Animal Shelter Operations Manager

Santa-Barbara-Humane; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Barbara Humane is seeking a Manager of Shelter Services to lead daily operations and client services at our Santa Barbara Campus on the Central Coast. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on supervision to support adoptions, medical care, enrichment, and foster programs.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting, with a strong commitment to animal welfare and Socially Conscious Sheltering.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare and a demonstrated commitment to Socially Conscious Sheltering.
• Experience leading teams and coordinating across departments to support adoptions and community programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shelter operations and client services at the Santa Barbara Campus.
• Lead shelter teams and drive operational excellence across adoption, medical care, enrichment, and foster programs.
• Manage capacity, partnerships, transfers, and innovative outreach/marketing initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Operations management

Animal welfare

Program oversight

Job description

Ready to join a progressive team and work in one of the most beautiful places in the country? We have the job for you!

Santa Barbara Humane is seeking a Manager of Shelter Services at our Santa Barbara Campus. Whether you're an experienced leader or ready to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.

As Manager of Shelter Services, you'll oversee daily shelter operations and client services at our progressive, managed-admission shelter on California's beautiful Central Coast. This hands-on leadership role combines strategic planning, operational management, team development, and program oversight.

Working closely with teams across the organization and with community partners, you'll help manage adoption-driven capacity and advance our humane sheltering practices through medical care, enrichment, foster programs, behavior support, transfers, and innovative marketing initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. They are an effective team builder with a strong understanding of animal welfare and a demonstrated commitment to Socially Conscious Sheltering.

Santa Barbara Humane is the largest nonprofit animal welfare organization in Santa Barbara County, serving our community through two campuses that provide adoptions, affordable veterinary care, dog training, volunteer opportunities, and safety-net services that help keep pets with the families who love them. Our Santa Barbara Campus is in the midst of a $65 million renovation, and in 2027, we will celebrate 140 years of service.

If you're ready to take your animal welfare career to the next level- or put your leadership experience and passion for animal welfare to work while living along the beautiful American Riviera-we'd love to hear from you!