Position Summary: The Director of Shelter Operations is a leadership position that requires strong organizational, interpersonal communication, and multi-tasking skills; a passion for supporting humane animal treatment and improving animal welfare; and a focus on serving community needs. This position requires a strong leader who has solid management skills and understands how to develop and maintain a budget and to use data to make sound decisions. Under the general direction of the Golden Belt Humane and Animal Welfare Society Board of Directors, the DSO oversees daily operations of the entire shelter and grounds, animal dispositions, and care of (both medical and nonmedical) all the animals, program-focused customer services, and safety net programs.
The DSO works directly with the staff, volunteers, and Board in furthering GBHS’s program goals.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Ø High School Diploma or general education degree.
Ø A minimum of one to three years in a management or supervisory position within an animal welfare setting.
Ø Accounts Receivables
Ø Must possess a valid Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
Ø Strong motivational, management, communication, and interpersonal skills with coworkers, the Board, volunteers, and the public.
Ø Competency and comfort using word processing, database, spreadsheet, email management, create/edit PDF files, online and onsite file storage, report preparation, online collaboration platforms, operational management software, website building and maintaining, and social media systems.
Ø Must know state and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances relating to the proper treatment, sheltering, transferring and spay/neuter laws of animals. (Kansas Pet Animal Act)
Ø Must be able to perform animal control duties that include but not limited to:
o Investigations of all animal complaints
o Executing search warrants via probable cause narratives
o Removal of aggressive/dangerous animals
o Removal of wildlife
o Writing Notice to Appear tickets for different animal violations
o Appearing in court
o Submitting billing invoices for restitution
Ø Principles and techniques for properly handling and caring for injured, difficult and/or potentially dangerous animals, including exotics and wildlife.
Ø Basic husbandry and health care for shelter animals, equivalent to an unregistered Veterinary Technician. Know the hazards and safety precautions involved in operating an animal shelter.
Responsibilities Shelter Operations
Ø Manages the shelter in accordance with established professional standards for humane facilities, ensures that operation of the adoption facility is compliant with the Kansas Department of Agriculture Animal Facilities Inspections/Kansas Pet Animal Act statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as GBHS’s mission, values, and policies.
Ø Maintains a clean, sanitized and environmentally safe shelter environment for the benefit of the animals, staff, and visitors, ensuring safe functioning, ongoing maintenance and necessary replacement of all shelter equipment and supplies needed for the daily function of the Shelter.
Ø Maintains effective inventory control. Receives and tracks shelter inventory, including medical and pharmaceutical, and orders supplies to maintain cost-efficient inventory for operations, ensuring the facility receives competitive pricing.
Ø Acquires materials, supplies, and equipment, or directs the same, as the budget specifications and authorized expense categories warrant for the day-to-day care of the animals and shelter staff needs. The DSO is authorized to incur up to $250 per expenditure, necessary for the day-to day operation of the Golde Humane Society. Any acquisition or expenditure in the amount greater than $250 must be discussed with and approved by the Board of Directors in advance.
Ø Maintains shelter records and statistics that include but are not limited to animal population, adoption, euthanasia, transfer, foster and spay and neuter. Prepares management reports and other documentation as needed, state inspections. (Administrator for the database system.)
Ø Responds to electronic and telephone messages in a timely and appropriate manner.
Ø Works with the Board of Directors in the preparation of the Shelter annual budget for submission to the City of Great Bend, Ks and Barton County, Ks. for its consideration and approval.
Ø Closely monitors income and expenses and works within the budget limitations set and approved by the Board of Directors. Responsible for fiscal integrity of Shelter expenditures including retention of receipts as per acceptable accounting practices.
Ø Reports monthly to the Board regarding shelter operational status. Keeps the Board fully updated on sensitive issues that could affect the reputation of GBHS to possible litigation. Notifies the Board of Directors of needed policy changes.
Ø Documents and reports accidents in a proper and timely manner.
Ø Actively conveys grant opportunities
Ø Carries out other duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
Ø Sets standards for and monitors conduct of shelter employees to ensure that humane and kind treatment is implemented in care of all shelter animals at all times.
Ø Sets standards for and monitors conduct of shelter employees to ensure excellence in customer and client services and public perception of GBHS mission.
Ø Prepares staff work schedules and assignments to ensure adequate staff levels daily to achieve animal and client care goals and a compliant workplace.
Ø Trains or provides scheduled training for all shelter staff; provides signoff to acknowledge staff is trained to perform their job responsibilities adequately and safely.
Ø Supervises Shelter Staff. This responsibility includes all aspects of the staffing cycle, including but not limited to:
o Delegate responsibilities to optimize staff autonomy and efficiency while providing guidance and advice
o Mentor direct staff and provides opportunities for individual and career growth
o Promote a culture of safety, transparency, teamwork, empathy and trust
o Provide coaching, feedback, and discipline
o Performance reviews; check-in meetings to assess goals completion and annual review prior to salary review.
o Compliance with workers compensation laws of the state of Kansas
o Tracking of personnel compensated absences and overtime
o Hiring and Termination
Ø Communicates pertinent information to staff and volunteers in a timely and effective manner, including but not limited to monthly staff meetings.
Ø Communicates professionally to the public, staff, and the Board.
Ø Reviews and approves staff payroll and paid time off requests in compliance with GBHS policies.
Ø Responds in a timely and appropriate manner to staff and volunteer needs and requests.
Ø Fosters teamwork, creativity, and innovation to meet GBHS goals.
Ø Develops, implements, and manages animal care programs and work methods according to best industry practices to meet the GBHS mission of protecting, sheltering, and placing animals in need.
Ø Ensures appropriate feeding, cleaning, grooming and animal handling.
Ø Creates and oversees all animal behavior and enrichment programs.
Ø Ensure all legal requirements are adhered to as it relates to services and animal control functions. Develop and implement a process for contract related dues.
Ø Maintain, develop, and implement all shelter programs including adoptions, foster care, and lost and found.
Ø Maintain, develop, and implement Safety Net programs and oversee staff to assist members of the public with resources to keep their pets safely at home. Programs include but are not limited to a pet food bank, behavior support.
Ø Maintain, develop, and implement a strong foster care program to include neonates, moms and babies, injured/sick animals, adult dogs and cats, short-term fosters (day and overnight trips) and more.
Ø Create a proactive customer service program that provides resources, education and communication regarding shelter, services and pet care education.
Ø Ensures all front office policy and procedures are written and adhered too. Ensures the phones and emails are answered appropriately and return calls by end of business day.
Ø Ensures all animals have an exercise plan that includes walking, play groups and enrichment.
Ø Ensures staff evaluates animals for adoption and proactively markets animals for adoption on multiple venues and platforms, in a timely manner.
Ø Ensures staff actively recruit, train, and maintain a vibrant volunteer base.
Ø Answers public animal welfare, cruelty and neglect questions and complaints, and refers to appropriate agencies.
Ø Demonstrates efficient and appropriate interaction with clients, promoting good public relations.
Ø Deals with difficult, angry, and upset clients to achieve effective resolutions for GBHS, the clients, animals, and the public.
Ø Performs health assessments, approves and arranges for appropriate veterinary treatment.
Ø GBHS to assist partners in the handling, capture and control of animals in emergency situations.
Ø Ensures compliance with terms and conditions of animal control contract with local municipalities.
Ø Collaborates with other animal welfare groups and law enforcement agencies, including rescue groups, feral cat programs and wildlife rescue, to effectively provide accurate services, referrals, resources, and education to the community.
Ø Participates in and supports special events, humane education, outreach, and fundraisers as needed.