Cat Shelter Operations Supervisor

Are you passionate about feline welfare and looking to make a tangible impact?

Nine Lives Foundation is a respected cat-only rescue and non-profit veterinary organization dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for at-risk cats and kittens. Through our spay/neuter, wellness, and adoption services, we are changing lives. In 2024, our adoption center found forever homes for 950 cats and kittens, and we are on track to surpass that this year We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic leader to join our team and help us save even more lives.

The Opportunity:

As the Shelter Operations Supervisor, you will be the heart of our life-saving work. You will lead our dedicated shelter medicine and animal care teams, strategically managing our resources to ensure the health and well-being of every cat and kitten in our care. This is a hands-on leadership role for a compassionate and operationally-minded individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities):

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and veterinary professionals to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Champion a positive and inclusive culture of respect, encouragement, and open communication, in line with our "Respectful Workplace Policy."
• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for all staff and volunteers, ensuring everyone is up-to-date on best practices and empowered to work at their full potential.

Strategic Shelter Operations:

• Drive the achievement of our life-saving goals, including increasing adoptions, reducing the length of stay for our cats, and managing intake capacity.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to set weekly goals, streamline shelter protocols, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Manage the daily flow of the shelter, including animal intake, housing movements, and ensuring all cats are represented accurately on our website and adoption platforms.
• Oversee inventory management for all essential supplies, from food and litter to medical necessities.

Adoption & Foster Program Success:

• Enhance the foster program by actively communicating with and recruiting foster families.
• Lead initiatives to promote our long-term residents, utilizing creative strategies like fee reductions and special features on social media.
• Ensure a positive adopter experience by managing post-adoption check-ins and communications to support successful placements.

Animal Health & Record-Keeping:

• Serve as a key partner to the medical team, assisting with hands-on tasks and ensuring veterinary staff can effectively care for the general cat population.
• Maintain meticulous records in our shelter management systems (ShelterLuv, ClinicHQ) and conduct weekly audits to ensure data integrity.

What We're Looking For (Qualifications):

• 2-3+ years of leadership experience, preferably in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or similar non-profit environment.
• Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a diverse team of both paid staff and volunteers.
• A strong understanding of animal welfare principles and best practices in shelter operations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. You lead with empathy and clarity.
• Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage resources effectively in a dynamic setting.
• Tech-savvy, with proficiency in shelter management software (experience with ShelterLuv is a major plus).
• A deep, personal commitment to the mission of Nine Lives Foundation and a love for all things feline.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment.
• Must be able to handle and restrain cats of varying temperaments.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Potential exposure to animal dander, parasites, and cleaning chemicals.

Join Us

If you are a proven leader with a passion for animal welfare and the operational skills to match, we encourage you to apply. Help us continue our mission to give every cat the life it deserves.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $82,000.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person