Animal Shelter Manager

Shelter Manager

KTF Animal Shelter & Rescue Center

Reports To: Board of Directors

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Shelter Manager is responsible for the overall administrative and operational management of the shelter. This position focuses on ensuring the shelter runs efficiently, remains compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, and provides exceptional customer service to the public while supporting staff and volunteers.

This is primarily an administrative leadership position. Routine animal care responsibilities are assigned to Animal Care Technicians and Kennel Staff. The Shelter Manager is expected to assist with animal care only during emergencies, severe staffing shortages, or other situations where additional support is necessary to maintain appropriate standards of care.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administration & Operations

Oversee the daily operations of the shelter. Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Maintain all required shelter records and documentation. Prepare reports for the Board of Directors. Monitor shelter statistics including: Intake, Adoptions, Transfers, Euthanasia, Foster placements, Animal population. Maintain operational budgets and purchasing within approved spending limits. Coordinate facility maintenance and vendor services. Ensure OSHA and workplace safety compliance.

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Staff Leadership

Supervise all shelter employees. Implement and maintain shelter policies and procedures among all employees and volunteers. Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, coaching, and performance evaluations in conjunction with the Board of Directors. Maintain employee records. Address workplace concerns professionally. Foster a positive, team-oriented workplace culture.Ensure adequate staffing levels. Attend monthly meetings with the Board of Directors and maintain regular communications with Board Officers.

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Volunteer Management

Oversee volunteer recruitment and retention. Coordinate volunteer orientation and training. Maintain volunteer schedules. Ensure volunteers follow shelter policies.

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Animal Intake & Adoption Oversight

Review intake decisions. Oversee adoption procedures and documentation in coordination with lead animal care associates. Ensure proper medical and behavioral documentation. Review owner surrenders. Coordinate rescue transfers when needed. Ensure compliance with adoption policies.

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Medical & Animal Welfare Oversight

Coordinate veterinary appointments. Monitor medical records. Ensure vaccination and treatment protocols are followed. Work with veterinary partners. Ensure humane standards of care throughout the shelter.

Note: Daily feeding, cleaning, exercising, medicating, and kennel care are primarily the responsibility of Animal Care Staff.

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Financial & Recordkeeping

Maintain donor and grant records. Track licensing and permit renewals. Maintain confidential records.

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Public Relations & Customer Service

Serve as the primary contact for public inquiries including responding to phone calls, emails and Facebook messages. Handle difficult customer situations professionally. Represent the shelter within the community. Assist with fundraising events by staying aware of upcoming events and posting them within the shelter. Build relationships with rescue partners, municipalities, and veterinarians.

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Emergency Responsibilities

The Shelter Manager is expected to assist with direct animal care only when:

Staffing shortages create immediate operational needs. Emergency animal situations arise. Disaster response is activated. Animal welfare would otherwise be compromised.

Examples include:

Feeding animals, Cleaning kennels, Administering medications (if trained), Walking dogs, Transporting animals, Assisting veterinary staff

These duties are intended to support the team during exceptional circumstances and are not considered routine responsibilities of the position.

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Qualifications

Required

Minimum 3 years of management or supervisory experience. Excellent organizational skills. Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and shelter management software. Excellent written and verbal communication. Valid driver’s license. Ability to pass background checks.

Preferred

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Animal Science, Nonprofit Management, or related field or equivalent management experience.

Previous animal shelter or rescue management experience. Experience with nonprofit organizations. Grant administration experience. Budget management experience. Knowledge of Pennsylvania animal welfare laws. Experience supervising volunteers.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

• Work Location: In person