Chief Operating Officer (COO)

San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a rare opportunity to oversee operations at one of the largest and most innovative animal welfare organizations in the country!


POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Oversees work responsible for over 50,000 animals, 2.2 million citizens, and a $44 million budget
• Oversees and leads operations of a complex services organization, similar to complex healthcare systems
• Oversees overall operations across three campuses: animal care, adoptions, animal admissions, guest services, humane law enforcement, kitten nursery, behavior and wildlife rehabilitation
• Creates and translates strategic vision into action
• Designs and implements operating models
• Creates and drives continuous process improvement

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• Relocation and temporary housing available
• Medical and dental: 100% employer-paid plans for employees, buy-up coverage available
• Vision: Included in medical benefits, buy-up coverage available
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match
• Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid, buy-up coverage available
• Long Term Disability Insurance: 100% employer paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Expenses
• Generous holidays and paid time-off plan

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SUMMARY: As an executive team member of San Diego Humane Society (SDHS), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility. The COO will provide leadership in creating and translating strategic vision into action, designing and implementing operating models, and creating and driving for continuous process improvement. The COO will be responsible for SDHS’ overall operations which include, but not limited to animal care, adoptions, animal admissions, guest services, Humane Law Enforcement, kitten nursery, behavior and wildlife rehabilitation. The COO oversees and participates in the direction of both contract and other work responsible for the care of more than 50,000 animals and 2.2 million citizens.

The COO manages employee relations for all areas of responsibility, including motivating and developing management team members, as well as implementing and enforcing policies and supporting and growing the Culture of Care for all staff, volunteers, guests and constituents. The Culture of Care is a cornerstone of SDHS in which staff and volunteers especially are respected, supported, and treated compassionately at all times (by extension, this respect will be passed on to all other constituents).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the President and CEO in implementing the vision for San Diego Humane Society; work cohesively with senior leadership, and manage all staff reports compassionately and fairly.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and management, assuming overall responsibility for operations of all SDHS campuses, including staffing and support through supervision of staff and contractors who provide services to achieve or surpass strategic goals and objectives. Support and enhance the Culture of Care throughout the organization.
• As a member of the senior executive leadership, actively participate, guide and encourage strategic discussions in line with the vision, mission and goals of the organization. Bring the vision, as outlined by the President and senior executive leadership, to the entire staff of the organization to motivate and calibrate goals and expectations.
• In conjunction with the President, become an ambassador for animal welfare progress on a national level. Best practice development is of paramount importance to SDHS and the COO should attend, participate, and present at regional and national animal welfare conferences.
• Become an active member of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement; participate on committees, conference development and boards.
• Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process, focusing on systems/process improvement. Utilize data to identify strengths and opportunities. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on program operations.
• Develop and manage the yearly budget for areas of responsibility, monitor income and expenditures for applicable areas to make best use of resources within budget constraints.
• Manage and monitor contracts for areas of responsibility.
• Spearhead the development, communication, and implementation of effective growth and improvement strategies and processes.
• Enthusiastically assist the public and other staff in all SDHS programs and special events.
• Motivate and lead a high performance management team; attract, recruit, develop and retain management team members. Consistently work with co-workers and the public in a respectful, constructive and energetic manner.
• Provide timely, accurate and complete reports on the operations of the organization. Be prepared to share information to strengthen awareness of animal welfare issues and the organization’s mission.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Exemplifies San Diego Humane Society’s Core Values:

• Shows compassion for people and animals
• Has the courage to make tough decisions and take smart risks
• Seeks out ways to make an impact for animals and people
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and sees challenges as opportunities for improvement
• Leads with integrity and treats everyone with respect

Participates in creating a thriving Culture of Philanthropy at San Diego Humane Society by:

• Being knowledgeable and supportive of Society programs
• Sharing their passion for service to animals, people, and our community with our guests
• Serving as an inspiration to all guests by providing an exemplary level of animal care and guest service
• Being able to communicate a compelling case for support that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy on San Diego Humane Society

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for operations leadership at all campuses including the following departments: Animal Care, Admissions, Adoptions, Guest Services, Retail Operations, Humane Law Enforcement, Behavior, Wildlife Rehabilitation and the Kitten Nursery.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, SKILL, EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in a related subject required as well as ten years of related managerial experience. Master’s degree preferred. Project management experience required. Computer literacy and familiarity with budget planning required. Strong interpersonal skills required as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent leadership skills, and experience motivating and developing emerging leaders are necessary. A working knowledge of California employment law and knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations, which pertain to the management of a non-profit organization, is preferred. Valid Driver’s license needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequently required to stand, walk, talk, sit and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exceptional office environment, often containing pets, with accompanying exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and potentially caring for animals. Automobile travel required.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY

San Diego Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization not affiliated with any other humane society or SPCA organization. We have about 600 employees and more than 5,000 volunteers caring for and providing lifesaving services for more than 50,000 animals annually. We operate animal shelters, hospitals, programs and humane law enforcement services at multiple campuses throughout San Diego County. San Diego Humane Society thrives on a Culture of Care.

EEO Employer