Manager, Shelter Operations - Animal Shelter

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to lead change in the heart of Colorado's Alamosa? Dumb Friends League is looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to fill the pivotal role of Shelter Manager at the League's San Luis Valley Animal Center. As a vital part of our organization, you'll oversee shelter operations, ensuring the highest standards of care and compassion for animals in need. 

If you're ready to lead with compassion and drive positive change in animal welfare, apply now to join our dynamic team at San Luis Valley Animal Center. Together, we'll create a brighter future for animals and our community! 

Purpose of Position:  Responsible for the management and oversight of shelter operations at the League’s San Luis Valley Animal Center, in alignment with overall League shelter operations. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead and direct the SLVAC shelter team to ensure the highest level of people care is delivered to the League’s staff, volunteers, patrons, donors, partners, and vendors. 
• Manage and monitor all aspects of the SLVAC shelter operations including pet admissions, animal care, veterinary care, and adoptions. Collaborate fully with other departments and locations to maximize the effectiveness of every team.  
• Manage and monitor all aspects of the humane treatment and handling of shelter animals.  
• Maintain facility to provide a safe and sanitary environment for animals and people. This includes the adherence to and monitoring of mandated standards (e.g., PACFA). 
• Manages and develops an effective staff: providing effective communication, leadership, guidance and resources. Determines staff qualifications and competency:  recruits, interviews, selects, hires, trains, orients, mentors, evaluates, coaches, counsels, disciplines, and rewards.  Establishes and monitors staff safety and regulatory compliance. 
• Lead and collaborate on strategic goals while working with the leadership team to creatively meet all shelter needs.   
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness across the department, including statistical analysis and report creation and presentation. Implement improvements, ensuring efficient use of resources and effective operations.  
• Monitor and evaluate processes and procedures to maximize efficient uses of resources. 
• Ensure strong communication and coordination with all municipal and law enforcement partners, including statistical reporting.  
• Manage external vendors to provide services as needed.  
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks as needed.  
• Support the development and monitor budget for the facility 
• Support the development of SOPs and ensure they are updated, followed, and communicated with staff and volunteers. 

People Care 

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns. 

Competencies 

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources.

Organizational Key Competencies 

• Integrity and Ethics 
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity 
• Customer and Community Focus 
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Excellence 

Leadership Key Competencies 

• Project and Process Management 
• Delivering Results 
• Developing Direct Reports 
• Building and Leading Effective Teams 

Position Key Competencies 

• Analytical Thinking 
• Community Partnerships 
• Conflict Management  
• Financial Acumen 
• Fiscal Responsibility 
• Innovation 
• Strategic Thinking 

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility 

• SLV Animal Center Shelter Associates 
• SLV Community Liaison 
• Volunteers 

Travel 

• This position requires driving a company vehicle  
• This position requires up to 10% travel in state  

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with matching
• Sabbatical program
• And more!

Compensation: Starting at $61,000.00 - $65,000.00 (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on April 25, 2024.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements 

Performs work primarily in an office setting. Potentially prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive motion. May work in an area with high noise level.  Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.  Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Occasional lifting with reasonable accommodation. 

Position Qualifications  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing 
• Leadership experience  
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail 
• Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Experience developing and monitoring budget   

Required 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 
• Work Experience: Five years of professional experience working with animals including leading the work of others and progressively complex project or program leadership responsibilities 
• Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record 

Desired 

• Management experience in an animal shelter or similar organization  
• Knowledge of veterinary care/animal health   
• Experience managing vendors and contracts