Animal Shelter Operations Director

Summary:

The Shelter Operations Director/Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the shelter, focusing on front-of-house activities, adoptions, customer service, animal transports, and facilities management. They ensure the efficient movement of animals through the system from intake to adoption, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Functions:

• Manage and coordinate animal intake, waitlist, adoption processes, and transfers.
• Collaborate with the Development and Outreach Department on special programs such as community events, volunteer training, and foster programs.
• Work with current transport partners, and collaborate with new transport partners to increase adoption numbers and assistance to areas of the country with overpopulation.
• Supervise staff and volunteers, providing leadership, training, and support to ensure excellent customer service and adherence to protocols.
• Work with our volunteer Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and the PAC team to develop and implement training and enrichment plans for animals to improve adoption readiness and quality of life.
• Monitor shelter cleanliness, facilities maintenance, and inventory management to uphold standards of animal care and welfare.
• Check safety equipment on a regular basis and make sure staff is trained in its use.
• Review and implement SOPs to keep up with best practices.
  Collaborate with the management team to develop and implement strategic plans for program growth and enhancement.
• In conjunction with the assigned Pet Adoption Staff, lead daily oversight meetings to assess animal health and adoption readiness, coordinating with medical and behavioral care teams.
• Assist with intakes, adoptions, customer service, and behavior assessments.
• Maintain and encourage staff to update accurate records of observations, behavior, and training plans for all animals in care.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and emergency preparedness protocols.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial reports, and scheduling of staff and resources.
• Represent the shelter at board meetings when requested and community events, promoting the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Together with the Animal Care Manager and volunteer Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (if behavior-related) review and make euthanasia decisions based on quality of life and safety concerns.
• In collaboration with the Animal Care Manager, the Shelter Manager is responsible for scheduling, hiring, training, disciplinary actions, & dismissal of Pet Adoption Center staff.
• Share being on call with assigned Pet Adoption Center Staff.
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, with at least 2 years experience in Animal Welfare or related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  Ability to work independently.
• Thrives under pressure and in emotionally charged situations.
• Integrity and dedication to animal welfare principles.
• Proficiency in G Suites, Microsoft Office Suite, and Shelter Management (ShelterLuv preferred) software.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

We offer competitive compensation based on experience.

At North Country Animal League, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We understand that not everyone will have the exact experience outlined in this job description and may bring a diverse mix of education and hands-on experience to the table. We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and strive to cultivate an inclusive and accepting workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply, as we believe diverse perspectives enrich our team and enhance our ability to serve our community and its animals effectively.