
maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment
substance abuse testing.
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Keywords: Noetic Search, LLC, Fullerton , President/CEO, Pasadena Humane, Executive , Pasadena, California
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