Shelter Manager: Position Description and Application Details
Job Title: Shelter Manager
Reports to: The President of the Board of Directors
Kingdom Animal Shelter is a limited access animal rescue organization. Our mission is to facilitate the placement of rescued, abandoned, abused, or neglected animals into safe, life-long homes. We respect the inherent value of every animal in our care, and we strive to prevent overpopulation and cruelty to animals. The animals in our care are our guests and will not be euthanized for lack of space or because their stay with us has exceeded a predefined amount of time.
Every animal that comes into our care receives a medical evaluation, and any health issues are addressed before the animal is eligible for adoption. This ensures that new owners will have a healthy pet, and if any continuing medical care is necessary the new owner is aware of the requirements before adoption. Veterinary care is one of our major operating expenses.
The Kingdom Animal Shelter is recognized as a 501 © (3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Shelter Manager will oversee the daily operations of the Kingdom Animal Shelter, ensuring the humane treatment and safety of the animals in the Shelter. In addition, the Shelter Manager will facilitate the smooth operation of the Shelter, and create a healthy environment for the animals, both physical and emotional, and a positive atmosphere for volunteers and other personnel.
Patient Care: Health and Well-being and Maintenance
The Shelter Manager (henceforth SM) will work with the volunteers to ensure that each animal receives exceptional care, including clean and safe living spaces, food, and medication (as needed), socialization, and care, both physical and emotional.
The SM will oversee all aspects of housing, enrichment, and medical care, getting to know the attributes of each animal and communicating any concerns to the veterinary team and volunteers, as appropriate. They will assist in successful housing and care until the adoption of the animal. (The actual adoption processes will be the purview of the Adoption Team).
The SM will conduct daily rounds when in the building and check the Shelter computer program daily to assess the needs of each animal, and to ensure that each is well provided for.
The SM will make entries in the Daily Diary as appropriate and encourage volunteers to write and read entries.
The SM will enter records and/or will ensure that entries are done in a timely manner and that any entries done by volunteers are correct.
The SM will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to make sure that shifts are covered and to ensure superior care of the animals.
The SM will monitor and direct all aspects of maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the building, and create and prioritize projects and task lists, set them in motion, and contact the appropriate Board member.
Foster Care Coordination
Typically, cats go into foster care (sometimes permanent) when there are serious behavioral issues or health issues and there is limited chance of their being adopted.
This provides space in the Shelter for more adoptable cats. In addition, kittens and pregnant mothers or nursing mothers go into foster care because more consistent socialization can be provided and there is better monitoring, should any immediate issues or emergencies arise.
The Foster Care Coordination responsibilities include:
- Checks in with the foster parents every week or every other week, if appropriate, to see if there are any concerns or needs
- Ensures the foster parents have the appropriate food, litter and litter boxes, toys, medications, supplements
- Monitors the medical needs of foster animals, including vaccinations, wellness check ups, spay/neuter appointments, etc.
- Arranges for spay/neuter or other medical procedures as determined by the KAS veterinarian
- Makes plans for the foster animal to return to the Shelter, when appropriate
- Is supportive of any concerns or worries and helps find solutions
- Arranges transportation for any vet care, or as needed.
Supplies
The SM will monitor food, cleaning materials, supplements, etc, to ensure that these are always available, and will track changes to the supply and food requirements.
The SM will order food and supplements for the Shelter and for foster cats, track the amounts needed and the diets, and place timely orders.
Intake and Phone Messages
The SM will answer phone calls that come into the Shelter line, as well as messages sent via email, keeping a detailed record of these events, and relay these messages to the appropriate person. The Social Media Team will relay Facebook messages to the appropriate persons, including the Shelter Manager. These comminiques could include donations of goods, lost and found pets, requests for surrender, issues with strays/trapping, etc. Those that come to the Shelter Manager should be responded to within 24 hours. The Board will cover the SM’s days off and holidays.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The SM does not have supervisory responsibilities
Desired Qualities
- Ability to communicate well with people, excellent team spirit, team leading skills, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of cat behavior and experience with cats who might be fractious
- Strong organizational skills
- Integrity and honesty, a positive outlook, and a respect for confidentiality
- In good physical condition, including the ability to lift at least 30 pounds
- A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Computer and database proficiency, willingness to learn new programs
- Easy access to a computer or similar device
- Prefer experience in working in or volunteering in an animal shelter
Compensation and Paid Time off
The Shelter Manager must be at the Shelter 30 hours per week, but there is some flexibility in the daily schedule.
The SM will have two weeks paid vacation after the first six months, not consecutive. Specific dates will be with the approval of the Board. Requests for exception will be considered by the Board.
The SM will also have six (6) paid “sick” days for self or immediate family members.
Compensation is $30.00 per hour.
Application
Email a cover letter describing why you believe you would be the best candidate for this position and a curriculum vitae/resume to [email protected] with “Shelter Director” as the subject line. Also include the names of three references, their contact information, and how they know you. They should be:
*Someone who has known you at work, in a supervisory position
*A friend who has known you as an adult
*Someone who has known you in relation to animals and animal care
Please send application documents not later than February 22, 2025.
No phone calls or paper applications will be accepted. Incomplete or cursory applications will be discarded.
Kingdom Animal Shelter is an equal opportunity employer, and will not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against any employee or applicant in any manner prohibited by law.