Animal Services Operations and Programs Director

About the role

The Wake County Animal Center is seeking an experienced, people-focused, progressive operations leader to serve as its Animal Services Operations and Programs Director. This is a newly created position born out of a deliberate reorganization of the Animal Center's leadership structure, and it reflects the County's commitment to providing the additional resources needed to take the Animal Center to the next level of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the external-facing operations of the Animal Center, including customer service, facility operations, and foster, transfer, and volunteer program management.
• Maintain high standards for program goals, resource allocation, tracking, and achievement.
• Monitor shelter performance data and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement in intake diversion, placement outcomes, and customer service.
• Administer and manage the Center's budget, records, and personnel in compliance with county, state, and federal requirements.
• Lead a team of 25 FTEs, including four direct reports, covering Community Outreach, Customer Experience and Administration, and Animal Welfare Attendants and Adoption Support.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow the foster program, improve volunteer engagement, and enhance transfer partnerships.
• Represent the Center in meetings with government officials, civic organizations, and partner agencies, and oversee adoption-focused social media and outreach efforts.
• Work with the Medical and Welfare Director to develop and implement strategic plans, align program goals, and ensure consistent public communication on animal services matters.
• Build and maintain a cohesive, motivated team aligned around shared expectations and clear roles.
• Identify and address gaps in community expectations and put mechanisms in place to close those gaps.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Animal Science, or a related field, and six years of senior management experience, which may include previous experience as a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director, Deputy Director, or management-level experience in animal center operations. At least two years of direct supervisory experience is required, as is a valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Qualifications

• Four or more years of supervisory experience.
• A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) designation preferred.

Skills

• Strong management experience.
• Genuine commitment to animal welfare outcomes.
• Interpersonal skills for leading a large, mission-driven team.
• Experience in animal services, public health, social services, parks and recreation, or another public-facing field where both service quality and regulatory compliance matter.

Benefits

The Wake County Animal Center is considered one of the most progressive municipal animal shelters in North Carolina, taking in more than 8,000 stray animals, animals in protective custody, and owner-surrendered animals each year. In fiscal year 2025, the Animal Center’s live release rate was 84% (95% when you factor in animals the Center had the ability to impact).

Pay

The pay for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and accommodates the needs of the role and the team.