Director of Operations

Sumter Humane Society/Shelter Director

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate individual to serve as our Animal Shelter Director. This key leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our organization's operations, including daily animal care, staff management, financial oversight, fundraising, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong background in animal welfare and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Staff & Employee Management

• Advertise job openings, interview candidates, and manage all hiring and training processes.
• Supervise staff, assign job responsibilities, and create monthly work schedules.
• Propose annual bonuses and evaluate employee performance.
• Address and document employee issues, including disciplinary action and terminations, in coordination with the Board of Directors.

2. Daily Operations & Animal Care

• Oversee daily operations
• Ensure the well-being of all animals by overseeing proper feeding, cleaning, and care of all kennels and living areas.
• Coordinate veterinary visits, including sending animals for spaying/neutering and emergency care.
• Make humane decisions regarding euthanasia, as needed.
• Manage the ordering and purchasing of necessary supplies.
• Communicate with ACOs (Animal Control Officers) and local authorities.
• Respond to requests for stray and nuisance animal reports.
• Staff outage coverage

3. Physical Demands and Work Environment

· Work in an environment which contains fumes or airborne particles

· Handle animals that are sick or injured, frightened or dangerous who may display unpredictable behavior

· Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the euthanasia of the animal

· Work in all types of weather conditions, in a noisy environment, and be able to stand for long periods of time, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl to inspect shelter enclosures and animals that might be in need of assistance

· Must have a basic knowledge of animal welfare and understanding of all animals that reside inside the shelter

· Must be able to interact with animals in a positive manner

4. Financial Management

• Prepare and process financial documents, including daily bank deposits, and monthly invoices.
• Generate reports using software like QuickBooks and Square.
• Manage payroll in coordination with the accountant.
• Update the Profit & Loss (P&L) statement and balance sheet.
• Prepare and email all financial reports to the Board of Directors.
• Write and manage grants for city/county funding.

5. Fundraising & Community Outreach

• Schedule and execute fundraising events and create promotional posters.
• Work with the fundraising committee to develop new promotions and engage with the community.
• Update social media with new content.
• Create and distribute the bi-annual newsletter.
• Engage and coordinate with volunteers and staff for all events.

6. Board of Directors & Administrative Duties

• Attend bi-monthly meetings with the Board.
• Prepare agendas and reports for Board meetings.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all Board members.
• Prepare and email monthly reports to the Board.
• Prepare and email quarterly reports to City/County officials

7. Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying, such as the following:

· One to two years proven staff management

· Three years related to animal care supervisory or management experience

· High School Diploma or GED required

· Associates Degree in Animal Management, animal shelter management, pet sciences and/or humane leadership, animal disease prevention and shelter sanitation, canine and feline management, animal handling, animal cruelty, nutrition, animal behavior and/or animal protection is highly desired

· Must possess a valid driver’s license and have dependable transportation

· Must have compassion for animals

· Must not discriminate against one certain breed of any kind

** Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with the Sumter Humane Society

8. Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience, preferably in a non-profit or animal shelter environment.
• Strong financial literacy with experience in QuickBooks, payroll, and grant writing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A compassionate and firm demeanor when dealing with animals and people.
• Ability to handle the physical demands of the job, including animal handling and manual labor.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.