Animal Shelter Director

The Greater Hillsdale Humane Society, a 501©3 non-profit, no-kill shelter in southern Michigan, is searching for an Executive Director who will be a strategic, collaborative, and inspirational leader. The ideal candidate will lead the organization's mission to compassionately serve the companion animals in our community.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the organization's overall management and success. This leadership position requires a passionate individual with strong organizational and interpersonal skills dedicated to animal welfare. The executive director will work closely with the Board of Directors and play a leading role in cultivating contributed income, setting long-term goals, and increasing support and engagement in our community.

The ideal candidate will be a strong, compassionate leader with a passion for animals who is an organized, flexible team player with excellent interpersonal skills who can drive the organization's mission to promote the humane treatment of animals, increase access to care, and expand community engagement.

Experience and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is committed to animal welfare and should have the following experience and qualifications:

• Previous experience in a leadership role within an animal shelter is preferred but not required for the right candidate.
• Strong background in animal care and knowledge of pet care protocols.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn shelter administration and management to ensure a high level of animal care, public safety, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, including phone, written, and public speaking, to effectively interact with adopters, staff, volunteers, media, donors, municipal officials, and the community.
• Promptly evaluate situations and make decisions to establish priorities and resolve issues.
• Strong financial management of people, shelter operations, and budget.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Ability to network and build strategic alliances with other non-profits and national animal welfare organizations to advance the shelter's mission.
• Experience with grant writing and development of resources.
• Knowledge of personnel management and human resource practices.
• Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Willingness to be a team player and inspire the staff to foster an environment that promotes open communication and the development of new ideas to ensure the best experience for the animals in our care and potential adopters.
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, facilitator, and innovator
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform physical tasks related to events, daily operations, and animal care.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.

Management and Operations

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for all shelter operations, including intake, surrender, adoption, foster, and medical, prioritizing animal welfare and community needs.
• Familiarity with purchasing and managing inventory
• Oversee the shelter's fundraising, operations, and financial management while fostering a positive culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Identify volunteer opportunities within the community to increase shelter support and reduce operational expenses.
• Provide leadership and willingness to accept overall responsibility for shelter management and be transparent about success and shortcomings.
• Oversee human resources, including payroll and compliance.
• Recruit, hire, train, and support the staff, including performing regular evaluations and managing employee issues.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage risk, particularly given the increasing number of abandoned animals and the associated strain on resources to protect GHHS interests.
• Ensure GHHS complies with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations and operates according to best practices.
• Ability to oversee shelter facility and work with Board of Directors to ensure shelter facility is properly maintained.

Financial Management

• Work with the Board to develop, monitor, and report on the annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability while operating within strict spending guidelines for a balanced budget and continued financial growth.
• Identify new revenue streams through grants, sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, and partnerships.
• Work with the Board to help lead fundraising efforts, including cultivating relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and the community to strategically enhance our programs and increase revenue.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set long-term goals and key performance benchmarks.
• Confirm accurate financial reporting with the Board Treasurer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the shelter's daily operations, including animal care, intakes and surrenders, customer service, staff supervision, and volunteer coordination.
• Oversee animal intake, overall care, and the adoption processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote animal welfare and operational efficiency.
• Perform post-adoption follow-ups.
• The candidate will collaborate with the Board to develop fundraising opportunities, including cultivating relationships with major donors, individual gifts, donor campaigns, corporate support, foundations, and fundraising events to support shelter programs and capital needs, strategically enhancing our programs and increasing revenue.
• Engage with the community and the media as the organization's public face and chief spokesperson, continually seeking opportunities to grow awareness of the organization.
• Promote community education programs and outreach to promote responsible pet ownership and humane animal treatment.
• Ensure the facility is clean and safe. Responsibilities include developing, maintaining, and enforcing safety protocols conducive to the safety and well-being of all employees, animals, volunteers, visitors, and clients while fostering a welcoming environment.
• The Executive Director will champion the organization and its programs, build brand awareness, and generally increase support and engagement.
• Be the face of the organization, promoting our mission through adoption, education, and community outreach.
• Provide guidance and support to staff on dog handling, training techniques, and general animal care practices.
• Collaborate with veterinarians to ensure all animals receive appropriate medical care and treatment.
• Organize community outreach programs to promote responsible pet ownership and increase adoption rates.
• Maintain accurate records of animal intake, medical history, and adoptions.
• Foster a positive team environment by encouraging professional development and training opportunities for staff.

Salary offers are based on various factors, including relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000