Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Primary Purpose

The Vice President of Operations is a senior executive and key strategic partner to the President & CEO, responsible for the leadership, infrastructure, and performance of Hawaiian Humane Society's operations division across the Mōʻiliʻili and Kosasa Family Campuses. This role drives operational excellence across 11 departments, ensuring that people systems, service delivery, and organizational processes are aligned with Hawaiian Humane's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. The VP of Operations exercises independent judgment and serves as the senior decision-making authority for the division, leading a high-performing team of operational leaders, stewarding organizational culture, and maintaining a visible and accountable executive presence across both campuses.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership team, operating with independence in translating organizational strategy into operational execution.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of operational strategies, programs, and initiatives that advance Hawaiian Humane's mission and strategic plan.
• Develop and monitor division-wide goals, KPIs, and performance metrics; use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Lead or support change management efforts, including organizational restructuring, program development, and cross-departmental initiatives.

Operations & Facilities Management

• Provide executive oversight of daily operations across both campuses, ensuring consistent service delivery, animal care standards, and a welcoming experience for staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ensure adherence to all animal welfare, sanitation, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements, including HIOSH and OSHA standards.
• Oversee facilities maintenance, capital planning, emergency preparedness and response for both campuses.
• Identify and implement scalable operational processes and systems that support organizational growth and efficiency and meet animal welfare-leading practices.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a senior team of directors and managers, fostering accountability, professional growth, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Exercise independent decision-making authority across hiring, performance management, organizational structure, and division-wide policy.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, and organizational culture initiatives.
• Model and reinforce organizational values and leadership standards across the organization.

Financial Stewardship

• Collaborate with the CEO and finance team on division budget development, monitoring, and variance management.
• Support and facilitate leaders in budget development and align strategic planning.
• Identify opportunities to optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, and improve operational ROI.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a senior organizational representative in community partnerships, vendor relationships, media opportunities, donors, and public engagement.
• Collaborate with the CEO, VP of Community Engagement, and Finance team in support of our animal services contract and cultivation of our relationship with the City & County of Honolulu
• Supporting Board engagement, relationships, reporting, and presentations.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 3 years at the director level or above.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site operations and large, diverse teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Background in nonprofit, animal welfare, human services, or a similarly mission-driven sector preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Proven executive leadership and strategic planning capabilities, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, oversight, and performance reporting.
• Expertise in operational infrastructure, policy development, risk management, and facilities operations.
• Skilled in change management, organizational development, and leading teams through growth and transformation.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills; ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and a high degree of autonomy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and operational management systems.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.