Director Of Shelter Programs

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Shelter Programs is a critical role at Seattle Humane, responsible for managing the full lifecycle of animals at Seattle Humane from their intake to their final outcome, with the exception of veterinary services.
The Director of Shelter Programs manages up to six programs - Intake, Lifesaver, Animal Care, Foster Care, Shelter Behavior, and Adoption programs. They are accountable for the overall performance of each program and meeting their objectives for budget, strategic plan, animal placement, and quality care. The Director of Shelter Programs plays a key role in developing, implementing, and evaluating operational programs and services.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborates with the COO to develop the annual animal intake and outcome targets and is responsible for delivering the plan, including but not limited to:
  • Managing shelter capacity
  • Length of stay
  • Shelter outcomes
• Directly manages and coaches the Intake Manager, Lifesaver Manager, Animal Care Manager, Foster Care Manager, Adoption Program Manager and Behavior Manager.
  • Hires, trains, schedules, and motivates managers to provide for their growth and to maximize their potential for the good of the organization.
  • Screens hiring, training and performance evaluation practices of direct reports to ensure quality staff development across programs.
  • Creates strategies for programs to meet established goals and objectives.
  • Cascades timely communication of program or agency updates to their team members
  • Conducts performance reviews according to agency timelines.
  • Conducts disciplinary meetings and maintains related documentation per People & Culture guidelines.
  • Ensures high standards of customer service and animal care.
• Recommends policy changes to supervisor for approval.
• Responsible for creating procedures and protocols to support approved policies, overseeing implementation, and monitoring long-term compliance.
• Maintains compliance with safety, health and labor regulations and supports inspections and necessary follow-ups to ensure continuity of operations.
• Works closely with People & Culture to monitor Seattle Humane policy compliance and employee issues in assigned programs.
• Designs, implements and monitors new employee onboarding and other training programs for program employees.
• Facilitates collaboration and change leadership.
• Prepares monthly reports and/or other data as requested by the COO or the CEO.
• Maintains appropriate files and records. Adheres to the files and records retention policy and procedures.
• Develops and submits divisional budget requests; follows established annual budget amounts for assigned division accounts.
• Participates in the annual and strategic planning process; accomplishes work plan by the assigned deadlines.
• Explores and implements expense reduction and new revenue strategies for the division and supports the organization's fiduciary responsibilities to our donors and other funding sources.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in and signs off on euthanasia decisions.
• Assists with volunteer and staff training.
• Supports continuity of operations by soliciting assistance in the form of volunteers and temps and fills in for managers when necessary.
• Assists in writing or editing communication when appropriate, such as, but not limited to, memos, procedural manuals, employee newsletters, and grants for operational needs.
• Investigates customer, volunteer, and employee complaints pertaining to division services in a timely and objective manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Directly supervises the Intake Manager, Lifesaver Manager, Animal Care Manager, Foster Manager, Adoption Program Manager and Behavior Manager.

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Daily verbal communication with program and other operational staff and volunteers over the telephone, in meetings, or in person. Daily written communication with staff and volunteers through email, written procedures, memos, or direct mail.
• Regular contact with clients in person, over the telephone or through email or direct mail.
• Regular verbal and written contact with other animal welfare agencies.
• Regular verbal and written contact with administrative staff.

COMPLEXITY:

A high degree of independent judgment is required. Must be able to source, cultivate, and analyze data to inform and support decision-making. The position is accountable for developing, implementing, and supporting strategies to achieve Division and Organizational goals. Must be able to coordinate staff and volunteers and remain focused on the agency's goals and objectives. A strong attention to detail and the ability to respond to unexpected questions, comments or requests from other divisions or the public is required. The ability to motivate, collaborate and mediate is important when handling various personalities and emotions.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• Must have at least 3 years at a management level in an animal shelter or related experience.
• Must have excellent oral communication skills.
• Must be able to write clearly and listen effectively.
• Must possess the organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules.
• Training or studies in animal welfare or business administration preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Union experience preferred.
• Must be able to analyze problems, create and collaborate on appropriate solutions, and understand statistical information.
• Intermediate level knowledge needed of Word and Excel. Must be familiar with Windows environment, internet use and e-mail. Experience with databases and data entry is helpful.
• Bilingual a plus

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid Washington State driver's license with good driving record.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to solve problems and make clear decisions, sometimes quickly. Must be able to collaborate, organize and manage multiple and complex projects. Requires the ability to pay attention to detail while focusing on strategic goals and objectives. Must possess the ability to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures. Must be able to offer excellent customer service (internal and external). Must feel comfortable in dealing with angry, confused, distraught and/or irrational people. Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds with or without accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General office and animal shelter environment. When handling animals, there is potential for animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise.

• • Equipment Use: Office equipment, shelter equipment, and all SH vehicles, including recreational vehicles
  • Work Hours: Salaried full-time exempt position. 40 hours per week schedule. The schedule may vary depending on coverage by other department staff, holidays, or emergencies. Must be available evening and/or weekend hours, as well as for emergency calls and alarm responses.