This role is fully remote.
RECOVER’s mission is to empower people to provide lifesaving care to animals through education, science, and community. Its vision is to create a connected worldwide community in which all animal caregivers are competent and confident in providing optimal lifesaving care to animals. The organization advances this work through three mutually reinforcing areas: education and certification, evidence-based guidelines, and research that addresses knowledge gaps in veterinary resuscitation.
This is a role for a builder and stabilizer: a leader who can protect and grow earned revenue, professionalize internal systems, support a high-performing remote team, and expand RECOVER’s reach without compromising scientific rigor or educational quality. The CEO will report to the Board and work closely with the Executive Committee to move from startup mode toward sustainable scale, translating a strong mission and respected technical foundation into broader adoption, stronger partnerships, and measurable impact.
The ideal CEO will bring operating discipline, business acumen, confidence with digital education platforms, and a relationship-centered leadership style. Clinical veterinary expertise is not required, but the CEO must be able to earn trust among veterinary professionals, researchers, instructors, volunteers, and industry stakeholders. The successful candidate will be comfortable leading a small organization where strategic leadership and hands-on execution coexist, especially during the next phase of organizational maturation.
For candidates motivated by mission, scale, and practical impact, RECOVER offers a distinctive opportunity: to lead a globally respected organization whose work can improve outcomes for animals experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest and equip caregivers with the skills, confidence, and preparation to respond when seconds matter.
The salary range for this position annually is between $185,000 and $205,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, family/individual health insurance coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a retirement plan with a 3% employer match, life insurance, disability insurance, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), pet insurance, and performance-based bonus potential.
Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and a thoughtfully prepared cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant leadership experience. To apply, send a current resume and cover letter by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. All submissions will receive full consideration; however, the search will remain open until the position is filled.
For additional information about the RECOVER Initiative, visit https://recoverinitiative.org/.
RECOVER Initiative - Chief Executive Officer Position Guide
Skills Required
- Proven executive leadership experience in mission-driven organizations (CEO/ED or similar)
- Demonstrated business acumen and operating discipline to stabilize and scale an organization
- Experience protecting and growing earned revenue, fundraising, or revenue diversification
- Confidence with digital education platforms and online program delivery
- Ability to build trust and strong relationships with veterinary professionals, researchers, instructors, volunteers, and industry stakeholders
- Experience leading and managing a high-performing remote team
- Track record of professionalizing internal systems, policies, and processes
- Submit a current resume and thoughtfully prepared cover letter by the application deadline
What We Do
Kittleman & Associates is an executive search firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofit leadership. It helps nonprofit organizations identify and recruit CEOs and executive directors, combining customized search processes, analytics, sector expertise, and hands-on guidance from consultants with nonprofit leadership or board experience. The firm also advises clients on leadership transitions and succession, supporting organizations across a broad range of nonprofit sectors.
