Senior Operations Manager; Adoption, Foster, Shelter Care

Position Overview

The Senior Operations Manager (Foster, Adoption, and Shelter Care) oversees the Shelter Care (unionized team), Adoptions and Foster programs at Seattle Humane. They work alongside departmental leadership and are accountable for ensuring the quality of care and creating outcomes for animals at Seattle Humane, both on campus and in foster. The Operations Senior Manager provides day-to-day oversight and departmental direction in alignment with Seattle Humane’s general operations and strategic planning initiatives.

This position works in close collaboration with the Animal Care Director and Senior Operations Manager (Behavior and Admission), along with Veterinary and Community Program leadership.

• Provide management and coaching for the Foster Manager, Adoptions Manager, and Shelter Care Manager and their respective teams
• Work in conjunction with Operation Senior Manager, Behavior and Admissions and Animal Care Director to develop and implement programmatic and operational changes
• Provide day-to-day leadership for Shelter Care, Foster, and Adoptions
• Managing capacity for care both in shelter and in foster
• Work directly with Operations Senior Manager, Behavior and Admission and Veterinary Clinic leadership to enhance cross-departmental communication and workflows, particularly related to animal welfare
• Work closely with External Relations team on volunteer opportunities, promotional projects, social media, and other external facing marketing opportunities
• Create and maintain SOPs, SOGs, or other documentation for Foster, Adoption, Shelter Care, and for cross departmental operations
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, innovation, and creativity
• Stays up to date on industry best practices and standards; and identifies how best to incorporate in Seattle Humane operations
• Assist Animal Care Director with examining monthly reporting and/or other data to ensure goals are being met
• Assist Animal Care Director with developing and adhering to departmental budgets
• Participates in the union grievance proceedings and as needed, implements any agreed upon remedies as an outcome to the grievance process

• Assists with volunteer and staff training as necessary
• Participates in daily operations as needed
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Directly supervises the Shelter Care Manager, Foster Care Manager, and Adoptions Manager. Provides indirect leadership to volunteers.

• Daily written and/or verbal communication with staff, volunteers, and community members.
• 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.

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 organizational goals in conjunction with division leadership. Must be able to coordinate staff and volunteers and remain focused on the agency's 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.

• At least 5 years of animal welfare experience.
• At least 2 years of animal shelter management experience.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Experience writing clearly and listening effectively.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment with diverse opinions and experiences.
• Experience in providing and receiving direct feedback regularly.
• Proven track record of planning skills to determine work priorities and schedules.
• Must be familiar with Windows environment, internet use and e-mail. Experience with PetPoint and data entry is helpful.

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

• EBI certification (can be obtained on the job)
• First Aid/CPR/Mental Health first aid (can be obtained on the job)

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 feel comfortable handling aggressive or fractious animals. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds with or…