About Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA

Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare.

JOB TITLE: Animal Care Manager

DEPARTMENT: Shelter Operations

ACCOUNTABILITY: Director of Operations

FUNCTION: Under the direct responsibility of the Director of Operations, the Animal Care Manager is responsible for managing the animal population in a manner that supports core values of the RHSPCA and optimizes the chances for a positive outcome for the animals. This position oversees the animal care technician positions and associated volunteers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General:

Perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of RHSPCA goals.Work courteously and cooperatively with the staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, rescue partners, and donors to ensure that all R-H SPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new ones implemented successfully.Ensure quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.Assist in implementing operation compliance with current federal, state, county and local laws, regulations and guidelines that affect operations.Responsible for accurate record keeping, maintaining data integrity of animal records and statistical reporting for all program(s) related activities.

Animal Population Management:

Oversees daily cleaning and husbandry for all animals in care; working alongside staff as needed.Is responsible for monitoring the behavioral and physical health of animals in the care of the RHSPCA (excludes foster homes).Identifies medical and behavioral needs and takes appropriate actions towards resolution.Works closely with Animal Health and Foster managers to manage animal population in a manner that reduces length of stay and maximizes likelihood of a positive outcome.Facilitates the movement of animals throughout the building.Provides oversight for adoption counseling by staff/volunteers and adoption approvals.Makes timely and sound recommendations on disposition of animals.Assists in coordinating transport to and from veterinary clinics animals needing various procedures.Performs behavior assessments as needed.

Staff Management:

Ensures staff are well trained in policy and standards of care and monitors and ensures compliance in daily practice.Sets clear expectations for performance, including measurable goals and deliverables.Directs performance of animal care technicians through regular meetings, goal setting, appraisal, and accountability.Participates in hiring and performance management activities.Oversees staff time off and scheduling, including biweekly review of timesheets, receiving andresponding to time off requests, creating schedules and daily assignments to ensure adequate coverage etc.Ensures a comprehensive staff training program that focuses on best practice skillsets andcontinued development for all direct reports. Training should include stress free / safe handling, understanding of behavior and medical concerns, improving the animal’s adoptability, matchmaking with adopters and volunteer engagement / utilization. Revise and create SOPs as needed to ensure up to date training and reference resources for staff.

Rapport Building, Matchmaking, and Adoption Counseling

The Animal Care Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring adoption counseling practices prioritize long-term placement success and positive experiences for both animals and people. Recognizes the importance of building trust, communication, and thoughtful matchmaking between animals and adopters.Provides oversight and staff training on best practices for rapport building with adopters, including active listening, open-ended questioning, and education that empowers adopters to make informed decisions.Oversees and supports thoughtful matchmaking by aligning animal's behavioral needs, medical needs, and lifestyle considerations with adopters expectations, experience, and household dynamics.Coaches staff and volunteers on how to communicate honestly and compassionately about animal needs, potential challenges, and realistic outcomes to reduce returns and increase adoption satisfaction.Works with the Client Services Manager to monitor adoption trends, returns, and feedback to identify training opportunities and improve counseling strategies.

Volunteer Management:

Coordinates with the Volunteer Manager and provides daily oversight to volunteers assisting with animal care to ensure all animals receive meaningful human interaction that provides for the animals enrichment and exercise needs. As well the animals husbandry needs.Coaches animal care technicians on volunteer engagement and utilization to maximize impact and retention of volunteers.

Facilities and Inventory:

Ensures all relevant equipment is available and in good working order, reports concern to supervisor promptly.Manages inventory of equipment and supplies and is responsible for placing order requests timely for animal care supplies, animal food and other associated items as needed.

Budget and Strategic Planning

Plays an active role in budget planning and monitoring expenditures including payroll and department expenses. Participates in strategic planning and plays and contributes towards big picture organizational goals.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

RHSPCA is seeking a progressive, quick thinking, dynamic individual who brings animal handling and people skills along with passion, commitment and enthusiasm for our mission and accountability for their work. We are seeking someone who can lead and work well with a team. Independent thinking and resourcefulness to overcome roadblocks are a must.

The ideal candidate will have 2 years of animal care management experience. Excellent time management and oral and written communication skills along with the ability to develop and build teams to support common goals is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift 35 lbs., stand for long periods of time, move quickly, work with and around animals (including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, inclement weather along with evening, weekend and holiday work times.

COMPENSATION

This is salaried position offering $47,500 - $55,000 based on experience. After a period of employment, the Animal Care Manager is eligible for health benefits and PTO.

NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT

The Animal Care Manager is an exempt position, which generally requires a minimum of 40 hours per week and may include evening and weekend work.

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment. It is the policy of the R-H SPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause. This job description serves as a guide.