The responsibility of the Shelter Manager is to support The Cat Connection’s (TCC) mission to care for cats in the Waltham and Boston Metro areas, and to model and promote a culture that is diverse, friendly, collaborative, and free of judgment. The Shelter Manager reports to the Board of Directors and is managed by a member of the Board of Directors. While primary responsibilities are listed in the job description, the success of both this position and the organization can only be achieved through a team-based approach utilizing the Board and volunteer resources to execute on many of the following responsibilities. This is a role that requires dedication, communication, passion, and patience.
Areas of Responsibility:
Medical: Manage the medical well-being of all TCC cats in a cost effective and collaborative
manner including:
- Follow TCC vetting protocols to ensure that all cats have spay/neuters, SNAP tests, vaccines, microchips, and health certificates.
- Based on the medical and behavioral needs of all cats in care, ensure timely scheduling of vet appointments and transport as needed, and vetting days at TCC, communicating with volunteer vets, clinics, and specialty vets.
- Effectively leverage volunteer veterinarians to be first-line, and vet techs for applicable vaccines, blood draws and microchips.
- Make all medical decisions with an eye toward balancing cost with welfare. Partner with the Treasurer to regularly monitor expenses against the operating budget.
- Utilize thorough and consistent communications with other staff and volunteers to allow for the smooth flow of operations, ensuring continuity of care on days off.
- Emergency care will be managed by the Shelter Manager during working hours and the Emergency Medical Team during off hours.
- Ensure coverage is in place for the proper administration of medications on off days and weekends
- Prepare in advance for: Spay/Neuter days, and Vet appointments.
- Effectively communicate critical information to Facility Managers, Shift Supervisors, and cat caretakers.
- Ensure timely and responsive communications with fosters on medical care and emerging issues.
- Ensure the administration and proper dosage of any medications. Manage medication records and inventory, and keep the shelter stocked with all necessary medications and medical supplies.
- Leverage the data entry team and emerging/current technologies to maintain accurate, timely and complete medical records, and update records on the day of onsite vetting.
- Ensure medical records and receipts are received from clinics within 24 hours of appointment.
- Schedule Medical Assist vet appointments as requested by the Treasurer and Medical Assist Program Manager.
- Conform to federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances pertaining to animal care and welfare.
- Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies.
Shelter Operations:
- Effectively collaborate with the Adoption Manager and Foster Manager by representing the voice of Medical to ensure that cats are thoughtfully placed within the organization and in their forever homes in a timely and efficient manner, including meeting with Intake, Adoption, and Foster Managers on a weekly basis.
- Effectively collaborate with the Intake Manager, Adoption Manager, and Foster Manager as well as other appropriate personnel to collectively assess and decide on all incoming cats along with managing cat placement within and outside the shelter.
- Manage non-medical shelter supplies, and ensure consistent stock levels
- Carry out other such duties and tasks as may be assigned by the Board of Directors, including ensuring the safety of all volunteers and cats through supporting emergency planning efforts.
- Engage with donors and potential donors as requested by the Board of Directors, including attending TCC events.
- Coordinate with the reception team manager to ensure the reception team has up-to-date and accurate information to relay to the public.
- Work with the Shelter Ops committee to draft, review, and maintain standard operating procedures for all shelter operations.
- Maintain professional working relationships with other animal welfare organizations in an effort to further the organization’s mission statement.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and other means of networking and furthering knowledge of shelter and animal welfare management, as time allows.
- Maintain the physical, sanitation, and security needs of the shelter.
Reports and Meetings:
- Reporting Frequency:
- Weekly medical status reports to the Board of Directors
- Weekly cats in care reports at Medical/Intake/Foster/Adoption meetings
- Monthly shelter status reports for Board Meetings (may be written or at the board meeting, depending on what the Board requests)
- Meeting Schedule
- Weekly meeting with Board member manager
- Weekly Medical/Intake/Foster/Adoption meetings
- Monthly Operations meetings
- Monthly board meetings
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or a related field preferred but not required.
Skills/Experience:
Experience:
- Veterinary Tech experience a strong plus.
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in animal care, shelter management, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a supervisory or managerial role, preferably in an animal shelter or similar environment.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Strong understanding of animal care and welfare practices, particularly for cats.
- Knowledge of shelter operations, including intake procedures, adoption processes, and animal health and safety protocols.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding animal shelter management.
- Knowledge of Fear-Free techniques and how to apply them in a shelter environment.
Management and Interpersonal Skills:
- Very strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, particularly with an all-volunteer organization.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and process improvement abilities.
- Excellent judgment and ability to operate within an established budget
- Ability to be flexible, adaptable and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done
- Ability to handle sensitive and emotional situations with compassion and professionalism.
Technical Skills:
- Basic proficiency in using shelter management software and databases.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for animal welfare and dedication to The Cat Connection’s mission.
- Enjoyment in operating as part of a team where collaboration is a core value and input from others is respected.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- High level of integrity and ethical standards.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic, and 24/7 environment as part of a dedicated team.
- Physical ability to handle and care for animals, including lifting and handling cats and equipment of various sizes.
Compensation/Benefits:
$48,000-$52,000
Additional Information:
While we do not currently offer health insurance, we provide a supportive work environment with flexible schedules and opportunities for professional development.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 11 2024
Active Until:
Aug 11 2024
Hiring Organization:
The Cat Connection - Brighton, MA
industry:
Nonprofit