The ideal candidate will have worked in a kennel environment, have had senior management experience, and be a highly analytical leader who will join our senior management team. You will lead Operation Freedom Paws kennel and facility and day-to-day kennel business operations (managing the kennel, ensuring operational compliance, and addressing administrative issues). This position reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

·       Measure the effectiveness of all processes (operations, team management, team schedule, payroll, etc.)

·       Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and projects.

·       Assist clients in the service dog program.

·       Oversee a 24-hour 7 day a week operation.

·       Weekend and holidays.

·       Must have Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other departments, including Marketing & Communications, Philanthropy, Volunteer Services, and Behavior & Training to promote teamwork communication and to achieve organizational goals

·      Safety, Customer, and Client Service:  Ensure animals' safety, health, and well-being by following Operation Freedom Paws standard operating procedures and industry best practices.

·      Oversees contracts with municipal Law Enforcement agencies

·      Works with department managers to oversee ordering and inventory of kennel, facility, and supplies.

• Assures the safety of the workplace and actively monitors the safety of staff, volunteers, clients, and animals
• Collaborates with the Management team on all aspects of the operation.
• Documents, reports, and reviews any accidents or incidents in a proper and timely manner.
• Responds to electronic and telephone messages in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Oversees Facility and staff, follows instructions, responds to management direction, takes responsibility for own actions, and keeps commitments to uphold Operation Freedom Paws employee handbook.
• Attend community events as a brand ambassador for Operation Freedom Paws and its mission.
• Performs additional duties as required.

·       Work Environment:  Duties are conducted indoors and outdoors. Position requires bending, kneeling, stooping, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and standing for long periods in an environment that may be cold, hot, windy, wet, and/or noisy. All safety protocols must be followed to reduce the risk of injury to employees, customers, clients, and animals.

·       Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping.

Qualifications

• Confident and competent animal handler with dogs of all sizes, conditions, and temperaments. Must be able to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over
• Must have Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must have management experience in animal welfare, including budgetary and staff supervision
• Experience working in a kennel; if you have experience with non-profit or municipal animal shelters, it is a plus.
• Able to lead and motivate groups and individuals. Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. Able to effectively manage a large staff, multiple projects with deadlines, and budget constraints.
• Proven organizational skills and effective written and verbal communication
• Must prioritize teamwork and be able to serve as a leader to staff in the areas of high morale, excellent customer service, and quality program delivery.
• Ability to think critically, multi-task, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a positive attitude.
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver’s license, and proof of insurability are required. Travel with both personal and company vehicles is required.