Business Operations Director

BENEFITS:

Health, dental, vision and more 

3 weeks paid time off + 10 paid holidays 

403b with employer match 

Check out our full list of benefits and perks HERE 

Position Summary: The Business Operations Director serves as a critical senior leadership role responsible for risk management and compliance, facility maintenance and capital planning, supporting Shelter Operations and Veterinary Operations teams, and overseeing the management of our third-party IT vendor. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Business Operations Director will serve as a strategic partner with staff across the organization to ensure cross-functional alignment, lead change management, streamline communications, and support the team as we achieve our organizational goals and implement our 3-year strategic plan. A natural consensus-builder, the Business Operations Director is solutions oriented and drives processes and decision-making forward to ensure we achieve our mission-driven goals.  

Core areas of focus include: 

Capital Planning & Facilities Maintenance: Proactively understand the needs of teams to inform, develop and implement capital improvement plans for facility upgrades and maintenance. 

Operations Support: Close collaboration with Operations Directors to ensure the building and equipment are optimized. 

Systems & Processes: Using process improvement principles to support efficiency and sustainability of our internal operations, including existing protocols, innovative efforts, and technology platforms. This position oversees our third-party IT vendor relationship, supporting the entire organization.  

Data & Analytics: In collaboration with others, create and maintain data tools that inform our operations and ensure Seattle Humane can share strong, data driven storytelling.  

Risk Management and Compliance: Oversee campus Safety & Compliance, including the maintenance of disaster response plans and incident report plans ensuring Seattle Humane is prepared to handle the unexpected.  

Capacity Building: Tap into projects to provide direction, support and be a strategic partner ensuring projects are on time and on track. 

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Close partnership with Executive Director and cross-functional leadership team on projects that support Operations, Facilities, Finance and Technology, with a specific focus on change-management.  

Close collaboration and support of Operations Directors (Lead Veterinarian; Veterinary & Community Programs Director; and Shelter Programs & Operations Director) as related to building and equipment, process improvement, cross-team collaboration, and project planning.  

Develop and implement capital improvement plans for facility upgrades and maintenance.  

Partner with Facilities Manager to monitor and manage building maintenance schedules to ensure operational efficiency.  

Develop and oversee the capital budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.  

Work closely with leadership to assess long-term facility needs and propose strategic solutions.  

Analyze space utilization and recommend improvements for future planning.   

Plan and oversee capital projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.  

Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, and vendors for successful project execution. 

Together with Shelter Programs & Operations Director, serve as co-Executive Sponsor of the employee-led Safety Committee, enhancing our culture of workplace safety.    

Disaster preparedness and emergency response planning.  

Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure proper handling of hazardous materials.  

Collaborate with Operations Directors on safety protocols including animal handling safety, biohazard disposal, and other aspects of the shelter operations.  

Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA regulations related to animal care facilities.  

Confirm that all business units comply with local, state, and federal safety regulations.  

Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards. 

Oversee and manage Facilities team, which includes vehicle fleet management.   

Day-to-day building and campus maintenance and custodial work, as well as ensuring safety measurements have been put in place for staff and volunteers.   

Management of shelters fleet of four vehicles.  

Responsible for overall IT planning and vendor management, including project planning, sourcing vendors, and strategic planning. Collaborate closely with Business Operations Manager who manages the day-to-day relationship with third-party IT vendor.  

Active collaborator in ongoing organizational development and culture building, allowing us to sustain and grow our mission driven work. 

Actively engage in and support the development and advancement of organizational metrics tracking, reporting tools and data analysis, providing guidance and partnership to the Operations Assistant who is responsible for this work. 

Develops and maintains project documentation, including high level roadmap and reporting/planning tools for various stakeholder groups as needed.  

Provide coaching and development of direct reports as well as being a strong peer mentor. 

Provide hands on operational and analytical leadership by working closely with direct reports as a thought partner; supporting their work, strengthening problem-solving, and serving as a bridge to connect their work to leadership to ensure alignment and visibility. 

In partnership with Finance Director and Executive Director, manage a variety of vendors and organizational contracts.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  
The Business Operations Director oversees the Facilities Manager and two maintenance and janitorial support staff, as well as the Operations Assistant position. There is a dotted line to the Business Operations Manager role, who reports to the Executive Director and supports the full senior leadership team. May manage additional direct reports in the future.  

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT: 

Ability to effectively present information to internal and external parties. Be open to the ideas of others and effectively collaborate on both processes and deliverables. Clearly establishing a leadership role and point of view on both problems and solutions.  

COMPLEXITY:    

Ability to understand and analyze complex business problems to define and develop data driven and mission driven solutions. Ability to work inclusively to make decisions. Demonstrate strong judgment in working with others to solve practical problems, assessing plan of actions, and recommending appropriate real-time course corrections.  

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING: 

7+ years of experience managing teams with increasing leadership responsibility.  

5+ years of experience in building planning, facilities management, or compliance oversight.  

Broad knowledge of animal welfare and sheltering practices is preferable, with strong knowledge of safety regulations, emergency preparedness, and risk management as essential. 

Strong understanding and proven track record of using data analytics in making operational decisions.  

Experience in strategic planning, systems operation, external relations, and vendor management.  

Strong systems thinking with the ability to interpret complex challenges, achieving sustainable and creative solutions.  

A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and change management using data to inform development of new strategies, best practices, and sound decision-making that promotes equity, inclusion, and teamwork. 

Outstanding listening and communication skills and willingness to consider all possible stakeholders who might have insight or who might be affected—positively or negatively—by a proposed change; ability to ask the right questions and consider all possible answers, taking the time to experiment to find the answers. 

Demonstrated skills in sound fiscal management including budget preparation, analysis, reporting, and ongoing oversight to meet goals, as well as long-term growth planning. 

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and interact with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., staff, donors, partners, Board of Directors) with diplomacy & professionalism. 

Experience and comfort managing up and laterally; comfort having difficult conversations, including giving and receiving feedback. 

Experience developing and evolving operational metrics, dashboards and reporting tools, with the ability to guide others in building and maintaining them is preferred.  

Certifications and/or degrees in leadership, systems thinking, nonprofit management, or business are a plus. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:  

None 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

This job involves significant time sitting (or standing) at a desk and using a computer. Must be able to analyze problems and determine the best solutions and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Must possess good attention to detail, be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures. Position facilities collaboration. Flexibility to adapt to differing support needs, working styles, and demands.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

General office environment: May have limited animal handling which presents the potential of animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to people), animal dander and noise.  

Equipment Use: Continuous use of computer, printer, copy machine, and multi-line telephone. 

Work Hours: Full-time, flexible hours. Must be available evening and/or weekend hours, as well as for emergency calls. 

SEATTLE HUMANE CORE VALUES: 

Candidate should be committed to Seattle Humane’s Core Values: 

Compassion 
Accessibility 
Innovation 
Responsibility 
Teamwork 

WHO WE ARE: 

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we’re a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs. The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, Seattle Humane is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.