Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Summary:

Morris Animal Refuge is seeking a Director of Operations to fill a rewarding position on our Leadership Team. The Director of Operations is responsible for the daily operations of Morris Animal Refuge facilities, including our satellite adoption center in South Philadelphia, internal systems, policies & procedures and the majority of the organization’s staff. The Director of Operations oversees the shelter as a Prteam leader, director of culture & environment, head animal ambassador, and socially conscious sheltering expert. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, presentation & operational management skills and a love for animals to support our mission of providing compassionate care and finding positive and humane outcomes for animals in need. The success of this position will be measured on the positive impact the Director will have not only on maintaining our mission but also for its’ growth and expansion.

Principal Duties:

Shelter Leadership

• Actively participate as a member of the leadership team, attending applicable meetings and participating in strategic and annual planning for the organization to help drive and grow the shelter’s mission.
• Act in an ambassador role in relation to our strategic growth initiative by successfully communicating and presenting our mission and initiatives with Morris Animal Refuge’s critical partners including individual donors, foundations, and organizations.
• Plan, organize, and oversee all operations of the animal care, lifesaving, and medical departments to ensure they meet the principles and objectives of the shelter and its strategic direction.

Management

• Manage, develop and mentor our Manager of Operations (animal care, medical care, and intakes) and our Lifesaving Manager (adoptions, fosters, volunteers).
• Prepare and Present occasional reports to the board of directors
• Monitor and manage Operational P&L line items in the shelter’s annual budget
• Conduct meetings with staff to review procedures, discuss workplace issues and share ideas to improve animal care, the customer service experience and the organization in general.
• Work with the Operations Manager and Lifesaving Manager, in leading staff discussions regarding any intake or pathway related decisions regarding the animals under the care of MAR.
• Work with the Operations Manager and Lifesaving Manager to develop and implement operational strategies to improve shelter efficiency, increase adoption rates, and enhance overall animal welfare.
• Work with the Operations Manager and Lifesaving Manager, to ensure all management, coordinators and their staff are properly trained in their area of operations to ensure they are able to and have what they need to perform their responsibilities.
• Collect, review and distribute monthly reporting for shelter activities and its programs.
• Oversee HR functions of the organization with collaboration from outside HR management company, including but not limited to; employee onboarding/offboarding, payroll, benefits management, continuing education opportunities, conflict resolution, and all corrective action proceedings and performance evaluations.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and outside HR management company to implement employee policies and regularly update the employee handbook as needed.
• Work with Operations Manager to optimize the shelter animal population within the current capacity for care.
• Monitor, maintain and repair of the physical, mechanical and virtual components of the shelter to assure they are in functional, safe and aesthetic conditions at all times.
• Address and resolve any operational issues or emergencies that arise, ensuring minimal disruption to shelter operations and animal care.
• Work with the Operations Manager to maintain effective inventory control including, medical, pharmaceutical, and other shelter supplies to maintain cost-efficient inventory for operations.
• Work with the Operations Manager to monitor the control of and accurate reporting of all drugs and medical supplies used as required by the DEA.
• Maintain positive communications and relationships with community, rescue partners, volunteers, and board members as needed.
• Enforces all policies and protocols to protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience, and Abilities:

• A college degree with 5-7 years relevant experience, or 7 -10 years relevant experience with no college degree, with demonstrated success in animal shelter operations management, including five (5) years supervisory experience in an organization of 20+ personnel.
• Knowledge of county, state, city, and federal laws and regulations relating to shelter operations
• Demonstrated supervisory knowledge, including motivational techniques and professional development/training methods
• Ability to professionally present both operational and growth initiatives to our stakeholders including our donors, foundations and other individuals and organizations as required for our strategic planning.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential
• Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers and community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous and tactful manner at all times.
• Possess strong analytical skills to review and communicate on key metrics for the organization and actively monitor the annual budget.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations for the workplace
• Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field – a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential
• Experience with overseeing facility maintenance and equipment issues including identifying problems, recruiting and managing contractors, negotiating contracts and problem resolution throughout the payment phase
• Experience in OSHA, Fire and Life Safety compliance regulations including training of staff
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends
• Affection for animals and concern for their welfare
• Must be experienced and comfortable working with, treating and handling of all shelter animals including Cats, Dogs, and Small Animals
• Must be knowledgeable in lifesaving programs (adoptions, foster care, volunteer) and coordination of animal placement in/out of shelters
• Must be knowledgeable and experienced in animal care and identifying behavioral habits of animals.
• Must be knowledgeable of veterinary medical terminology and best practices in shelter medicine.
• Must feel comfortable working in the digital/virtual environment. Knowledge of Internet, Microsoft Word and Excel required, knowledge of Shelterluv and Google Docs a plus.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license will be required
• Ability to work in an environment with daily changes in climate.
• Physical strength and ability to lift and carry a pet or other object weighing up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance; must be able to assist in lifting patients or other objects weighing more than fifty (50) pounds.
• Maturity, good judgment and professional personal appearance including the wearing of neat and clean uniforms.
• Ability to accommodate varied work assignments and schedules.

Immediate Supervisor:

The Director of Operations position reports to the Executive Director

Hours:

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT POSITION Full-time position requires a minimum of seven and a half (7.5) hours per day, thirty seven and a half (37.5) hours per week. Part-time position hours are dictated by the needs of the organization. Daily hours and days of the week (for both full and part-time positions) may vary according to the needs of the department schedule includes: days, nights, weekends, holidays, overnight, and on-call work.

Introductory Assessment Period:

The introductory assessment period runs from the date of hire for 90 Days thereafter. For employment in any position with Morris Animal Refuge, this introductory assessment period is the period during which the specifics of the job are learned. During this period, either the employee or Morris Animal Refuge may end the employment relationship without notice or prejudice.

Employment:

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Morris Animal Refuge that even exempt positions are governed by the needs of the organization, which means that employment is for no specified term and either Morris Animal Refuge or the employee, may terminate that employment at any time. The Executive Director has final authority over these decisions and determinations.

Salary:

Commensurate upon experience

Benefits:

Morris Animal Refuge offers a comprehensive benefits packaging including paid holidays, personal time off, Medical & Dental Benefits and a 401K Retirement Plan.

To apply please send an updated resume and cover letter to Morris’s Executive Director, Lewis Checchia at lchecchia@morrisanimalrefuge.org.