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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.
Job Summary
The Animal Care Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being, health, and adoptability of animals in our care. This hands-on position involves daily cleaning and feeding, enrichment, socialization, and exercise for shelter pets. It also includes supporting onsite and offsite adoptions, working with volunteers, and assisting in promoting pets including photographing animals to help them find loving homes.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care & Shelter Upkeep
- Feed, water, and provide daily care for cats, dogs, and small animals.
- Clean kennels, cat rooms, and common areas to maintain a safe and sanitary shelter environment.
- Wash bedding, dishes, and keep supplies stocked and organized.
Enrichment, Walking & Socialization
- Provide daily walks, playtime, and positive interactions with all animals.
- Help implement enrichment activities to reduce stress and promote animal well-being.
- Observe and report health or behavioral changes to shelter leadership.
Photography & Pet Marketing
- Take clear, engaging photos and short videos of shelter animals for social media and adoption websites.
- Assist in writing short bios or personality notes to promote adoptability.
- Collaborate with the communications team to help highlight long-term or special-needs pets.
Customer Service & Adoptions
- Greet and assist potential adopters with information and introductions to available animals.
- Support the adoption process with professionalism, compassion, and good communication.
- Attend and assist at off-site adoption and community events.
Volunteer Support
- Work positively with volunteers and help guide them in their shelter duties.
- Help train and onboard new volunteers and foster a welcoming environment.
Qualifications:
- A positive and professional approach to every workday.
- A love of animals and commitment to their care and welfare.
- Ability to handle animals safely, compassionately, and confidently.
- Team-oriented with excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes emotional environment.
- Able to lift 50 pounds and be on your feet for long periods.
- Previous animal care experience is helpful but not required—training is provided.
To Apply
Please include a resume and short statement about why you’re interested in working here and complete an application, or apply on Indeed.com. You may also stop by the shelter at 465 Cloman Blvd.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $16.00 – $17.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 – 38 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
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.