Chief Operations Officer

POSITION SUMMARY: 

At Seattle Humane, we believe everyone deserves a chance to experience the love of a pet and the lifelong benefits ofthehuman-animal bond. Seattle Humane is three years into the development and implementation of our five year strategic plan, Vision 2026. The Chief Operations Officer (COO) plays a key role in bringing our strategic plan to life.  

The core of our success is anchored in our ability to grow with operational excellence.The COO is responsible for all operational divisions primarily shelter programs, veterinary services, behavioral services, community initiatives, and volunteers. The COO is accountable for the shelter's daily operations, building new revenue streams, establishing sound financial practices, and utilizing industry best practices to grow our culture, our people and our community impact.   

KEY FUNCTIONS:  

• Ensure all shelter operations are in alignment with the Mission, Values and Strategic Vision of Seattle Humane.  

• Oversee and lead shelter operations including shelter care, veterinary services, behavioral services, community initiatives, and volunteers. 

• Develop staff to their full potential in order to meet and exceed operational goals and achieve long-term strategic plans. 

• Participate as a member of the Executive Support Team, collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) to set and drive the organizational vision and mission by successfully developing operational strategies and translating them into effective programs, processes, and procedures.  

• Identify and build new revenue streams. Measure and analyze current revenue streams to optimize business growth and sustain the success of the shelter.  

• Lead with empathy and appreciation for our devoted animal welfare professionals. Recognize and take definitive action to support and improve the emotional and physical demands of each job.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Consistently optimize all operational functions, lead the innovation of new programs, set and maintain benchmarks and measures.  

• Ensure all operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are current, documented and utilized for efficient, safe, and fiscally responsible results.  

• Provide the CEO with status updates from all operational areas of the organization for regular updates for the Board of Directors. 

• In partnership with the CEO, lead the evaluation of organizational performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics. Use the data to ensure the effectiveness of Seattle Humane operations.  

• In partnership with the CFO, evaluate efficacy of programs in relation to investments and returns. Forecast and execute annual operations plan, budget, revenue, and expenses including capital investments and vendor management.  

• In partnership with the CAO, ensure the positive representation of Seattle Humane in national and local forums, formal presentations, and networking. Build and maintain positive relationships with animal welfare organizations and other community partners. 

• In partnership with the CPCO, oversee, develop, and implement strategic talent management plans. Ensure Seattle Humane attracts, hires, develops and retains the best professionals in the industry.  

• Lead and manage euthanasia decision making process. 

• Monitor and maintain a safe and secure work environment.  

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS 

Minimum Requirements 

• 10+ years of related work experience, including progressively complex project and people management. 

• 5+ years of working knowledge of animal shelter operations, with P&L experience. 

• 5+ years of experience managing or coaching peer or senior staff members in a complex and multi-layered team. 

Essential Skills 

• Experience and understanding of non-profits, animal welfare industry, veterinary industry, animal welfare industry; knowledge of national animal welfare trends; sincere compassion for animals, and passion for animal welfare issues. 

• Quality decision-making through a combination of analysis, experience, and judgment. 

• High level of business acumen, including successful P&L management; the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget; problem-solving, project management, prioritization, and creative resourcefulness. 

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at every level of the organization and in all interactions. 

• Exceptional capacity for managing, leading, and developing people; a collaborative team builder who has experience in scaling organizations; ability to connect staff both on an individual level and in large groups; capacity to enforce accountability; develop and empower top-notch leaders and put team/volunteers in a position to succeed. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, confident, respectful, and professional manner. 

• Exceptional discretion, judgment, integrity, and confidentiality when dealing with personnel issues, financial issues, and intellectual property. 

• BS or BA required. Equivalent experience considered.  

• CAWA, shelter medicine certificates, and/or MBA, or an equivalent advanced degree preferred. 

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

COMPLEXITY 

This position interacts with and collaborates with all levels of the organization ranging from entry-level staff members to executive team members, members of the Board of Directors, customers, donors, and representatives from the public and public/private agencies. The COO is responsible for gaining information, sharing information, influencing others, conflict resolution, and constructive collaboration. Emotionally charged situations must be handled with tact and empathy, and personal composure must always be maintained in the face of interpersonal conflict. Communication must be clear, understandable, professional, and respectful in all circumstances. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities, schedules, and time. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds with or without accommodation. Must have good eyesight to observe facility problems or assist with projects. Must pay attention to detail and maintain concentration to produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions. Creative problem-solving and the ability to remain calm during periods of stress or emergencies are helpful. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Indoor and outdoor working conditions and a general office environment. Exposures to potential hazards include back strain, cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to people), noise (barking, tools, equipment), potential electrical hazards, and power tool hazards. 

WORK HOURS: 

Seattle Humane operates seven days a week. We are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Typical workdays for operational leaders are Monday through Sunday. Professional staff typically work Monday through Friday. The COO is required to situationally support the needs of the staff and shelter. The role will require occasional evening, weekend, and after-hours work.  

COVID-19 INFORMATION  

Vaccinations are mandatory at Seattle Humane. Seattle Humane reasonably accommodates those whose medical conditions or religious beliefs prevent them from being vaccinated. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.