Vice President, Cruelty Recovery Center

Summary:

The Vice President of the Cruelty Recovery Center (VP) leads the sheltering component of the ASPCA’s national response to animal cruelty and natural disasters. Based at the Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Columbus, this role oversees a highly skilled team providing lifesaving care for animals rescued from large-scale cruelty cases and emergency situations. Working closely with leaders across disciplines, the CRC team delivers integrated, quality care—from intake through outcomes—both at the CRC facility and in temporary shelters established in the field.

Who We Are

For more than 150 years, the ASPCA has been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect the lives of millions of animals. The CRC team takes the ASPCA's commitment to the very heart of where help is most urgently needed. We are looking for a VP to lead our team, improving the lives of vulnerable animals who need us most.

The CRC provides intake, care, and outcomes for animals impacted by cruelty and natural disasters, serving as a vital part of the ASPCA’s national efforts to help communities respond effectively to animal cruelty—particularly in cases involving large populations of animals. At the CRC, sheltering, veterinary, and animal behavior professionals work side by side to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The CRC team is comprised of staff, responders, and a growing number of volunteers and foster families. For the planning of new cases, CRC leadership joins a multi-disciplinary group of ASPCA departments who collaborate to ensure coordinated operations and excellent care, supporting animals at the CRC facility in Columbus and in temporary shelters established in the field.

What You’ll Do

The Vice President of the CRC oversees the ASPCA’s Columbus-based shelter, ensuring consistent, efficient, and forward-thinking operations for animals in the CRC’s care. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Shelter and Rehabilitation Operations (SVP SRO), the VP leads teams in delivering fully integrated care, while ensuring medical, behavioral, and operational teams work seamlessly together. Under this leadership, pathway planning is a shared responsibility across all functions, balancing excellent care with the urgency required to be ready for the next critical request for assistance. The role also plays an important part in strengthening local engagement, building relationships within the Columbus community to grow adoptions, foster participation, and on-site volunteer support.

The Vice President is a strategic, people-centered leader who drives excellent operations, models collaboration within a complex, matrixed organization, and helps advance the field of animal sheltering. This role combines big-picture planning with boots-on-the-ground leadership—guiding teams through fast-moving work while supporting staff resilience. In doing so, the VP helps ensure the CRC continue to strive to be a model for emergency sheltering. For a leader inspired by purpose, innovation, and teamwork, this is a rare opportunity to shape national animal welfare efforts within a mission-driven organization.

As a member of the Shelter and Rehabilitation Operations Leadership Team (SRO LT), you will serve as a key leader, working collaboratively to advance the ASPCA’s shelter operations in ways that benefit animals, people, and the sheltering field. You will be an influential leader fostering alignment, engagement, and commitment across programs. The SRO LT models professionalism, collaboration, and open communication, creating and maintaining programs that are a great place for people to work and for animals to receive care.

• VP, the Cruelty Recovery Center reports directly to the SVP, Shelter and Rehabilitation Operations and has 4 direct reports.

When & Where You’ll Work

• This is an on-site position based at the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH.
• The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday and requires flexibility, as some early mornings, evenings and weekends are required based on operational needs in support of a 7-day per week operation. Work schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the ASPCA.
• This role requires the ability and willingness to travel up to 15% annually, as needed.

What You’ll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future. 

• The target hiring range for this role is $160,000 - $175,000 annually

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays and paid personal time off that allows flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Planning

• Lead the department to take progressive steps towards consistency across teams; effectively communicate objectives, expectations and accountabilities all with an eye towards helping as many animals as possible

• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness and quality of animal care and foster, volunteer, and adopter experiences; keep lines of communication open with staff to ensure responsiveness and productivity

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and adherence to  the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ “Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters”

• Collaborate with veterinary and animal behavior functions and leadership to ensure practices are integrated and aligned 

• Guide the department’s leadership teams in identifying, collecting, monitoring and interpreting important indicators that will inform sound decision-making as well as training and development plans

• Explore and develop opportunities to engage more deeply with the Columbus community to increase adoptions, foster homes, and on-site volunteers

• Perform other duties as assigned by SVP SRO

People Management and Staff Development

• Manage a team of +/-50 employees to succeed in their role by communicating clear expectations, providing opportunities for learning and development, and building positive and trusting relationships

• Work with partnering teams to oversee the management of a contingent workforce that supports CRC operations in Ohio and in temporary field shelters

• Support direct reports by holding regular effective feedback conversations, career conversations, annual performance evaluations, and ongoing check-in conversations with each team member on a cadence that’s appropriate for their role(s)

• Nurture a culture that is welcoming and respectful, where staff are engaged in learning and achieving individual and collective goals

• Collaborate with the SVPs of Operations, Veterinary Medicine, and Animal Behavior to maximize expertise across the organization by supporting the matrixed structure. Strengthen integrated decision-making by maintaining strong relationships with and fostering clear communication among ASPCA leaders.

• Foster unity across functions and bring staff together behind the goal of providing hands-on integrated care for at-risk animals while continually innovating to elevate the field 

• Provide training, supervision, modeling, coaching and ongoing guidance for direct reports and the teams they lead

• Support alignment of managers in the matrixed structure. Set an example of – as well as expectations for – exceptional collaboration through regular constructive and productive communication and team building. Build strong relationships across matrix, communicating regularly, and providing performance input on a quarterly basis at a minimum  

• Promote a strong, collaborative team culture and deep employee engagement; in partnership with the People Team and Learning & Development, provide guidance for teams as they develop and uphold their own team norms, aligned with the ASPCA’s core values  

• Strategically attend team meetings with direct reports and the teams they lead, supporting the agenda and ensuring a productive team discussion

• Mentor teams on subjects such as animal welfare, communication, customer service, leadership, and ASPCA policies and philosophy, to empower them to make good decisions in carrying out their work

• Lead with empathy to build systems, practices, and team norms that support staff resilience and well-being, particularly in the context of humane euthanasia and other emotionally challenging aspects of animal welfare work.

• Serve as a champion in times of change and work with SRO LT in identifying ways to improve policies and practices

• Establish systems for regular communication and celebration to support a positive work environment

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the program operations and day-to-day leadership of the CRC

• Continually assess and ensure that departmental policies and practices are aligned within and across ASPCA shelters, including animal pathway planning and outcome decisions; provide guidance to facilitate complex decision-making as needed

• Shape, propose, and oversee the CRC budgets under the guidance of the SVP SRO to ensure ongoing alignment with mission and goals; oversee execution of yearly plans, regularly monitoring progress towards key results

• Collaborate effectively with infrastructure teams such as: Media & Communications, Development, People, Legal, Real Estate & Facilities Operations, Finance, Information Technology; reaching decisions that support the best practices of all involved

• Provide staffing support for the National Field Response team for removals, as well as temporary field shelter set-up and demobilization, and for the Behavioral Sciences and Veterinary Forensic teams during exams and evaluations

• Collect and analyze data to identify key metrics, communicate persuasively with key stakeholders, translate into data-driven decision making and drive strategic goals that enhance service delivery, improve animal outcomes, and ensure financial stewardship

• Create and maintain communication systems, protocols and procedures that allow the CRC to use resources flexibly in response to ever-changing needs, dividing resources between the home-base facility in Ohio and temporary field shelters

• Provide comprehensive, ongoing support for staff members to build resilience and combat the stress often experienced by those working in animal welfare; model maintaining good work/life balance

• Testify as needed in criminal cases and provide evidentiary information to support LACR casework

• Work closely with the ASPCA’s Learning Lab and facilitate the critical work of this team by hosting groups of learners at the CRC facility

Qualifications:

• A solid understanding of – and affinity for – people management, change leadership, program development, process improvement and budget oversight

• Highly motivated self-starter who is able to provide strategic thought leadership and lead projects with limited guidance

• Ability to develop and sustain successful, productive relationships

• Strong track record of leading through change

• Skillful and diplomatic communicator, possessing confidence and composure required to effectively communicate with senior management and influence organizational thinking

• Can guide others in effectively navigating conflict resolution; demonstrates skill as a mediator

• Excellent supervisory and team development skills

• Excellent ability to teach and coach 

• Experience representing an organization through public speaking at conferences and other external forums.

• Strong analytical skills and fluency with data; ability to identify key metrics, communicate persuasively to key stakeholders, and translate into data-driven decision making

• Critical thinker, proven problem solver and generator of new ideas with strong sense of key business issues, opportunities and liabilities

• Ability to work well under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, make decisions quickly and juggle multiple priorities simultaneously

• Track record of managing/navigating wide-ranging projects and processes and completing them on time

• Strong sense of integrity and discretion; ability to handle sensitive information and issues while maintaining confidentiality

• Demonstrated understanding of animal shelters and sheltering, including the challenges they face, and trends in the animal welfare field

• Fluent in Excel, PowerPoint, Canva and able to readily create presentations and visuals

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies

• The ability to work closely with behaviorally and medically compromised animals and feel comfortable working in an environment where humane euthanasia is performed on a regular basis

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading a large team and overseeing a multifaceted program 

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing a substantial, complex budget

• Animal shelter and thorough animal welfare knowledge strongly preferred

• Experience working in an animal shelter supporting operations and administrative responsibilities preferred

• Project management experience preferred

• CAWA designation is a plus

• Experience serving in an oversight role during disaster response and/or in temporary field shelters is a plus

• Experience working with victims of animal cruelty (e.g., dogs from fighting cases, animals from hoarding situations) is a plus

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

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Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

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Pursuant to regulations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), we provide this notice to applicants about eligible employees’ protected leave for certain reasons. Click on the link to learn more.

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