Vice President of Operations

Job Title:

Vice President of Operations Classification:
Full time, salary, exempt, onsite Salary: $134,000-$150,000 Annually Job Relationship:
Reports to President & CEO. Supervises Director of Shelter Operations, Director of Community Initiatives, Medical Director, Chief Humane Investigator, and Senior Manager of Facilities & IT. Position Summary

The VP of Operations is a key member of the APL's executive leadership team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for shelter operations, humane law enforcement, veterinary services, community outreach programs, and the APL’s facility and IT needs. This position ensures the delivery of exceptional animal welfare, client service, regulatory and legal compliance, operational excellence, continuous organizational improvement, and supports the APL’s legislative advocacy efforts.

Working collaboratively with the President & CEO and senior leadership team, the VP of Operations develops and implements strategies that advance the APL's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and compassionate leadership.

• Provides executive leadership and oversight for all APL operations, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, client service, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Leads the implementation of operational strategies that support the APL's strategic plan, mission, vision, and organizational priorities.
• Evaluates organizational performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, develops solutions, and implements changes that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and mission impact.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services to meet evolving shelter and community needs and organizational goals.
• Collaborates with department directors to establish measurable annual goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), timelines, and accountability measures for each operational area.
• Reviews operational, financial, and program performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and drive informed decision-making.
• Prepares organizational impact reports and operational summaries for the President & CEO and Board of Directors.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating outcomes, encouraging innovation, and implementing best practices throughout the organization.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and ongoing review of standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and organizational compliance.

• Ensures the highest standards of animal care, handling, shelter medicine, disease prevention, enrichment, safety, and humane euthanasia are consistently maintained.
• Provides leadership to ensure all programs and services deliver exceptional care while advancing the APL's lifesaving mission.
• Partners with department leaders to evaluate program outcomes, improve operational effectiveness, and resolve challenges in a timely manner.
• Establishes systems to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and appropriate documentation of animal, medical, client, humane law enforcement, and program records.
• Ensures staff have access to and receive required training, certification, and continuing education opportunities, including euthanasia certification and Fear Free practices where applicable.
• Researches and evaluates emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in animal welfare and sheltering and leads implementation of appropriate improvements.

• Ensures organizational compliance with OSHA, DEA, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Working in partnership with the Senior Manager of Facilities & IT, oversees facility operations, maintenance, capital improvements, security systems, and information technology to ensure organizational resources effectively support operational needs.
• Ensures preventive maintenance…