Director, Animal Shelter Operations & Impact

Rancho Coastal Humane Society; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, CA seeks a Head of Animal Shelter Operations to lead Adoption and Foster Services, Behavior and Training, Animal Care, and Medical Programs. You will oversee 4–6 department heads, align daily work, and improve outcomes for animals, clients, and staff.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, training, and reporting to the President and CEO.

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership in animal sheltering or veterinary service operations.
• Experience coaching managers and resolving cross-team issues.
• Ability to use operational data to drive decisions and report risks to leadership.
• Knowledge of humane animal care, shelter flow, adoption, and community services.
• Strong communication, good judgment under pressure, and staff safety focus.
• Budgeting and resource planning across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and hold department heads accountable; set goals and staffing plans.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, access, and service quality for Medical and Community Programs.
• Develop procedures and training to improve consistency and communication across teams.
• Use data (flow, length of stay, capacity, outcomes) to drive priorities and report progress to the CEO.
• Collaborate with volunteers, development, and external partners to support humane placement.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget management

Operations leadership

Data-driven decision making

Staff development

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas, CA seeks a Head of Animal Shelter Operations to lead Adoption and Foster Services, Behavior and Training, Animal Care, and Medical Programs. You will oversee 4–6 department heads, align daily work, and improve outcomes for animals, clients, and staff.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, training, and reporting to the President and CEO.