Director of Operations

About the Role

As our Director of Operations, you will hold the heart of our shelter’s daily operations in your hands. You will be responsible for executing the strategic direction and overall management of our core services—including Animal Care and Placement, Reunification, Facilities, Safety, and Post-Adoption Support (managed seamlessly through an advanced third-party integration platform). This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of our shelter. You will champion our internal culture, leading with a dedicated focus on steady performance, consistency, and a universally embraced standard of care. Additionally, because data transparency is central to our values, you will have the unique opportunity to build a brand-new reporting culture from the ground up—identifying key operational performance metrics and developing routine benchmarking systems. You will directly supervise a passionate team (including our Shelter Manager, Animal Care Specialist, and Foster Care Specialist) and indirectly guide approximately 25 dedicated staff members in Animal and Customer Care.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Stewardship: Comfortably develop and manage a $2 million+ Shelter Operations budget, alongside our capital expense budget.
• Community & Media Collaboration: Serve as an occasional public face of the shelter for media interviews, act as a vital community partner liaison, and join in the fun at our major fundraising events.
• Strategic Partnerships: Act as our primary collaborator with outside government animal control entities and operational vendors.
• Facilities & Safety: Act as the Shelter Safety Officer, ensuring our beautiful 21,000-square-foot facility, 9-acre grounds, and public dog park remain safe, clean, and OSHA-compliant.
• Operational Support: Support your team by being ready to step in where needed—including obtaining your euthanasia certification within 90 days of hire.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of management experience, including direct employee supervision.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent applicable experience.
• Skills: Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office & Google Workspace), a high level of emotional intelligence, and a proven ability to gracefully navigate conflict and manage a healthy work/life balance.
• Facilities Savvy: Basic competence in routine grounds and building maintenance management.
• Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a background check and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in animal shelter operations and personnel management.
• Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
• CAWA (Certified Animal Welfare Administrator) certification, or a desire to pursue it.
• Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, or Organizational Leadership.
• Familiarity with Fear-Free shelter philosophies and handling a variety of companion, exotic, or barnyard animals.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling.
• Dedicated, paid professional training funds to support your continuous personal and leadership development.
• A workspace filled with passionate people, purpose, and plenty of tail wags.

Pay

A starting salary of $75,000/year.

Schedule

Full-Time, Exempt