Salary: Competitive, with a salary of R$30,000 depending on experience and qualifications
Executive Director
Santuário de Elefantes Brasil (SEB) is the only elephant sanctuary in South America and one of only three elephant sanctuaries in the world accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The sanctuary is located on 2,800 acres of protected natural land in Chapada dos Guimarães in Mato Grosso, Brazil. SEB offers expansive habitats where elephants can roam freely, form social bonds, and rediscover autonomy in an environment designed to help them live as naturally as possible. Since its establishment, SEB has rescued eleven elephants from zoos, circuses, and other captive facilities where they endured years of confinement and inadequate care. Each arrival represents a unique journey of recovery, from physical healing to emotional reconnection and social integration. The sanctuary’s individualized care model focuses on meeting each elephant’s medical, emotional, and social needs while emphasizing autonomy and choice as the foundation for rehabilitation.
SEB is a small, dynamic, and rapidly growing organization. Our team culture is rooted in deep respect for all animals and a shared commitment to their dignity, autonomy, and well‑being. We value collaboration and cooperation across departments and operate with strong ethical and transparent standards. We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive environment where different perspectives are welcomed, and every team member is empowered to contribute fully to our mission.
The Executive Director plays a strong role in shaping this culture while leading the organization’s strategic and operational priorities. At any given moment, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership, management, and delivery of programs, services, and initiatives that support the organization’s mission and vision and align with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is accountable for the ongoing development and management of the following organizational areas: member programs and services, operations and administration, finance, human resources, communications and education, and fund development. The Executive Director is frequently the “face” of the organization, presenting at conferences, speaking to the media, convening with potential donors, and meeting state and federal authorities.
This will be a remote position with the necessity to travel to the sanctuary and other locations for media, regulatory agency visits, rescues, events, and other instances.
* Partner with the Board of Directors in developing a multi-year strategic plan to guide the organization
* Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
* Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization and represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile
* Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate
* Have comprehensive knowledge of the Board’s governance policies and provide ongoing policy advice to the Board
* Promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration, encouraging flexibility, innovative ideas, and solutions.
* Support to the Board of Directors in its planning and evaluation activities
* Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization
Operational planning and management
* Develop an operational plan that incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the alignment of the strategic direction, vision, and mission of the organization
* Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its members, Board, and funders
* Oversee the efficient and effective day‑to‑day operation of the organization
* Recommend organizational changes that will enhance the organization’s ability to deliver effective and efficient programs and services
* Draft policies for the consideration of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
* Ensure that personnel, member, donor, and volunteer files are securely stored, and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
* Ensure that necessary records and reports are filed with the Registrar of Societies, the Federal, Provincial, and Civic governments, and funding bodies
* Collaborate with related organizations to develop joint responses to emerging issues
* Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure organizational sustainability
Program and service planning and management
* Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services
* Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s vision and mission, maintain its values, and reflect the priorities of the strategic plan
* Monitor the day‑to‑day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
* Oversee the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects
* Ensure appropriate evaluation strategies, including measures of program efficacy
* Maintain a strong working knowledge of significant developments and trends in animal welfare and sanctuary development
Human Resources planning and management
* Ensure workplace safety, compliance with health regulations and labor laws, and adherence to HR policies and procedures
* Oversee the implementation of all human resources policies, procedures, and practices in alignment with the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA), including the development and maintenance of job descriptions for all staff
* Direct staff training and professional development opportunities to support skill growth, performance excellence, and team engagement
* Working with hiring committees, oversee the hiring of staff who have the appropriate technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission
* Foster, where appropriate, a networked organization with a high degree of flexibility and cooperative teamwork
* Oversee staff supervision, including corrective action and termination when necessary, in accordance with organizational policies and applicable law
* Ensure human resources best practices and policies are implemented and supported with a strong focus on change and conflict management
* Ensure the organization is compliant with applicable labor legislation
Financial planning and management
* Oversee and assist the Financial/Development Director in the preparation of the annual operating budget, fundraising initiatives, and reviewing grant and expense reports to ensure fiscal accountability and alignment with strategic objectives
* Collaborate with the Board and the Financial Director to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
* Ensure the organization’s sustainability by researching funding sources and by overseeing the development of fundraising plans
* Actively participate in fundraising activities
* Provide for the appropriate approval of expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
* Ensure the organization’s compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and all applicable taxation and statutory withholding requirements
* Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
* In consultation and conjunction with the Treasurer of the Board and the Financial Director, ensure the ongoing fiscal viability of the organization through sound fiscal management
* Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities of the organization created by the Financial Director
* Work with the Financial Director to ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and statutory withholdings
* Participate in and guide the development of relationships with the organization’s significant donors
Community relations and advocacy
* Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
* Establish and participate in strategic community and professional networks to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and advance the organization’s goals, subject to Board approval
* In conjunction with other team members, cultivate a positive leadership role locally, regionally, and nationally within the nonprofit sector
* Maximize opportunities for community partnerships and networks in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, and the reduction of systemic barriers to service delivery
* As directed by the Board, and in conjunction with HR, administer the organization’s policies regarding inappropriate or unacceptable behavior by staff
* Work with the Financial Director and HR to identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s stakeholders, property, finances, goodwill, and image, and, with the approval of the Board, implement measures to control risks
* Ensure the organization carries adequate and appropriate liability insurance coverage and assist the Board and staff in understanding the scope and limitations of that coverage. Oversee the administration of all external contracts and contractors, including funding contracts, leases, services, contracts, and any other obligations of a legal and binding nature
* Ensure appropriate systems and safeguards are in place to protect the organization’s physical assets, information systems, and data
* Be responsible for the negotiation, development, and application of all legal contracts involving the organization
Demonstrated competencies
* Deep understanding and commitment to SEB’s mission and core values
* Proven senior leadership with 5+ years directing nonprofit teams, successfully inspiring, leading, guiding, and managing cross‑functional staff to achieve mission‑driven strategic objectives
* Preferred experience in the animal welfare field
* Fluency in Portuguese and English
* Proven track record of cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with boards, donors, community partners, foundations, and corporate allies to advance organizational goals
* Ability to convey SEB’s mission and inspire staff, Board, donors, community members, and other stakeholders
* Experience and proven success raising significant funds, in particular, a track record of cultivating and stewarding major donors
* Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, data analysis, decision‑making, and reporting
* Strong organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, and program development
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Experience with database systems and cloud‑based application systems such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Google Sheets, QuickBooks, Monday.com, etc.
* Ability to think strategically and assess options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision, mission, and values of the organization
* Experience managing legal and compliance requirements
* Highly detail‑oriented with the ability to multitask, set priorities, monitor progress, track details, and remain organized in a fast‑paced environment
* Strategic problem solver with the ability to assess complex situations, identify root causes, analyze relevant data, develop practical solutions, and implement recommendations to drive organizational success
* Deeply ethical leader who ensures that personal and team conduct consistently aligns with organizational values, legal standards, and best practices
* A highly consultative and collaborative approach to leadership, including exceptional listening skills and a focus on creative solutions.
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