Help us build what lasts.
We're looking for a mission-driven, operationally skilled leader to take the reins of our shelter's daily operations and guide the animal care team into the next chapter.
This is not just a day-to-day role - it's a strategic leadership position for someone who sees sheltering not only as a system to manage, but as a cause to grow thoughtfully. You'll supervise our Animal Care Manager and Animal Care Specialist Supervisor, oversee high-level coordination between departments, and work closely with senior leadership to shape the future of our services.
You'll be a great fit if you:
- Thrive in team-based leadership and are skilled at mentoring others into clarity, consistency, and accountability
- Are ready to take full ownership of shelter operations - not just managing tasks, but building systems that support staff, animals, and community trust
- Are interested in long-term impact, and bring both steadiness and curiosity to solving the challenges that face small but vital community shelters
- Are comfortable working alongside an executive leader today - and ready to lead independently when the time comes
Core responsibilities include:
- Supervising and mentoring shelter leadership staff
- Overseeing shelter operations, protocols, staffing flow, and inventory systems
- Collaborating with the Medical Director and external partners (animal control, prison program, vet clinics)
- Maintaining regulatory compliance and strong operational data integrity
- Fostering a healthy team culture grounded in clarity, compassion, and accountability
Qualifications:
- 5+ years in animal welfare or nonprofit operations leadership
- Supervisory experience with multi-layered teams
- Strong working knowledge of sheltering systems, regulations, and operational frameworks
- Excellent communication and collaborative problem-solving skills
Bonus if you have:
- CAWA certification or similar credentials (or interest in pursuing it)
- Experience with rural or small-community sheltering
- A steady hand and a quiet confidence in turbulent situations
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: $75,000-$83,000 depending on experience
- Health benefits, paid time off, professional development support
- Full-time, primarily daytime hours, with occasional evenings/weekends as needed
This isn't a role to grow out of - it's one to grow into.
If you're the kind of leader who wants to help shape a mission from the inside, who finds satisfaction in sustainable systems and resilient teams, we'd love to talk.