Executive Director of Shelter Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director of Shelter Operations

Grant County Humane Society

Job Type: Full-Time | Location: Platteville, WI, and surrounding Grant County | Reports To: Board of Directors | Salary: $50,000-$60,000

About the Role

The Executive Director leads the launch and ongoing operation of the newly constructed Grant County Humane Society facility in Platteville, WI, guiding the organization's transition from board-led to executive-led. The role oversees shelter operations, staff, animal care, compliance, fundraising, budgeting, and community partnerships to ensure humane, safe, sustainable service delivery — and serves as the public face of an organization built on the belief that "Every Paw Matters." Onsite in Platteville, with travel across surrounding communities.

Key Responsibilities

Shelter Operations & Animal Care — Ensure legal/regulatory compliance; oversee daily sheltering functions using best-practice standards to move animals safely into homes; lead care, adoption, fostering, and enrichment programs (with Volunteer Coordinator and Board); apply the Board's "yes" adoption policy; coordinate with law enforcement, vets, rescues, and emergency management; handle escalated concerns and emergency/disaster response; maintain facility safety and cleanliness.

People Leadership — Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff (Volunteer Coordinator, Kennel Manager, Kennel Staff, Client Relations, CVT, and others); set expectations, give feedback, and conduct performance reviews with ongoing development; build a mission-driven culture of accountability and respect. Supervise up to 3-4 full time and collaborate to supervise more.

Programs & Systems — Build and expand adoption, foster, volunteer, and outreach programs; develop SOPs and workflows aligned with welfare guidelines; support Board strategic planning and attend Board/committee meetings; other duties as assigned.

Financial Management & Fundraising — Develop and manage the annual budget, purchasing, and contracts with the Finance Committee/Board; oversee financial controls and donor-fund stewardship; lead fundraising (grants, major gifts, events) including capital support for the new facility.

Community Relations — Serve as primary spokesperson and oversee PR, marketing, and social media; build relationships with clinics, public safety, rescues, and municipal partners; promote humane education and outreach (responsible ownership, TNR, subsidized medical support, student/community programs).

Compliance & Risk Management — Own organizational risk and legal compliance:

●     Insurance: Maintain and annually review general liability, D&O, property, auto, workers' comp, and volunteer coverage; ensure timely renewals and claims reporting.

●     Regulatory: Comply with animal welfare, employment, and licensure law; maintain 501(c)(3) status (Form 990, state registrations, audits).

●     Animal welfare standards: Uphold care/disease-control protocols and document intake, treatment, adoption, and euthanasia decisions.

●     Risk practices: Maintain safety, injury, and emergency-response policies; conduct periodic risk assessments; enforce background-check protocols; protect donor/financial/adopter data.

●     Ethics: Uphold the Society's ethics code, disclose conflicts of interest, and train staff on whistleblower protections.

●     Reporting: Deliver an annual compliance/risk report to the Board and immediately flag material violations, claims, or significant risks.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field (Master's preferred); 5+ years leadership experience, ideally in animal welfare or nonprofits; facility opening/management experience preferred; proven fundraising, budgeting, and donor-relations success; strong communication and strategic-thinking skills; knowledge of shelter best practices; comfort handling animals of varying temperaments; high discretion and integrity; valid driver's license; ability to obtain required certifications.

Skills & Attributes

Proficient with shelter software and basic accounting tools; skilled at safe animal handling (including abuse/neglect cases), scaling community programs, and resolving conflict. A passionate, visionary, hands-on leader who thrives building systems from scratch — organized, calm under pressure, empathetic with animals and the public, and inclusive and collaborative in style.

Working Conditions

Mixed office/shelter/outdoor environment with exposure to animal dander, waste, chemicals, noise, weather, and zoonotic/injury risk. Requires standing, lifting (50 lbs solo / 75 lbs assisted), and other physical activity, plus occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response.

Compensation & Benefits

MIleage when using own vehicle

Supplying technology for employment and community engagement

Simple IRA–consutant provided

PTO–to be determined based on experience

Paid Holiday–main 6 Christmas, Jan1, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day