Chief Operating Officer

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated No Kill shelter in the Kansas City area. A platinum rated GuideStar charity serving 4,000 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability. 

Position Summary: 

• Do you want to help pets in need?
• Does the prospect of saving the lives of thousands of homeless pets energize you?
• Does leading a large team of directors and managers in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where predictable is a dirty word excite you?
• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?

If you answered YES to all of these questions, then we might have the right opportunity for you!

The Chief Operating Officer at Great Plains SPCA will lead the day-to-day operations of our best in class shelter. Leading a team of directors and managers, you will ensure excellent results in delivery, support, and alignment of the vision and strategy of the organization.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 depending on experience 

This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to grow and develop a robust team to support GPSPCA mission and goals.

• Lead and organize the following departments: Facilities, Animal Care, Adoptions, HERO, Admissions, Shelter Medicine, Foster, Volunteer and Behavior.
• Ensure efficiency and effectiveness by strategically managing and coordinating departments within the organization.
• Oversee the animal population to ensure animals are moving through the process continuum consistently, expeditiously and receiving excellent care
• Drive organization operations and employee productivity, elevating an inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met.
• Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth and process improvement, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning.
• Implement business and financial strategies and plans that align with the short and long-term objectives developed in tandem with CEO and CFO.
• Ensure compliance with local and state regulations and take appropriate action if needed.
• Track and analyze current revenue streams, offerings, and relationships to optimize growth and revenue strategy.
• Maintain and leverage effective relationships with other organizations and external stakeholders to benefit the operations of GPSPCA
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of Standards of Operation for shelter activities.
• Other duties as needed.

Key Capabilities and Competencies 

Drive for Results, Integrity, Flexibility, Resilience and Creating Vision and Purpose

• Strong analytical, managerial, communication, people and leadership skills.
• Instill a sense of purpose and enthusiasm that engages others and creates an environment where people are inspired to do their best.
• Evaluates data and courses of action using an unbiased and rational approach and makes timely decisions that are logical, compassionate, and effective.
• Ability to achieve results in a fast-paced environment focused on providing excellent customer and employee experience.
• Strong understanding of business functions such as facilities, shelter medicine, animal care and adoptions preferred.
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development.

Experience Requirements

• Seven or more years in a leadership role, leading people and similar department disciplines.
• Experience with animal shelters and/or nonprofit organizations a plus.
• Knowledge of various CRMs and Microsoft Office.
• Possess the emotional intelligence to effectively communicate in sensitive and high stress situations.
• Well organized, goal oriented, work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility with working hours to include some weekends, evenings, and on-call situations.
• Ability to be discrete with sensitive information.

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Work Conditions

• Must be comfortable working around all types of pets including dogs, cats, etc.
• Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels.
• Work schedule and hours may vary; evenings and weekends may be required.
• Schedule either Sun – Thursday or Saturday - Tuesday, nights and weekends possible depending on events.

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including: health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.