EMERGENCY SHELTER DIRECTOR

Duties:

• Hire and supervise staff, with an emphasis on staff development, performance evaluation and goal setting
• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the kennel operations (including feeding, bio-security, socialization and care of animals), adoption procedures, intake (taking of evidence) and placement of animals at the emergency shelter
• Assign workers (including volunteers) to tasks, such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters
• Train workers and volunteers in animal care procedures, maintenance duties, and safety precautions
• Ensure a harmonious environment for volunteers, staff members and contractual employees, emphasizing cooperation and communication
• Ensure the safety and well-being of every animal in the shelter and in conjunction with the Director of Animal Welfare make executive decisions regarding the intake, transfer and keeping of animals
• Plan budget, and arrange for supplies at the emergency shelter by coordinating with person responsible at the main shelter for purchasing
• Prepare reports concerning activities of the facility, employees' time records, and animal care and treatment
• Observe and examine animals to detect signs of illness and determine need of services from veterinarian
• Facilitate interdepartmental communication and allocate tasks and resources as needed

Working conditions and environment:

• Schedule flexibility and availability required to accommodate needs of the team. The position includes some weekends, holidays, evenings and irregular hours
• Along with administrative and supervisory tasks, the work will be both physically and emotionally demanding, and will often involve cleaning animal cages, administration medication and feeding to animals, and other direct involvement with the animals’ housed at the shelter

Employment Requirements:

• Relevant post-secondary education (BA or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years in an occupation with managerial components
• 3-years experience in animal sheltering and/or in the animal welfare field and/or animal handling abilities and
• Demonstrated compassion for animals and passion for animal welfare
• Capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing and handling stress in an extremely busy environment and diffusing delicate situations
• Ability to work in a collaborative style with staff and volunteers while maintaining clear leadership role
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment in decision making
• Excellent interpersonal skills and previous experience working as a member of a team
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage an effective team
• Experience working with volunteers and a union considered an asset
• Willingness to work flexible hours, as may be required
• Excellent verbal communication skills
  Adherence to goals, mission and values of the organization
• Must be completely fluent in oral English and French
• Must be functional in Microsoft Office, e-mail and internet