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Animal Welfare League Qld

Head of Animal Operations

Animal Welfare League Qld, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Overview NFP | $100k to $110k p.a. Superannuation | Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About Us

At Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ), our vision is for every companion animal to have a safe and caring environment where their needs are met. We are driven by a commitment to

integrity, compassion, innovation, and optimism . As a leader in the animal welfare sector, we’re dedicated to a brighter future for both animals and our community.

The Opportunity

Due to an internal promotion, we have an exciting opportunity as the Head of Animal Operations. You will be a pivotal, hands-on leader overseeing our five Rehoming Centres and their council contracts. Reporting directly to our visionary, fast-paced CEO, you will shape the strategic direction of our rehoming programs and ensure they are among the most successful in Australia. You’ll work directly with our Rehoming Centre Managers and local councils to achieve our vision.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Vision & Strategy: Work directly with the CEO to set the strategy for one of the most successful adoption programs in Australia, focused on successfully placing companion animals into permanent loving homes.

Change Management: Champion change and process improvement to align with organisational goals and a One Welfare approach.

Safety Culture: Drive and embed a safety-focused culture across all centres, ensuring a safe environment for our animals, team, and visitors.

Financial Management

Budget Oversight: Maintain a cost-effective, high standard of service across all aspects of animal operations. You’ll oversee the department’s budget and performance targets, ensuring they are met.

Financial Reporting: Review and report on monthly and annual profits and expenses, investigating any abnormalities to maintain financial health.

Operational Management

Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of passionate managers.

Efficiency & Productivity: Ensure systems and policies are effectively implemented to improve efficiency and enhance productivity across all Rehoming Centres.

Standards & Compliance: Ensure your teams deliver high standards of customer service and animal care. You will also review and ensure all operational policies and processes comply with regulatory requirements, codes of practice, and workplace health and safety guidelines.

Operational Support: Provide ongoing operational support and expert advice to Rehoming Centre Managers and their teams. This includes overseeing and providing general support on performance management and conflict resolution.

Relationship Management

Council & Stakeholder Relations: Manage and build strong, collaborative relationships with local councils and other key stakeholders.

Partnerships & Growth: In collaboration with our Fundraising, Marketing and Commercial Operations departments, you will help identify and secure corporate partnerships, grant opportunities, and develop and implement new adoption initiatives to grow our reach and impact.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role in Animal Care/ Animal Shelter industry

Proven experience in multi-site operations

A valid driver’s licence and the commitment to attend all sites regularly

Essential Skills And Attributes

Exceptional Leadership: You have a proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture. You are skilled at leading change, managing teams, and engaging stakeholders to drive effective outcomes.

Expert Relationship Builder: You have exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. You can build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and act as a compelling advocate for our mission.

Highly Organised: You have strong organisational skills and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Mission-Driven: You are an energetic, purpose-driven professional with an unwavering commitment to the values and mission of the organisation.

Desirable Criteria:

Established personal and professional networks that can be leveraged to benefit the organisation.

We Offer

A competitive remuneration package of $100k – $110k per annum Superannuation.

Flexible work arrangements and access to a hybrid work policy to support work-life balance.

Convenient location choice at one of the following Rehoming Centres Coombabah (Gold Coast), Ipswich or Warra.

Employee discounts on veterinary services.

How To Apply If you’re an inspiring leader excited by this role and ready to shape the future of animal welfare, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, outlining your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we’ll close the position once we find our ideal candidate.

Apply Now

About Us AWLQ is one of Queensland’s most dynamic and best-loved charities. Our organisation is the leader in the zero euthanasia movement nationally and is considered a national leader in animal welfare. AWLQ locally provides a safe haven for close to 10,000 stray and homeless animals each year, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals.

In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work including our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program and the National Desexing Network.

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