Job Description

Shelter Operations Director

Location: Auburn, WA (

On-site

)
Reports To: CEO of Operations & Animal Care
Classification: Full-Time | Salary Exempt

Join Our Mission-Driven Team!

Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) is seeking a compassionate, strategic, and dynamic leader to serve as our Shelter Operations Director. This position oversees the daily operations of our Auburn shelter--ensuring excellence in animal care, adoptions, intake, and public services--while leading a talented team dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the human-animal bond.

As Shelter Operations Director, you will shape the shelter's systems, staff culture, and community partnerships. You'll guide programs that ensure compliance, compassion, and efficiency, representing AVHS in the community and supporting our continued growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and mentor shelter staff across animal care, adoptions, public services, and licensing. Oversee daily operations, ensuring high standards of care, safety, and service. Manage shelter systems and data integrity to support transparency and accountability. Develop, track, and report on budgets, contracts, and performance metrics. Partner with leadership to advance organizational priorities and lifesaving programs. Strengthen community and municipal partnerships to expand impact. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal animal welfare regulations.

What We're Looking For

Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in an animal welfare, sheltering, or related operational setting. Proven ability to supervise diverse teams and foster a positive, collaborative work culture. Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience managing budgets and compliance. Proficiency with shelter software (PetPoint preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred: Experience managing municipal contracts or licensing programs, background in animal care or shelter medicine, and/or Fear Free certification.

Benefits

A robust benefits plan including:

Health insurance Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other plans at group discount Paid Time Off (PTO) 10 paid holidays per year (one is your birthday!) 50% Match of 401K Contributions up to 3% of Salary Employee Assistance Program accessible 24/7 Reduced cost employee pet wellness program

About Auburn Valley Humane Society

AVHS enriches the lives of companion animals and people through sheltering, programs, and community engagement. Our team leads with compassion, professionalism, and accountability--empowering each other and our community to make a lifesaving difference every day.

Occupational Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.

EEO Policy Statement:

It is the policy of AVHS to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, bankruptcy status or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.

Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) and all parts of its organization, including Northwest Spay & Neuter Center and the Thrift Store, is committed to an inclusive work environment that is full of opportunity for all, with a workforce that reflects the region's diversity. At the core of it all, our approach is shaped by a strong respect for people. AVHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, genetics, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. AVHS uses E-Verify to verify the ability of all new employees to legally work in the United States. If you need assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $77,968.80 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Vision insurance
Work Location: In person