Vice President of Shelter Operations

United Against Human Trafficking; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

403(b) plan with match

PSLF eligibility

PTO and illness leave

Well-being program

Professional development

Job summary

Houston SPCA seeks a seasoned leader to serve as Vice President of Shelter Operations. This role oversees daily shelter services, animal care, veterinary services, cruelty investigations, wildlife, and farm programs, while guiding long-term strategy and program quality.

You will hire, coach, and develop senior leaders; drive data-informed decisions; manage multi-million-dollar budgets; ensure compliance with welfare standards; and partner with the President & CEO to advance community impact in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• At least 5 years of senior management experience.
• Experience leading large teams and complex operations.
• Budget and financial management experience.
• Knowledge of animal shelter operations and standards of care.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all shelter services including animal care and veterinary services.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare laws and ASV guidelines.
• Respond to operational challenges with confidence and care.
• Make decisions prioritizing safety, welfare, and integrity.
• Turn organizational goals into clear plans and policies.
• Develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Hire, coach, and develop senior leaders and managers.
• Set performance goals and report outcomes to leadership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Data-driven decisions

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

Job description

Vice President of Shelter Operations

Houston SPCA | Houston, TX

Full-Time | Exempt | Executive Leadership

Lead lifesaving work. Build strong teams. Make lasting impact.

Houston SPCA is looking for a senior leader to serve asVice President of Shelter Operations. This role oversees daily shelter operations while advancing long-term strategy, animal welfare standards, and community impact. This position is ideal for an experienced, values-driven executive who leads with clarity, compassion, and accountability.

What You’ll Do

Lead Shelter Operations

• Oversee all shelter services including animal care, veterinary services, cruelty investigations, wildlife, and equine and farm animal programs
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare laws and industry standards, including ASV guidelines
• Respond to operational challenges and emergencies with confidence and care
• Make difficult decisions with integrity, safety, and animal welfare as top priorities

Turn Strategy Into Action

• Work closely with the President & CEO and executive team
• Turn organizational goals into clear plans, policies, and results
• Improve and expand programs using best practices and data

Manage Budgets and Resources

• Develop and manage multi‑million‑dollar budgets
• Track financial performance and control costs responsibly
• Evaluate vendors and identify funding or revenue opportunities

Develop and Support Teams

• Hire, coach, and develop senior leaders and managers
• Create a respectful, inclusive, and mission‑focused culture
• Lead change and continuous improvement across departments

Use Data to Drive Results

• Set clear performance goals and track outcomes
• Share regular reports with executive leadership and the Board
• Build accountability while supporting collaboration

Who You Are

You are a leader who:

• Communicates clearly and calmly under pressure
• Uses data and judgment to make informed decisions
• Builds trust with staff, partners, and the community
• Leads people with fairness, confidence, and empathy
• Is deeply committed to animal welfare and public service

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
• At least 5 years of senior management experience
• Experience managing large teams and complex operations
• Budget and financial management experience
• Knowledge of animal shelter operations and standards of care
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for mission‑driven work

Benefits That Support You

Health & Financial

• Medical insurance (company pays 50%–100% of employee premiums based on tenure)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Optional AFLAC supplemental plans
• 403(b) retirement planwith company match

Student Loan Forgiveness

• Houston SPCA is a qualifyingnonprofit employer, making employeeseligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)for federal student loans

Time Off & Well‑Being

• 18 days of PTO in your first year, increasing with service
• Separate illness leave accrued monthly with no cap
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health, legal, financial, and family support)
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Animal‑Lover Perks

• Pet adoption and fostering opportunities
• Discounted veterinary services through our Wellness Clinic
• Pet food and veterinary service discounts

Join Houston SPCA

If you want to lead meaningful work, support dedicated teams, and help shape the future of animal welfare in Houston, we’d love to hear from you.

Houston SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.