Shelter Operations Manager at iWag Decatur

Job Description

Full Job Description

Operations Manager at iWag, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

iWag is a different kind of dog shelter: a full-service non-profit dog care facility offering rescue, adoption, rehabilitation, sanctuary and hospice/palliative care to homeless dogs as well as boarding, training, daycare and more services to the general public to support our mission. At iWag, we provide a gold standard of care and service to every dog and human we serve through our programs. We pride ourselves on being responsive, proactive, detailed and compassionate. We are always looking for like-minded people to join our dog-saving team!

For more information about iWag, visit any of the following:

(our original name and home to almost 180,000 fans)

(our newest shelter location in Decatur)

Salary

$42,000-48,000 a year

Full-time

Job Summary

iWag's Shelter Operations Manager directs daily shelter operations, making sure their team provides each of our dogs their basic daily needs and enrichment while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and organization throughout our facility.

We are looking for someone who wants to help us continue to develop our novel shelter concept - a hybrid of non-profit shelter also providing daycare, boarding, training, veterinary and other services to the general public.

We are growing rapidly and an ideal candidate for this position is excited about this growth and ready to ride the rollercoaster of rescue with us! They will love working to develop an excellent shelter operation, where all dogs are happy and relaxed, where we have immersive adoption visits with dogs that have already received some training and behavior work, where every dog gets outside to run and play or soak up some sun based on what each of them needs, and where we mimic the rhythm of a home and work hard to prepare dogs for successful adoption. They will foster an amazing team that uplifts and supports one another and will enforce our “zero drama” policy that is in place so we are focusing on the animals and being compassionate to one another.

The successful candidate for the Shelter Operations Manager position is a professional and compassionate individual (to both dogs AND humans!) who will oversee day-to-day shelter operations, independently manage staff and volunteers, ensure that all dogs in our shelter receive proper and humane care, maintain facilities and equipment, and interact with employees, volunteers and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

Understand federal, state, county and local laws regarding shelter administration

Independently manage day-to-day operations, oversee staff and volunteers, hiring and training, evaluating performance and setting schedules

Responsible for delegating work tasks, addressing employee and volunteer concerns and enforcing policies

As a partner with the Medical Director, oversee general and medical care of shelter animals, ensure humane treatment and determine when animals require veterinary care

Monitor financial statements and adjust spending as necessary to remain within budget

Ensure that policies and procedures of POA’s manuals are followed and updated as needed

Developing job descriptions, protocols, and documentation related to shelter operations

Prepare a monthly report for the Board of Directors and attend monthly meetings

Ensure accurate and complete records for all dogs, staff and volunteers, safety policies, and facility maintenance are maintained as required

Supervise and evaluate shelter staff, contracted veterinarian and volunteers to provide for and monitor medical care, behavior assessments and progress of dogs in the shelter

Set standards for and monitor the conduct of shelter employees to ensure a humane philosophy is projected to the public and implemented in the care of all animals

Manage new and on-going shelter projects to determine conformance and implement changes due to budget requirements or external factors

Participate in planning and coordination of community outreach, education and fundraising events

Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with the public, staff, volunteers, local veterinarians and animal rescue organizations

Manage media information programs to ensure that the public is provided accurate information and friendly service

Proactively respond to and handle complaints about staff, animal care, and iWag policies; professionally resolve difficult situations

Provide accurate information about adoptable animals, ensuring our web-based list of adoptable animals is kept up-to-date

Review sampling of adoption agreements and animal records for accuracy and completeness

Assess the general health of shelter residents on a regular basis for signs of stress, illness, injury, aggressive tendencies and abnormal behaviors. Partners with Medical Director and Contract Veterinarians to establish proper medical treatment and training needed based on these assessments

Establish protocols for daily care to include proper feeding, watering, sheltering and monitoring for signs of disease, injuries, and abnormal behavior. Maintains all animals in a clean, comfortable living environment and ensures animals are provided veterinary care and treatment in a timely manner

Implement and oversee disease prevention, control, and quarantine protocols as established by iWag policies and local and state regulations

Oversee administration of vaccinations, medical treatments and euthanasia as directed by the Medical Director

Embrace iWag’s culture and philosophies - Relationships, Service and Quality of Life for the dogs AND people we serve

Other duties may involve cleaning and maintaining kennels and facilities

Other duties as assigned

Skills and Specifications

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual with proven leadership skills, the ability to multitask, have strong interpersonal, organizational and decision-making skills

Have a strong understanding of current shelter practices and animal welfare issues

Demonstrate a passion for animals and have the ability to work well with employees and volunteers

Must be able to cope with the death of a shelter animal either due to surgical complications or euthanasia

Have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations and make difficult decisions

Confidently drive operations and programs in the direction of iWag’s mission and while adhering to iWag’s principles and policies.

Education and Experience

Three (3) years of experience in a supervisory position with transferable skills, such as animal shelter or veterinary medicine, business, communications and administration

B.A. or B.S. preferred or equivalent experience in a related field, i.e. Animal Shelter Management, Animal Welfare Management, Pet Sciences or Humane Leadership

Experience creating and maintaining budgets

Excellent communications, supervisory and public relations skills

Have the ability to work independently with little supervision

Working knowledge of general office and shelter management software

Valid Georgia driver’s license and reliable transportation

Benefits:

Paid time off

Veterinary Care for personal dogs

Free and discounted boarding and daycare for personal dogs

More benefits pending as we grow

Schedule:

Our shelter currently operates 7am-9pm. Actual schedule is negotiable; some weekend days will be required.

Work Location:

One location

Work Remotely:

No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Referral program

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Day shift

Holidays

Monday to Friday

On call

Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

Bonus pay

COVID-19 considerations:

Shelter still closed to the public; visits by appointment only

We have dropped mask provisions, but staff must mask if client requests it

Application Question(s):

What experience on your resume indicates that you are a good fit for this job?

Why are you interested in this job?

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Commercial dog care, veterinary or animal shelter: 3 years (Preferred)

Shift Availability:

Day Shift (Preferred)

Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

One location

Work Remotely:

No