Summary

The Vice President of Innovation and Impact will drive strategic problem-solving and systems-level innovation across multiple operational teams. As a thought leader, initiate forward-thinking strategies to resolve animal welfare challenges statewide. This position will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Humane Colorado’s community veterinary services (CVS), Harmony Equine Center, animal protection and humane advocacy work.

Description

Humane Colorado is hiring a strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Innovation and Impact. This role drives statewide animal welfare initiatives by overseeing our Community Veterinary Services, Harmony Equine Center, and Animal Protection and Advocacy programs.

As a key member of the executive team, you'll lead efforts to expand access to veterinary care, improve equine welfare, and influence humane policy across Colorado. You'll manage high-impact teams, guide long-term strategy, and collaborate on fundraising and community engagement to amplify our mission.

We’re looking for a visionary with strong leadership experience, deep knowledge of animal welfare systems, and a passion for practical, community-focused innovation.

Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the people who care about them.

Purpose of Position: The Vice President of Innovation and Impact will drive strategic problem-solving and systems-level innovation across multiple operational teams. As a thought leader, initiate forward-thinking strategies to resolve animal welfare challenges statewide. This position will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Humane Colorado’s community veterinary services (CVS), Harmony Equine Center, animal protection and humane advocacy work.

Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of community animal welfare dynamics and the welfare needs of pets and equines throughout Colorado to inform strategic planning and decision making.
Lead development, communication and implementation of effective growth and refinement strategies within areas of responsibility.
Design and implement programs that improve access to veterinary care, elevate community veterinary medicine and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
Drive continuous improvement within equine programs by refining workflows, enhancing professionalism, and fostering a culture of collaboration to ensure the program operates with efficiency and excellence.
Improve processes and programs and enhance partnerships to address equine suffering from cruelty and neglect throughout Colorado. Ensure effective execution of Harmony Equine Center’s primary role as an animal law enforcement partner and alignment with strategic priorities.
Inform and support a thoughtful, proactive approach to humane advocacy and policy influence at the local and state level. Ensure Humane Colorado’s future interests are represented, and pet animals and horses are protected, through legislative activities statewide.
Empower and lead team to successfully protect animals through animal cruelty and neglect response efforts, education and training for prosecutorial and enforcement agencies and relationship-based partnerships across Colorado.
As authorized by the Board of Directors, oversee design and implementation of one-time strategic investment initiatives.
Manage and develop an effective staff through communication, leadership, guidance and resources. Determine staff qualifications and competency; recruit, interview, select, hire, train, orient, mentor, evaluate, coach, counsel, discipline, and reward. Establish and monitor staff safety and regulatory compliance.
Work in collaboration with the Development and Communications teams to support fundraising efforts and campaigns, such as providing impact stories and reports resulting in financial support.
Participate in donor events, meetings, and tours.
Ensure program grant compliance and quality of services and evaluations.
As a member of the executive team, participate in and lead efforts to develop strategic initiatives and broad organizational objectives.
Monitor and evaluate departmental/area processes and procedures to maximize efficient uses of resources.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional, and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources.

Organizational Key Competencies

Job Knowledge
Productivity / Efficiency
Quality / Excellence
Adapting to Change
Dependability and Integrity
People Care

Leadership Core Competencies

Leading through Visions and Purpose
Strategic Agility
Developing Direct Reports
Building and Leading Effective Teams

Position Core Competencies

Project and Process Management
Delivering Results
Analytical Thinking
Conflict Management
Financial Acumen
Fiscal Responsibility
Innovation
Emotional Intelligence

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

Volunteers
Senior Director, Advocacy and Education (shared)
Director, Animal Welfare (shared)
Director, Community Veterinary Services

Travel

This position requires travel to different work sites

Full-Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
Flexible spending accounts
Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Sick Time
Sabbatical
Holiday Pay
401(k) with matching
Employee discounts
Discounted Pet Insurance
and more!

Compensation: Starting at $130,000.00-$170,000.00 annually (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Performs work primarily in an office setting. Potentially prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive motion. May work in an area with high noise level. Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Occasional lifting with reasonable accommodation.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on November 13, 2025

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Well-versed in the systemic challenges around access to veterinary care and able to propose practical, policy-informed solutions.
Posses a deep understanding of community animal welfare dynamics and the welfare needs of pets and equines throughout Colorado.
Ability to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity and creative problem-solving during rapidly changing needs and situations.
Mission-driven and focused on delivering results.
Ability to establish policies and procedures to meet current and future needs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Required

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Work Experience:
Five years of experience in leadership roles including experience in strategic planning and budget management.
Five years of direct leadership experience over teams of three or more employees.
Familiarity with animal shelter or equine welfare operations.
Experience advocating for effective change in laws and regulations.
Experience working with animal law enforcement activities or partnerships.

Desired