Shelter Operations Director

Overview The Shelter Operations Director role is an exciting opportunity to serve as a guiding force behind East Bay SPCA’s team of animal welfare professionals, contributing to the organization’s leadership in sheltering and expanding shelter programs. Reports to: Vice President of Operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective operations of the organization’s Animal Sheltering programs, including Animal Care, Customer Care, Shelter Medicine, Foster, and Animal Transfers. The role involves strategy development, process improvement, and operational leadership with data-driven decision making. Category: Full-time; Exempt. Location: Oakland and Dublin, as needed. Benefits package includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) with 3% company contribution, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, holidays, and other perks. Organization: East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties since 1874. Responsibilities Program Management: Develops, oversees, and monitors programs and practices at both shelter sites to maintain and improve standards of shelter customer and animal care; expands adoption methods and numbers including off-site opportunities and foster-to-adopt programming; facilitates stray intake and reunification efforts and owner surrender program direction; engages with community to provide accessible services; uses change management to prepare staff for demographic shifts; builds a network of rescue and shelter partners; stays current with trends in animal welfare; oversees transfer and intake of cats and dogs; participates in evaluation of animals for adoption, rescue, euthanasia, or other outcomes; performs euthanasia when required and maintains records; promotes positive public relations with clients; encourages volunteer participation and collaborates with Volunteer Services; coordinates with operational departments to ensure efficient animal flow and inventory; maintains relationships with Marketing, Philanthropy, Volunteer Services, and Behavior & Training; may transfer animals between campuses; represents EBSPCA leadership to clients and resolves customer concerns; leads collaborations with Philanthropy/Marketing for fundraising and community events. Staff Management: Serves as a mentor and compassionate leader for all staff; fosters teamwork, creativity, and innovation; ensures staff provide high quality customer service with training and resources; facilitates ongoing professional development; handles staff selection, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching, and discipline; oversees scheduling; communicates with staff regularly; reviews payroll and paid time off and continuing education requests in line with policies; responds to staff and volunteer needs; ensures adherence to EBSPCA policies. Administrative: Maintains official records and data related to shelter operations; oversees reporting in compliance with policy and regulations; analyzes trends and supports action plans; collaborates with external organizations to meet community needs; oversees contracts with municipal animal control; manages ordering and inventory of medications and supplies; ensures workplace safety; assists in budget preparation and monthly variance monitoring; collaborates with Philanthropy on fundraising and grants; reviews invoices; documents accidents and incidents; manages communications and opening/closing responsibilities at shelters. Qualifications Minimum five years of management experience in animal welfare, including budgetary and staff supervision. Experience in an open admission nonprofit or municipal shelter preferred. Ability to lead and motivate groups, think creatively and strategically, and manage a large staff and multiple projects with deadlines and budgets. Strong organizational skills and effective written and verbal communication. Commitment to teamwork and leadership that promotes morale, customer service, and program quality. Ability to think critically, multi-task, and thrive in a dynamic environment with a positive attitude. Ability to obtain Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit and California Certified Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment. Confident and competent animal handler with dogs and cats of all sizes; able to leash, walk, and control large dogs (including 90+ pounds). Proficient in Microsoft Office; Shelter Buddy knowledge a plus. Pre-employment background and drug screening required; cannabis screening not performed. Reliable transportation, valid CA driver’s license, and proof of insurability; travel between campuses may be required. Working Conditions Work is performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to cleaning products, wet/humid conditions, and seasonal outdoor conditions. Must be available as needed; occasional irregular hours, weekends, and holidays. Animal contacts and related injuries may occur; handling of sick, injured, or deceased animals may be required. Noise exposure from animal vocalizations; animal waste and odors are prevalent. Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and up to 75 pounds with assistance; push/pull >50 pounds occasionally. Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping. #J-18808-Ljbffr