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Animal Shelter Director

Job

PAWS of Grays Harbor

Aberdeen, WA (In Person)

$68,910 Salary, Full-Time

Posted 1 week ago (Updated 4 days ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 6/21/2026

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Job Description

Animal Shelter Director 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 800 W 1st St, Aberdeen, WA 98520 $63,648
  • $74,173 a year
  • Full-time PAWS of Grays Harbor 2 reviews $63,648
  • $74,173 a year
Full-time Position Title:
Shelter Director Accountability:
Board of Directors Direct Reports:
Animal Technician, Administrative Assistant/Front Desk, Dog Care Specialist, Cat Care Specialist, Volunteers Pay :
$63,648 ($30.60/hour) to $74,173 ($35.66/hour) DOQ Position Summary The Shelter Director serves as the senior staff leader of PAWS of Grays Harbor (PAWSGH) and is responsible for the overall daily operations, staff management, regulatory compliance, animal care, and community presence of the organization. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across all shelter functions while upholding the highest standards of humane animal care and advancing the mission of PAWSGH. The Shelter Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and serves as the primary liaison between staff and the Board.
Note:
Items marked with an asterisk (
  • ) are designated Essential Job Functions. Duties and ResponsibilitiesAnimal Care Operations Manages all aspects of daily animal care operations, ensuring work is completed in a timely manner and in accordance with established procedures and applicable state and federal law.
  • Establishes and maintains an approved standard of care for all shelter animals and shelter facilities.
  • Participates as a key member of the PAWSGH team to evaluate health and safety concerns, temperament, safe and humane handling, and adoptability of shelter animals.
  • Treats animals humanely and with compassion both on and off the job and actively promotes these values throughout the organization.
  • Works with staff to create and implement animal care protocols and procedures, including but not limited to physical examinations, vaccinations, euthanasia, and other clinical procedures.
  • Works with staff to establish and maintain a standard of care for the foster care program.
  • Provides on-call support to respond to shelter emergencies as needed.
  • Staff and Volunteer Management Hires, trains, evaluates, supervises, schedules, and directs the activities of all Animal Care staff, the Community Relations Coordinator, Animal Technician, and volunteers to support individual growth and maximize organizational effectiveness.
  • Maintains a high standard of communication and supervision with all Animal Care staff, ensuring discipline and prescribed performance standards are consistently upheld.
  • Evaluates volunteer performance and directs volunteer tasks to areas best suited to each individual's skills and availability.
  • Fosters a collaborative team environment, working effectively with all members of the organization to accomplish department and organizational goals.
  • Regularly participates in and facilitates staff meetings to share ideas and improve working conditions and organizational programs.
  • Operations and Administration Establishes and maintains a written equipment and operational supply inventory, ensuring necessary tools and resources are readily available to staff.
  • Ensures the proper use and maintenance of shelter management software; maintains accurate and current animal records and oversees the work of others to ensure data integrity. Responsible for monthly and annual animal statistics reporting.
  • Is aware of organizational change dynamics and works to ensure that all Animal Care activities and procedures are reviewed and modified in an effective and efficient manner.
  • Compiles and organizes financial documentation for review by the contracted accountant each month, including payroll records, invoices, bills, donation receipts, and sales receipts.
  • Leads development of the Annual Budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors.
  • Attends meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees when requested by the Board President or Committee Chairperson. Ensures organizational compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety standards, recordkeeping requirements, and other applicable laws in conjunction with the Board of Directors.
  • Community Engagement and Strategic Leadership Promotes positive relationships with veterinarians, animal control officers, governmental agencies, and other external stakeholders.
  • Organizes and attends community events and fundraisers as a representative and spokesperson for PAWSGH, as directed by the Board.
  • Consistently stays informed of animal care and welfare issues affecting PAWSGH and the broader community.
  • Leads implementation of PAWSGH's mission, goals, and adopted policies and procedures.
  • Supports the planning, development, and future operational oversight of a PAWSGH Spay and Neuter Clinic, including coordination with veterinary staff, regulatory compliance, community outreach, and integration with existing shelter programs.
Performs other reasonably related duties as requested by the Board of Directors to support a positive public image, enhance organizational operations, improve the quality of life for animals, and advance the services of PAWSGH. Qualifications/Education and Experience High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in animal science, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred. Minimum four years of experience in animal care in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or equivalent setting; licensed RVT/AHT may substitute for a portion of this requirement. Candidates with demonstrated translatable experience in a related field (e.g., wildlife management, agriculture, health and safety, or comparable hands-on animal or living systems care) will be considered. Minimum two years of supervisory or leadership experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and translatable experience may be considered in lieu of formal degree, supervisory, or animal care experience requirements, provided the candidate can demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to perform the essential functions of the role. Skills and Competencies Excellent communication, public relations, supervisory, and written skills. Demonstrated maturity, good judgment, and a consistently professional manner. Accumulated knowledge of and genuine compassion for domestic animals. Experience working with governmental agencies, community groups, volunteers, and animal welfare organizations. Demonstrated ability to function as a self-starter, facilitator, organizer, and innovator. Ability to plan and implement projects with minimal supervision and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency with personal computers, word processing software, and standard office equipment. Experience with or ability to learn shelter management software. Financial or bookkeeping experience preferred; ability to compile and organize financial documentation for accountant review. Screening and Eligibility Must be able to pass a background check consistent with applicable law. Valid Washington State driver's license with an acceptable driving history required. Washington State euthanasia technician certification preferred. Working Conditions Standard workweek is 40 hours; schedule includes weekends and evenings as needed, with intermittent overtime and off-site work for community events. Must comply with the PAWSGH Employee/Personnel Policy Manual. Frequent contact with the public in a fast-paced, changing work environment that may at times be emotionally charged or stressful. Regular exposure to animals, including those that may be deceased, injured, ill, or behaviorally challenging, as well as intermittent exposure to parasites and infectious disease. Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged standing, frequent movement throughout the facility, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in an environment with animals and associated allergens. Candidates with conditions that may be significantly aggravated by this environment are encouraged to evaluate the work setting prior to accepting an offer. Community presence required; regular attendance at events representing PAWSGH. Willingness to attend training programs and upgrade skills as the role and organization evolve. PAWSGH reserves the right to revise or change this job description as necessary or as business requires. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Pay:
$63,648.00
  • $74,173.
00 per year
Benefits:
Paid time off
Work Location:
In person

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