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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


An Exciting Opportunity to Lead WildCare

WildCare, in partnership with Potrero Group, a national leadership consulting and executive search firm, seeks a visionary Executive Director to lead one of the Bay Area’s most beloved wildlife organizations into a bold new chapter. WildCare is entering a transformative era, marked by the highly anticipated opening of its new Wildlife Hospital and Education Center in Albert Park, San Rafael, in October 2026. The incoming Executive Director will have the exciting opportunity to lead this beloved institution during a significant period of transition, overseeing a fully funded project backed by a dedicated board, talented staff, and passionate volunteers.

The Executive Director will lead the organizational evolution that accompanies WildCare’s move into its new, state-of-the-art facility, ensuring continued financial resilience and expanding community impact. This includes supervising key senior staff, including the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Director of Operations, building relationships with funders and donors, and sustaining the culture and values that define WildCare’s work. A critical part of this role will be inspiring and motivating a dedicated team of staff and a large volunteer community whose passion and commitment are central to WildCare’s mission. The organization enters this chapter with a supportive community, significant goodwill, and strong momentum, giving the incoming leader an exceptional platform to grow WildCare’s reach in wildlife care and education.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leading WildCare through a transformative period following its new facility opening, executing its strategic vision to become a nationally recognized wildlife institute while strengthening board governance, staff alignment, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Championing a people-centered leadership culture by directly overseeing finance and operations leadership, driving sound HR practices, and fostering a safe, mission-aligned workplace that supports organizational growth and accountability.
  • Driving organizational effectiveness by developing and executing operational plans across two sites, strengthening internal systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing official correspondence and legal agreements in alignment with board-approved policies.
  • Ensuring long-term financial health by stewarding the annual budget, leading the final phase of a $24M capital campaign, expanding fundraising beyond the regional donor base, and overseeing responsible facility expenses and fiscal planning in partnership with the CFO and development team.
  • Serving as WildCare’s chief ambassador and thought leader, elevating its regional and national profile through media and civic engagement, legislative advocacy on wildlife issues, and deepening partnerships with academic, conservation, and community organizations.

Desired Experiences and Competencies Include:

  • Strategic Vision and Leadership. A seasoned nonprofit executive who can guide WildCare through an exciting moment of transition, align board, staff, and community around a shared vision, and make confident, transparent decisions while increasing impact, amplifying excitement, and building trust
  • Organizational Management and Culture. A skilled leader with the emotional intelligence and operational depth to lead a talented, mission-driven team, foster an inclusive and accountable culture, and build the internal systems and infrastructure needed for sustainable growth
  • Financial Stewardship and Fundraising. A relationship-driven fundraiser and capable financial steward with proven success diversifying revenue, cultivating major gifts, and managing organizational finances with the sophistication and discipline needed for long-term fiscal health
  • External Relations and Communications. An inspiring ambassador who can elevate WildCare’s regional and national profile, build cross-sector partnerships, and translate a genuine passion for wildlife and conservation into narratives that inspire donors, partners, and communities alike

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range is $200,000–220,000, commensurate with experience. WildCare offers a comprehensive benefits package including up to 100% of the cost of health insurance, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, a generous vacation and sick time package, 14 paid holidays a year, and a 401K package with an employer match of up to 4%.

LOCATION

WildCare is based in San Rafael, California. The Executive Director will maintain a regular in-person presence across WildCare’s current and new Albert Park facilities, with engagement throughout the greater Bay Area region.

Visit potrerogroup.com/wildcare to apply.

For additional information, please contact Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant, at jkuznik@potrerogroup.com.