Executive Director

Are you a strategic leader ready to step into a pivotal role? Are you energized by the opportunity to build, shape, and lead rather than simply manage? The Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is seeking an Executive Director who thrives in times of growth and change, is inspired by creating an exceptional Member experience, and is ready to make a lasting impact.

ATD is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for volunteer therapy dog teams. Following a period of significant growth, we are at an exciting inflection point. We are rightsizing our structure, modernizing our systems, and embarking on a comprehensive strategic planning journey guided by an engaged and committed Board of Directors. The incoming Executive Director will serve as a key architect of our next chapter.

In this role, you will serve as the chief executive of the organization - leading Staff, partnering closely with the Board, representing the mission publicly, and ensuring the organization’s resources and operations are managed effectively. This moment, however, calls for more than steady management. You will also:

• Lead organizational change and guide the team through growth with clarity and confidence.
• Build and structure an internal leadership team positioned for future success.
• Collaborate with the Board throughout an active, year-long strategic planning process.
• Oversee the modernization of Member-facing digital platforms and Portals in partnership with IT and development staff.
• Integrate Board direction, Member feedback, and consultant recommendations into a unified, actionable long-range strategy.
• Champion financial sustainability, Member engagement and education, communications, and a strong organizational culture.

The ideal candidate brings senior leadership experience within a nonprofit, association, or mission-driven organization and a demonstrated ability to navigate organizational change with both skill and intention. You are equally comfortable in a strategic planning session and a one-on-one with staff. You listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and translate insight into action. You are both a builder and an executor.

Experience in a member-based or association environment is preferred, as is familiarity with digital platform management and financial sustainability strategies. Most importantly, you bring a leadership presence that builds trust across a diverse group of stakeholders, including Board Members, Staff, volunteers, and Members.

This is not a caretaker role. The Board and Staff are actively investing in the future of the organization and are seeking a leader who shares that ambition. You will have the opportunity to shape the leadership team, influence systems, and strategy from the ground up, and leave a meaningful organizational legacy.

If you are energized by complexity, motivated by mission, and ready to lead through transformation, we want to hear from you.

Compensation and Benefits
ATD offers a competitive salary range of $65,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience, along with a developing benefits package that includes a health insurance stipend, paid time off, and future exploration of retirement and additional benefits.

Location

This position is based out of our Cheyenne, Wyoming office. Candidates located in the region (Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska) are strongly preferred. Remote candidates outside the region may be considered for exceptionally qualified applicants. In-office presence is required periodically; frequency to be discussed with candidates.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following to [email protected] with the Subject Line: ATD ED Apply- [Last name, First name]

• A cover letter describing your interest in this role and how your experience aligns with the current organizational moment.
• A current resume.
• Leadership Statement/Philosophy

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by Friday, May 22, 2026.

ATD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.