Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of Pasado’s Safe Haven by supporting the Executive Director in strategic planning, financial management, staff development, program oversight, and personnel management. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer will oversee the strategic and operational efficiencies of our Sanctuary, Pet Services, Investigations & Rescue, Facilities, and the Education & Advocacy Program Manager to safeguard the mission as the organization grows its presence and impact.

This seasoned leader will have a hands-on, engaging, and humane leadership style and have a proven track record of leading program operations within the animal welfare space. This position will provide effective leadership to a dedicated team responsible for managing program operations and will oversee annual program operating budgets of approximately $4M .  This position serves as a key operational leader and is expected to assume the responsibilities of the Executive Director during their absence.

Sharing accountability for the organization's well-being and sustainability, the Chief Operating Officer will lead, motivate, and develop program leadership staff and strategic goals with a focus on inclusivity, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the Leadership Team, People Managers, and external partners to ensure organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and high-quality animal welfare outcomes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work closely with the Executive Director to set the vision and strategic direction of the Sanctuary, Pet Services, Investigations & Rescue, Facilities, and the Education & Advocacy Program Manager and contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic plans.
• Assess and address issues affecting program operations by understanding current trends, providing strategic insight into program areas and developing effective strategies to achieve mission success.
• Manage and mentor the Sanctuary, Pet Services, Investigations & Rescue, Facilities, and Education & Community Advocacy leadership team and oversee all aspects of program operational areas. Provide recommendations and direction for program strategies and goals that grow mission impact, while cultivating a culture of compassion, transparency, and inclusion. The following program area leaders will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer:
  • Pet Services Program – (1 Direct Report) – Mobile and mash-style HVHQ spay/neuter clinics in 3 counties
  • Investigations & Rescue Program – (1 Direct Report) – Animal cruelty investigations/rescue & agency support
  • Sanctuary Program – (1 Direct Report) – Animal care, adoptions and veterinary medical care
  • Facility Operations – (1 Direct Report) – Managing sanctuary property facilities and assets
  • Education & Advocacy Manager - (1 Direct Report)

• Develop and cultivate strategic partnerships and establish networks in the animal welfare community to support program opportunities and collaborations that drive program results.
• Assure continued financial viability of each program through effective budget oversight consistent with program and organizational goals and ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of each program area through continuous improvement and effective leadership.
• Lead the organization in state-of-the-art animal welfare practices and advocate and educate for animal welfare humane practices to ensure that the organization continues to be recognized locally, regionally, and nationally as a premier charitable organization.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other organizational leaders to support fundraising and marketing efforts in support of the organization’s strategic and financial plans. 

• Monitor organizational performance (program focused) and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Represent the organization internally and externally as needed, supporting a unified leadership vision.

• Assist in the development, management, and monitoring of the annual operating budget.
• Track program expenditures and financial performance, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

• Support the development and implementation of new programs or initiatives as organizational needs evolve.

• Promote equity, inclusion, and staff well-being throughout the organization.

• Provide operational and functional support in the absence of the Executive Director, ensuring continuity of leadership and operations.
• Support Board of Directors’ engagement as requested, including preparation of reports and participation in meetings.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Must have a genuine passion for ending animal suffering and exploitation in all its forms, including in the food system. As such, we are seeking candidates whose lived experience represents the values of our organization and who are actively following a plant-based only lifestyle or willing to begin this journey.
• Eight-Ten (8-10) or more years of consistent experience leading in a non-profit executive management role within the animal welfare space, and a proven success in providing strategic direction that resulted in program growth, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have prior senior-level management experience in an animal shelter or sanctuary.
• Strong financial and general business operational leadership experience that resulted in growth and sustainability.
• Excellent professional communication style with experience in public relations, building partnerships and a proven track record of working with external stakeholders to grow programs and increase impact.
• A humane leader able to cultivate and retain a growing staff through hands-on engagement and empowerment at all levels of an organization while exercising sound judgement and promoting ethical practices.
• Experience and personal values that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Willing to relocate to the area to provide effective leadership to a local team. Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.
• This is a Hybrid position, working onsite at our headquarters in Monroe, WA a minimum of three (3) days per week with flexibility for 1-2 days remote from WA State.   

Employee Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (100% employer paid premium for employee coverage)
• 401(k) Company match up to 2% - Fully vested on day 1
• Discretionary Time Off
• Paid Holidays (9 per year)
• Supplemental Insurance Benefits available
• At cost veterinary care, medications and pet food, when available
• Pawternity leave and animal family member bereavement
• Opportunities for Advancement
  

Employment: 

• Full-time, Exempt (40 hours per week)
• Hybrid - Remote and onsite at our Sanctuary in Monroe, WA
• Occasional weekend and evening coverage required; may be required to respond to medical emergencies
• Local travel required
• Salary range $101,920-$168,480
• Deadline to Apply: April 9th, 2026

Pasado’s Safe Haven provides equal employment opportunity.  At Pasado’s Safe Haven, we believe compassionate action is fundamental to dismantling systems of oppression for all living beings. We courageously live this belief every day through our work to end animal cruelty and our commitment to respect and kindness.  We can only be successful by embracing the diversity and power of each individual's lived experience as we all work together toward an expanded circle of compassion.

Salary : $101,920 - $168,480