The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) is seeking an experienced and compassionate Shelter Manager to oversee daily operations at our Adoption Center. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality feline care, regulatory compliance, and a safe, professional environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Position Summary

The Shelter Manager is responsible for overseeing the shelter staff, volunteers and foster parents in the execution of daily shelter operations, including intake, medical care, foster, and adoptions. The Shelter Manager maintains the shelter in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. Focus on high quality and compassionate care for the felines that come to MRFRS and to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and visitors. This role drives continuous improvements in the areas under their control, with strong customer service and best practices in animal welfare and feline care.

Role and Responsibilities

Shelter & Staff Management (50%)

Proactively drive intake, adoption, foster and medical assistance programs: strategize, develop, and implement initiatives that streamline operations, improve customer experience and/or enhance programs, ensuing continued growth and progress in relation to annual goals.
Ensure proper training of shelter staff and volunteers to follow MRFRS policies and procedures for the health and well being of the cats and the safety of people.
Manage aspects of Human Resources for the shelter staff; including hiring, scheduling, payroll, conducting performance evaluations, professional development/training, promotions, disciplinary action, and termination.
Responsible for the medical assistance program - Feline Assistance Resources & Support (FARS), managing requests for financial assistance and working with local veterinary clinics to assist cat owners in need.
Collaborate with the Development team to promote the organization’s mission by engaging with the community to build partnerships and supporting fundraising initiatives.
Develop and oversee a comprehensive facility maintenance including the shelter inventory and supplies. Manage the sanitation program to mitigate disease transmission and ensure a healthy and safe environment. Coordinate volunteers and/or use of outside vendors related to facility maintenance (i.e., building repairs; snow removal; yard care; etc.)

Customer Care/Community Relations (30%)

Resolve difficult situations/concerns promptly and with empathy, particularly in relation to customer issues or community concerns regarding feline issues.
Promote positive relationships and collaboration with local veterinary clinics, other animal welfare organizations and Animal Control Officer partners.
Deliver on MRFRS’ mission to provide support and education to people who care about cats through opportunities to educate the public on responsible pet ownership, feline health, and the importance of spay & neuter.

Operations (20%)

Manage the department budget, monitoring expenses, submitting invoices, and working within budget parameters. Assist the Executive Director in the planning of the annual shelter budget and goals.
Responsible for the monthly Operations Report to provide the Board of Directors with information to track progress to goals and measure impact.
Oversee the annual review of existing procedures and the development of new ones to be consistent with industry best practices.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This position is exempt and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required. The position averages 40 hours per week.

Supervisor Responsibility

This position supervises all Shelter staff and cat care volunteers.

Competencies

Staff management experience and ability to positively motivate others and create effective collaboration .
Must have a patient, calm, and professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills. Able to effectively manage emotionally charged clients with empathy while maintaining safety for both felines and people.
Ability to work with and handle stressed, injured, and possibly aggressive felines safely and humanely.
Experience in proactive management of behavior modification and daily enrichment programs to reduce shelter stress.
Knowledgeable feline health and well-being including nutritional needs; resources of where to seek information; common animal diseases, treatments, and vaccinations is preferred.
Compassionately manage the emotional and procedural aspects of medical emergencies and / or end of life care for failing animals.
Adaptable with evolving protocols and innovative changes to improve overall animal care.
Model accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and respect to mirror attributes that are valued as part of MRFRS’ culture.
Excellent time management and written communication skills.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, Business preferred or equivalent combination of training, certification and/or experience that provides the knowledge and skills for this role.
Certified Animal Shelter Administrator (CAWA) or specialized certifications in Shelter Medicine (for non-veterinarians) or Fear Free Certification highly preferred.
3+ years of people management experience required, preferably in an animal shelter environment.
Computer literacy with common office and shelter management software (i.e., MS Words; Excel; Google Doc; ShelterLuv; ClinicHQ; Volgistics).
Valid driver’s license (for occasional transport of cats).

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

Do you have a high proficiency with computers, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Shelter Management software such as ShelterLuv, Clinic HQ and Volgistics?

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Management: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society

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