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The Director of Shelter Operations and Community Programming is a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing shelter operations, animal care, and expanding community outreach. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role focuses on inspiring and leading staff to incorporate behavior training, enrichment, and best practices into daily care routines. The director ensures exceptional animal welfare standards, operational efficiency, and positive community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Staff Development:
- Inspire, mentor, and lead shelter staff to provide compassionate, high-quality animal care.
- Supervise and support shelter staff accomplishing adoptions, receiving, veterinary care, and animal care.
- Implement training programs for staff and volunteers to enhance behavior and enrichment protocols.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Complete staff evaluations, development plans, and disciplinary reviews.
Shelter Operations & Animal Welfare:
- Oversee daily shelter operations, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety.
- Train and manage animal intake, housing, enrichment and behavior, and placement to maintain optimal Capacity for Care (CFC).
- Collaborate with staff on medical care and disease prevention protocols.
- Monitor key operational metrics such as live release rate, length of stay, and overall shelter efficiency.
- Monitor expenses and resource utilization.
Community Outreach & Engagement:
- Expand and develop HSPS outreach programs to increase community involvement and support.
- Serve as a primary liaison with municipal partners, animal welfare agencies, and local organizations.
- Oversee customer service training and implement feedback systems to enhance community relations.
- Advocate for humane education, pet adoption, spay and neuter, etc., through public outreach initiatives.
Compliance & Strategic Planning:
- Establish and enforce operational protocols based on industry best practices.
- Ensure adherence to PACFA regulations, municipal contracts, legal recordkeeping, and public records processes.
- Assist in policy development and shelter improvement initiatives.
- Oversee budgeting, inventory management, and purchasing to support shelter needs.
Qualifications
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Deep knowledge of advanced enrichment programming.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and shelter database management (Shelterluv preferred).
- Knowledge of animal behavior, care, enrichment, and disease prevention.
- Commitment to teamwork, community engagement, and shelter best practices.
- Familiarity with Social media marketing.
Education & Experience:
- Unrestricted Colorado Driver License (Required).
- Fear Free Shelter Certification within 60 days of employment (Required).
- 3+ years of experience managing shelter operations (Required).
- 3+ years of experience leading staff and volunteers (Required).
- Experience in customer service, community outreach, (Preferred).
- Budget management and strategic planning experience (Preferred).
This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for an individual passionate about animal welfare, team development, and community impact. If you are a motivated leader ready to drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply!
The preceding does not constitute a full Job Description which will be made available for interviews.
Exempt, Full Time
$55,000-$68,000
Do you dream of a career working with animals who need you? We have an opening for a full-time Animal Care Specialist.
- Must love to work with animals AND people, spend time outdoors in all kinds of weather, and get a lot of exercise throughout the day.
- Previous dog and cat handling experience is a plus.
- A positive attitude is a must.
PTO, additional sick time, and great shelter and thrift store discounts as benefits.
Hourly rate $15.50-16.50 DOE. Apply online or stop in the shelter and complete an application.
Come join our team caring for the homeless pets of Pagosa Springs.
Non-Discrimination Policy: The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law, and is in compliance with all requirements of law and regulations with respect to the provision of all our Shelter and Thrift Store services, employment decisions, and volunteer participation.