Manager of Shelter Services

Santa Barbara Humane; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Supportive culture

Job summary

Santa Barbara Humane is seeking a Manager of Shelter Services on our Santa Barbara Campus. This hands-on leadership role guides a dedicated team and oversees daily shelter operations and client services.

You will develop programs, manage adoption-driven capacity, and supervise medical care, enrichment, foster programs, and outreach initiatives while ensuring safety and compassionate care for animals and their families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 3–5 years of management experience in an animal shelter or veterinary setting.
• Demonstrated interest in Socially Conscious Sheltering philosophies and mission.
• Experience supervising teams, providing training and coaching to staff, and ensuring performance and accountability.
• Experience in program development and continuous process improvement to enhance operations.
• Strong knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, health, and safe handling around dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
• Valid California driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to SB Humane’s insurer.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shelter operations and client services at the Santa Barbara Campus.
• Guide adoption-driven capacity planning and program development while managing shelter oversight.
• Supervise medical care, enrichment, foster programs, behavior modification, transfers, and marketing initiatives.
• Lead a team with a focus on safety, compassion, and adherence to organizational standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Effective communication

Animal welfare knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or related experience

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. This is an exciting opportunity to guide a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and the people who love them.

As Manager of Shelter Services, you'll oversee all aspects of 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 and program development with day-to-day shelter oversight. You'll help manage adoption-driven capacity and oversee ASV sheltering practices through medical care, enrichment, foster programs, behavior modification, transfers, and marketing initiatives.

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

Santa Barbara Humane is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country and the largest in Santa Barbara County, with two campuses providing adoptions, affordable veterinary care, dog training, volunteer opportunities, and safety-net services that keep pets with the families who love them. Our Santa Barbara Campus is in the midst of a $65M renovation and next year, we will celebrate 140 years of service to our community.

We believe in celebrating successes, learning together, and supporting one another through both the rewards and challenges of animal welfare.

• We offer 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• generous paid time off
• matching 401(K) retirement benefits
• professional development opportunities
• a supportive culture built on knowledge, empathy, encouragement, and recognition

If you're ready to take the next step in your animal welfare career—or put your years of leadership experience to work while living on California's beautiful Central Coast,we'd love to hear from you.

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) from an accredited four-year college preferred, or 3–5 years of experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to supporting and advocating for the philosophies, policies, and mission of Santa Barbara Humane as a Socially Conscious Animal Shelter.
• Experience supervising teams, providing training and coaching to staff, and ensuring consistent performance, accountability, and completion of assigned duties in alignment with organizational standards.
• Experience in program development and continuous process improvement, including evaluating outcomes, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and implementing effective operational or service improvements.
• Strong knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, health, and safe handling practices, with the ability to work safely around dogs and cats of varying temperaments, including large or reactive animals. .
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to Santa Barbara Humane’s insurance carrier, as the position requires operation of a company vehicle in the performance of job duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to collaborate with team members and clients and ensure adherence to safety protocols.