Executive Director

Pets Alive

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director
Location: Middletown, NY
About Middletown:
Middletown is a small city located near the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Mountains approximately 90 minutes from New York City. Middletown has plenty of access to local hiking including the Middletown Reservoir Trail as well as local farmer’s markets, restaurants and breweries
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Board of Directors
About Our Organization:
Our mission is to build a humane community supporting the human-animal bond by being a resource through rescue, adoption, intervention, education, and outreach.
We value and embrace, kindness, compassion, integrity, respect, inclusiveness, and collaboration in all aspects of our mission and our vision for a humane community.
Position Summary:
The Animal Shelter Executive Director oversees the daily administrative and physical operations of our facility. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe, sanitary, and humane environment for all animals in our care while leading a dedicated team of animal care staff and volunteers. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on animal welfare expertise with strong organizational, leadership, and budgetary management skills to optimize animal pathways from intake to adoption.
Key Responsibilities:
Facility and Animal Care Management
• Oversee daily shelter operations, including intake, medical triage, behavioral enrichment, and adoption pathways.
• Maintain rigorous facility cleanliness, safety protocols, and disease control measures in alignment with industry standards.
• Coordinate with veterinary partners to ensure appropriate medical care, spay/neuter schedules, and behavioral interventions.
• Monitor inventory of food, medical supplies, and facility equipment, managing vendor relationships and ordering.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the building, infrastructure, utilities and grounds.
Staff and Volunteer Leadership
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise animal care technicians, adoption counselors, and facility staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture focused on safety and professional growth.
• Partner with the volunteer coordinator to integrate and support volunteers effectively across all shelter departments.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and address personnel issues in a timely, constructive manner.
Administration and Compliance
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of animal intake, medical histories, and dispositions using shelter management software.
• Compile and analyze operational metrics and shelter statistics for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Manage the department operational budget, tracking expenses and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Administer and process employee payroll
• Participate in monthly Board meeting as a non-voting Board member.
• Ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal animal welfare regulations, labor laws, and OSHA standards.
Community Engagement
• Represent the shelter professionally when interacting with adopters, donors, sponsors, rescue partners, and the public.
• Assist in resolving complex customer service issues or public complaints with empathy and tact.
• Support marketing, fundraising, and off-site adoption events as needed. Must be proficient with social media channels such as Tick-Tok, Facebook and Instagram.
• Grant writing, submission and tracking.
Qualifications and Skills
• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of progressive experience in animal shelter operations, veterinary practice management, or a closely related animal welfare field.
• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of direct supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in animal science, business administration, public administration, or equivalent practical experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in shelter management software (ShelterLuv preferred) and MS0365 suites of tools and capabilities.
• Exceptional crisis management, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and empathy in emotionally challenging and high-stress environments.
• Proficient and experienced in public speaking.
Physical and Environmental Demands
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Exposure to high-noise environments, animal dander, cleaning chemicals, and unpredictable animal behaviors.
• Flexibility to work occasional overtime, weekends, evenings, or holidays for events or emergencies.
Benefits
• Voluntary Disability Insurance
• 401k matching
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to board@petsalive.org with the subject line "Executive Director Application - [Your Name]." Applications will be accepted until filled.

This is a full time job