Shelter Manager

The Shelter Manager (SM) is responsible for the daily operations of the Cayman Islands Humane Society (CIHS) animal shelter, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, effective staff management, and smooth running of shelter activities. In addition, the role includes overseeing the management our of two charity shops, liaising with the public, and both leading and supporting initiatives across the organization to further the Cayman Islands Humane Society’s mission. This is an exciting role for a talented non-profit Shelter Manager as it includes transitioning to our brand-new shelter building in 2026/2027.

Shelter Operations

• Oversee and coordinate all daily shelter operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and animal welfare regulations and standards across shelter operations.
• Conduct routine facility rounds to monitor animal well-being, assess conditions, and address operational needs in a timely and proactive manner.
• Oversee information systems and technology platforms, ensuring accurate, timely data entry and maintenance of records related to animal intake, movement, transfer, and outcomes.
• Ensure that all required documentation and administrative processes are completed accurately and in accordance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and maintain high standards of care and accountability.
• Oversee reception staff and ensure a high standard of customer service delivery to all internal and external customers.
• Analyze operational expenses and resource utilization to identify opportunities for cost reduction, waste minimization, and improved efficiency while maintaining high standards of animal care and service delivery.
• Proactively coordinate building and property maintenance including, but not limited to, waste management, vehicle servicing and licensing, landscaping, telecommunications, etc.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting to the Board of Directors.

Animal Welfare

• Ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all animals in shelter through the consistent application of best practices in animal care and enrichment.
• Foster and maintain a strong “culture of care” by promoting compassion, accountability, and high standards of animal welfare among staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement training initiatives to ensure all team members are knowledgeable in animal handling, behavior, welfare standards, and shelter protocols.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are familiar with individual animals, supporting accurate communication of behavior, needs, and suitability for adoption or foster placement.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff to coordinate medical care, including treatments, spay/neuter programs, and vaccination schedules.
• Drive and support adoption and foster programs by ensuring animals are appropriately prepared, promoted, and matched to suitable homes.
• Manage logistics for animal movement, including intakes, transfers, and outcomes, ensuring proper documentation, health clearances, and coordination of transport.
• Promote animals through available channels, including online platforms and community engagement, to increase visibility and placement opportunities.
• Maintain and control shelter animal occupancy as mandated by the Board of Directors.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Provide direct supervision to a multidisciplinary team, including veterinary, clinic, animal care, retail and supervisory staff, ensuring clear accountability, effective communication, and high-performance standards.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention of staff and volunteers to maintain a skilled, engaged, and mission-aligned team.
• Carry out compliant human resources practices in line with local employment laws, immigration laws, and other relevant legislation.
• Manage employee performance through regular feedback, coaching, and formal evaluations; address concerns and grievances in a timely, professional manner in accordance with organizational policies and local laws.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive workplace culture that supports staff well-being, professional development, and high-quality animal care.
• Coordinate and maintain relationships with external partners and volunteers to support shelter operations, programs, and community engagement.

Logistics and Supplies

• Oversee the procurement, inventory management, and distribution of all shelter supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels and cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Implement and maintain inventory control systems to track usage, monitor trends, and support operational planning.
• Ensure accuracy, accountability, and timely ordering and delivery of essential items.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships to ensure reliable supply chains and quality standards.

Mission Alignment and Organizational Support

• Ensure daily operations align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values, while supporting the financial sustainability of the non-profit.
• Support organizational initiatives, including fundraising campaigns and events, and public communications.
• Provide social media support to promote the shelter animals and CIHS initiatives.
• Collaborate with Board appointed working groups in a proactive, professional, and timely manner.
• Represent the organization professionally in routine community and stakeholder interactions.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or related field, or equivalent practical experience in shelter, veterinary, or animal welfare operations.
• Minimum 5 years of operational experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic operations, or a related kennel environment, with a minimum of 3 years in progressive management roles.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare standards, shelter operations, and community animal management practices.
• Experience with operational systems, data management platforms, and maintaining accurate records for animal intake, movement, and outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control operational costs, and support financial sustainability in a non-profit environment.
• Strong working knowledge of health, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements relevant to animal welfare operations and local legislation.

Key Attributes

• Strong organizational and operational management skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Compassionate and ethical approach to animal welfare and community service.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while effectively leading through others to achieve organizational deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across diverse teams.
• High level of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Resilient, adaptable, and calm under pressure.

Working Conditions

• Based on-site in a busy animal shelter environment with regular exposure to animals in a variety of health and behavioral conditions.
• May involve physical activity including standing for extended periods, lifting, and assisting with animal handling when required.
• Requires flexibility to work outside standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as operational needs dictate.
• Regular interaction with staff, volunteers, the public, and external partners.
• May include exposure to emotionally challenging situations involving animal intake, illness, injury, or end-of-life care decisions.
• Office and field-based work, including facility walkthroughs and occasional external meetings or community engagement activities.

Health insurance plan

Pension plan

Fluent in English language (written and spoken)

Spanish language would be an asset.