Manager of Shelter Services

Santa Barbara Humane; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Barbara Humane is seeking a Manager of Shelter Services at our Santa Barbara Campus to lead daily shelter operations, client services, and program oversight. This hands-on leadership role blends strategic planning with operational management, team development, and cross‑department collaboration to advance humane sheltering practices.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting and a demonstrated commitment to Socially Conscious

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare and Socially Conscious Sheltering.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shelter operations and client services.
• Lead strategic planning, operational management, and program oversight.
• Collaborate with departments and community partners to advance humane sheltering practices.
• Manage adoption-driven capacity and coordinate medical care, enrichment, foster programs, and behavior support.

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Animal welfare knowledge

Community partnerships

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!