Director of Shelter Operations and Community Liason

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Reports to: Board of Directors

Purpose of the Job: To provide leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the shelter, ensuring the humane, sanitary, and cost-effective operations of La Crescent Animal Rescue (LAR). This role is primarily focused on the day-to-day management of shelter operations, while also coordinating with community engagement, customer relations, and volunteer programs to support the overall mission of the shelter while collaborating with volunteer committees and volunteers.

Job Responsibilities

Shelter Operations Management

• Establish and oversee policies and procedures for animal care, housing, medical treatment, and veterinary services in accordance with industry standards.
• Lead the recruitment, training, supervision, and development of Animal Care and Adoption Counseling volunteers.
• Coordinate the medical care of animals, including scheduling spay/neuter surgeries, administering medical protocols, and managing transportation to and from veterinary clinics.
• Oversee health and behavioral evaluations to determine the most appropriate paths for disposition, including adoption, medical services, transfer, or euthanasia.
• Manage the inventory and ordering of all animal housing, husbandry, and medical supplies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between LAR and the Supervising Veterinarian for population health management.

Community Relations

• Provide oversight and development of the shelter’s volunteer and foster programs.
• Work with rescue and shelter partners to coordinate the transfer of animals, considering individual needs and shelter capacity.
• Participate in broader community outreach initiatives, including assisting with fundraising events and representing the shelter in a professional manner.

Customer Relations

• Maintain policy and procedures for adoption counseling and approval.
• Establish pre-surrender and post-adoption call-back procedures.
• Provide post-adoption customer service and behavior counseling to adopters and the general public as needed.

Volunteer & Foster Program Oversight

• Provide direct support and supervision of animal care and adoption volunteers.
• Coordinate animals entering and returning from foster care.
• Development and review of foster manuals and program requirements on an annual basis.
• Provide guidance and support to foster families regarding proper care, medical protocols, and socialization.

Qualifications

• Appropriate technical degree or equivalent work experience.
• Proven supervisory experience with the ability to lead and develop a team.
• Experienced animal handling skills and a passion for animal welfare.
• Excellent oral, written, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends if needed
• Proficient computer skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Valid Driver's License.

Emotional and Physical Demands: The position requires working with potentially dangerous, diseased, frightened, and injured animals and may involve emotional demands related to euthanasia, animal abuse, and neglect. The role involves frequent standing, walking, and sitting, as well as occasional stooping, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 80 lbs.