Shelter Operations Manager

Chittenden County; South Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

HSCC in Vermont seeks a Shelter Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of the animal care, adoptions center, and community programs, leading a team and coordinating with the medical staff to move animals through intake to outcome.

This role includes hands-on shelter work, administrative duties, SOP development, and strategic leadership to ensure high standards of care and a positive workplace culture. Evening/weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years operation and management experience in animal welfare or similar field
• Experience evaluating, coaching, and supervising staff
• Familiarity with progressive practices in animal welfare
• Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work under pressure in emotional situations
• Advanced technological literacy including MS Office and G Suite
• Compassion for animals and people, and commitment to HSCC’s mission and values

Responsibilities

• Manage animal care and adoptions staff, mentoring and resolving personnel issues
• Oversee foster, Spay-the-Mom, and transport programs
• Oversee Canine Behavior Consultant and behavior program
• Manage shelter capacity and prepare space for new animals
• Ensure accurate records and reporting on shelter metrics
• Maintain SOPs and manage staff scheduling and timesheets
• Oversee inventory and annual budget for animal care operations
• Oversee hiring, training, and evaluation of staff
• Coordinate municipal intakes and Good Neighbor Program
• Serve as liaison to regional and federal animal welfare agencies
• Provide frontline shelter duties when needed
• Represent HSCC in public relations events and special programs
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Staff supervision

Coaching & mentorship

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Team collaboration

G Suite

Microsoft Office

Nonprofit experience

Animal welfare knowledge

Tools

G Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Shelter Operations Manager

JOB STATUS: Full Time; Exempt (40 hours/week)

Reports To: Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Shelter Operations Manager (SOM) oversees and is responsible for the day-to‑day operations of HSCC's animal care, adoptions center, and community program & service activities. Managing a team of animal care and adoptions staff and collaborating closely with the HSCC medical team, the SOM works to ensure that animals move through our system efficiently from intake to outcome and that they receive appropriate care during their stay.

The SOM position includes administrative and supervisory duties as well as hands‑on shelter work (including direct animal care and handling) when needed.

As a member of HSCC’s senior leadership team, the SOM contributes to strategic planning and models a positive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental attitude. As an organization leader, they are charged with keeping an eye on the \"big picture\" to ensure a high standard of care for our animals and our clients, and a positive, respectful, and productive workplace culture for our staff.

ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

• Manage animal care and adoptions staff - providing mentoring, skillfully addressing and resolving personnel issues, and ensuring staff cohesion
• Oversee programs including foster, Spay-the-Mom, and transport
• Oversee behavior program and Canine Behavior Consultant
• Manage shelter capacity and ensure appropriate space is available and prepared for incoming animals
• Ensure accurate record keeping and provide reporting on shelter metrics, statistics, and data trends
• Maintain, update, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Oversee animal care and adoptions staff scheduling and approve bi-weekly timesheets and CTO requests
• Manage animal care supply inventory and annual animal care operations budget

ESSENTIAL OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee hiring, training, and evaluation of animal care and adoptions staff
• Oversee daily animal care including ensuring the cleaning/sanitation of kennels/equipment is completed on an ongoing basis and in a humane, effective, and efficient way
• Oversee daily adoption center activities to ensure alignment with HSCC’s open adoptions policy and to facilitate a positive customer experience
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure proper training and oversight of animal care and adoption center volunteers
• Conduct regular shelter rounds with the HSCC medical team and species coordinators
• Work with the Veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer to maintain a comprehensive disease prevention program including periodic review of sanitation procedures
• Manage HSCC’s municipal contracts, serving as a direct point of contact, and schedule intakes from municipal partners in collaboration with the Canine Coordinator
• Directly manage HSCC’s Good Neighbor Program, and coordinate intakes with appropriate species coordinators
• Serve as a liaison to regional and federal animal welfare/control agencies
• Support staff and offer guidance in difficult situations with the public
• Model professionalism and ensure a welcoming and positive environment for members of the public
• Ensure that general shelter areas remain clean and organized
• Provide frontline support when needed, including intake, cleaning, feeding, medicating, and adoption counseling
• Participate when requested in public relations events, tours, fundraisers, initiatives, and special programs created by the organization
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Minimum of 4 years operation and management experience in animal welfare or similar field, preferably in a nonprofit setting
• Proven ability to work with, evaluate, coach, support and supervise staff. Experience developing staff into a cohesive team while holding individuals and work teams accountable for their results
• Familiarity with progressive practices in animal welfare
• Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in intense and emotional situations
• Advanced technological literacy (proficiency in G Suites and Microsoft Office a plus)
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task competing priorities
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues, volunteers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity, empathy and honesty, while always maintaining confidentiality
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work are sometimes required
• Willingness to work as a team member, pitch in as needed & have fun
• Compassion for animals and people, and commitment to HSCC’s mission and values

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to bend, twist, and to lift 50lbs
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labor
• Ability to handle animals, including large canines
• Extended periods of sitting and computer work

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

• HSCC is a busy animal shelter environment with frequent noise and with the presence of animal dander and potential allergens
• Possible exposure to sick, under‑socialized and/or reactive animals in addition to potential exposure to parasites and infectious disease
• Work with the canine population requires time outside and weather conditions will vary
• A variety of cleaning agents are used in the facility to ensure cleanliness and the safety of animals and staff, as such use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety protocols may be required