Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

The Bangor Humane Society champions the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals. We provide quality care for homeless pets. We promote animal welfare through education and advocacy. We serve more than 30 communities in the Bangor region and intake nearly 2,000 animals each year. In addition to providing care and medical services to stray and surrendered animals, we provide what resources we can to existing pet owners in efforts to strengthen the human-animal bond and reduce intakes where possible.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations assists the Executive Director with the administration, budgeting, and management of the Bangor Humane Society. This position is responsible for ensuring the cost-effective, sanitary, safe, and humane operation of the facility; the health and welfare of animals in the Society’s care; and the training, supervision, scheduling, and deployment of shelter staff.

The Director of Operations promotes community awareness of the Society’s mission, goals, and services through positive engagement with shelter clients, visitors, volunteers, and community partners. The position also works with the Board of Directors, as needed, on special projects and

assists and cooperates with state officials on matters relating to animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals.

Performance Expectations

The Director of Operations is expected to:

1.     Provide visionary and effective leadership that attracts, develops, and retains highly engaged, high-performing employees while fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment, innovation, and continuous learning.

2.     Clearly and effectively communicate the principles, mission, purposes, and objectives of the organization.

3.     Maintain and continually develop knowledge of applicable Maine animal welfare laws, animal care and behavior, various breeds and species, proper animal handling techniques, common diseases and conditions, euthanasia methods and materials, and the appropriate use and maintenance of shelter equipment.

4.     Foster professional, respectful, and productive relationships with employees and volunteers.

5.     Participate in meetings with shelter personnel and actively encourage ideas and suggestions that improve working conditions, animal care, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1.     Partner with the Executive Director to recruit, hire, coach, train, develop, and evaluate shelter staff including the client services (adoption team), animal care/shelter helper, and medical departments. Coordinate staffing schedules and ensure adequate coverage for shelter operations including animal care, client services and medical care departments

2.     Establish, implement, and monitor operational standards and quality measures to ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, applicable laws, and industry best practices.

3.     Assume responsibility for the humane care and treatment of animals in the Society’s care. Monitor animal health and welfare, recognize signs of illness or disease, promptly report concerns to the Executive Director, and collaborate with the leadership team and veterinarian on animal medical care and disposition decisions in accordance with shelter policies.

4.     Maintain effective working relationships with Animal Control Officers, area veterinarians, and the shelter’s medical team to ensure animals receive timely and appropriate medical care.

5.     Maintain clear, effective, and consistent written and verbal communication with staff and volunteers. Conduct and participate in regular staff meetings, communicate organizational updates and Board directives, solicit and respond to staff input, and coordinate training related to animal welfare practices, procedures, equipment, and shelter improvements.

6.     Oversee the ordering and inventory management of shelter operational and medical supplies. Ensure animal records in PetPoint are accurate, complete, and maintained in a timely manner.

7.     Perform other duties as assigned in support of shelter operations, organizational objectives, and the mission of the Bangor Humane Society.

Education, Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and minimum of 1 year of previous supervisory or management experience, demonstrated ability to lead.
• Experience in animal-related fields, including Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or a related discipline, is preferred. Working knowledge of applicable Maine animal welfare laws and regulations, of various animal species and breeds, proper animal handling techniques, and recognition of common diseases and medical conditions and shelter operations, animal welfare practices, and appropriate use of shelter equipment preferred
• Demonstrates commitment to treating animals humanely and compassionately, both on and off the job, and the ability to model and promote these values among staff, volunteers, and the community.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, shelter staff, volunteers, community partners, and the general public.
• Basic computer and typing skills; proficiency with shelter management software, including PetPoint, is desirable.
• Valid State of Maine driver’s license.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to the operational needs of an animal shelter.
• Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical requirements may include but not limited to:

The Director of Operations works in an active animal shelter environment and must be able to safely perform the physical and environmental demands associated with shelter operations.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, animal carriers, and other materials associated with shelter operations. Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes and weights, with assistance when appropriate.
• Ability to safely restrain, move, transport, and handle animals using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including cleaning, sanitizing, feeding, animal care, and facility maintenance activities.
• Ability to work safely in confined areas, animal housing areas, kennels, and other shelter spaces.
• Ability to work around animal hair, dander, dust, odors, cleaning and disinfecting products, animal waste, bodily fluids, and other materials commonly encountered in an animal shelter.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and environmental conditions, including indoor and outdoor areas, as operational needs require.
• Ability to use computers, telephones, radios, and other office and shelter equipment necessary to perform the functions of the position.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, or emergency situations, and on call as required by shelter operations.
• Work may involve periods of high activity, emotional stress, and exposure to emergency or end-of-life situations involving animals. The Director of Operations must be able to remain professional, compassionate, and effective in these circumstances.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range for this role: $68,000-$78,000

Bangor Humane Society offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, employee health care reimbursement, and a retirement savings plan and matching contributions. We value work-life balance for all of our employees and offer a generous vacation package alongside dedicated sick leave to ensure our team rests and recharges.