Do you thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments? Are you a natural leader with a passion for animal welfare and a heart for community engagement? The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs (HSPS) is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and energetic Shelter Manager to lead our animal shelter operations and make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the people who love them.
This is not your average desk job—it’s a dynamic, hands-on leadership opportunity to manage a dedicated team, ensure the highest standard of care for our animals, and innovate strategies that increase adoptions, reduce length of stay, and grow our foster program. If you’re ready to lead with purpose we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all daily shelter operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and ongoing training and development.
- Drive measurable outcomes for animal welfare, focusing on reducing length of stay and increasing visibility, adoptions, and foster placements.
- Create and implement forward-thinking strategies and policies to improve animal care and shelter efficiency.
- Champion a culture of compassion, professionalism, and positivity among staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Ensure top-tier care for all animals, including feeding, enrichment, grooming, and coordination of medical care with veterinary partners.
- Lead adoption efforts, screening processes, and adopter engagement to ensure great matches and successful placements.
- Maintain precise records for animal intake, medical treatment, and outcome data to support shelter transparency and reporting.
- Coordinate transfers with partner rescues and play an active role in lifesaving collaboration.
- Spearhead outreach events and partnerships to promote responsible pet ownership and increase community support for our mission.
- Act as a key representative of HSPS to the public, donors, and community stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum of 3 years of management experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, ideally with 10+ staff.
- A desire for learning - Individuals with strong management experience but no shelter management will be expected to immerse themselves in learning the most current and comprehensive animal welfare strategies, tools and resources.
- Proven ability to lead, multitask, and manage multiple priorities with calm, confidence, and clarity.
- Experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary, or rescue setting strongly preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of animal behavior, health, and care standards for cats and dogs.
- Confidence in representing the organization publicly, including strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Tech-savvy and comfortable using shelter software, social media platforms, spreadsheets, and scheduling systems.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional emergencies.
- Experience with or enthusiasm for community outreach, donor engagement, and volunteer coordination is a plus.
Relocation assistance is available for candidates with a minimum of 3 years Animal Welfare Management Experience.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Application Question(s):
- Have you managed a staff of 10 or more people in a fast paced environment?
Experience:
- Management: 3 years (Required)
- Animal welfare: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person