Animal Shelter Director

The Whitman County Humane Society (WCHS) values the human-animal bond, provides stewardship for homeless pets, and promotes the compassionate treatment of all companion animals. Guided by these core values, the Shelter Director is a strong, hands-on leader whose decision-making and communication reflect a deep commitment to the mission of WCHS.

Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Shelter Director oversees animal care operations, adoptions, programming, staff, volunteers, and community relations. This is a working director role, meaning the individual is expected to participate in day-to-day operations and perform all duties assigned to staff, including animal care, client services, and administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care & Operations

• Supervise scheduling, activities, and performance of animal care staff.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized shelter environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Oversee intake procedures, health assessments, and medical protocols.
• Participate in key medical decisions, including treatment planning and humane euthanasia when necessary.
• Implement and manage infectious disease prevention protocols and outbreak response plans.
• Ensure proper documentation of animal health, behavior, and treatments.
• Manage inventory and ensure timely ordering of food, cleaning supplies, vaccines, and medical items.
• Provide hands-on support with adoptions, animal care, and client communication (email/phone).
• Act as primary contact for general and supervisory inquiries, distributing information as needed.

Leadership & Management

• Lead by example in daily care and client engagement.
• Hire, evaluate, mentor, and manage staff and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of respect, open communication, accountability, and professional growth.
• Maintain compliance with laws, industry standards, and internal protocols.
• Develop and maintain shelter operations policies and procedures.
• Manage facilities maintenance and improvement projects.
• Provide leadership during crises and develop emergency response protocols.
• Participate in monthly operations meetings with the Board and coordinate monthly staff meetings.
• Regularly audit files, documents, and records for accuracy and compliance.

Community Relations & Fundraising

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of WCHS in the community.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, donors, and local agencies.
• Assist in content gathering and social media engagement.
• Coordinate outreach programs and educational opportunities in collaboration with the Board.
• Support the planning and execution of annual fundraising events.
• Collaborate with the Board on major fundraising initiatives and long-term campaigns.

Qualifications

• Experience working with animals in a shelter or veterinary setting preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to follow and give instructions accurately.
• Basic computer skills for administrative tasks and data entry.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Capable of standing, bending, and moving throughout the day.
• Physically able to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Emotionally resilient in stressful situations, including animal euthanasia.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work holidays, weekends, and in challenging conditions (e.g., noise, bites, scratches, and contagious diseases).

Working Conditions

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• High noise levels and frequent exposure to unpleasant odors.
• Regularly exposed to animal bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases.

Compensation & Employment Details

This is a full-time, 40-hour/week position with the possibility of overtime.

Hourly wage: $21.66/hour.

This position is ideal for a compassionate, detail-oriented leader with a strong work ethic and a passion for animal welfare. The Shelter Director will play a key role in advancing the mission of WCHS and improving the lives of animals and people in the community.

Interested parties can email their resume and cover letter to careers@whitmanpets.org to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.66 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22