Join Us in Changing the Lives of Dogs Who Have Nowhere Else to Go

At Hugs For Harry, some dogs stay for a season. Others stay for life.

All are family.

Hugs For Harry was created for the dogs who are most often overlooked — the seniors, the fragile, and those who arrive carrying the weight of everything they’ve been through.

We believe rescue is not only about finding homes, but about creating a place where dogs can feel safe, understood, and cared for with patience and dignity. Some of the dogs who come to us will move on to loving families. Others will remain with us, having found their place here.

In either case, our commitment is the same: to offer each dog a calm, loving, thoughtful environment where they can rest, recover, and simply be.

Title: Director of Rescue Operations

Location: Lafayette, CA

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the full day-to-day operation of the rescue.

You will oversee dog care, lead staff, and ensure the environment remains calm, structured, and consistently maintained. This role requires both operational discipline and deep compassion.

You are accountable for the standard of care, the condition of the facility, and the overall experience of both dogs and people who enter the space.


Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily care, safety, and emotional wellbeing of all dogs in the rescue

• Lead and support animal care staff and volunteers, setting clear expectations and maintaining a calm, respectful, and structured environment

• Ensure each dog receives appropriate enrichment, exercise, and behavioral support tailored to their individual needs

• Monitor health, administer medications, and coordinate veterinary care with attention to detail and consistency

• Maintain a steady, predictable daily rhythm that supports emotional stability and reduces stress within the facility

• Take full ownership of the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the rescue, ensuring all spaces remain consistently spotless, sanitary, and welcoming

• Notice and address what needs attention immediately — stepping in without hesitation to uphold standards

• Oversee intake, decompression, and individualized care plans for each dog

• Support thoughtful adoption placements, including preparing dogs for meet-and-greets and guiding potential adopters

• Maintain clear, accurate records of each dog’s health, behavior, and progress

• Ensure all safety protocols are followed and upheld consistently by the team

• Take responsibility for the overall standard of the environment, ensuring it reflects the level of care and dignity we provide to the dogs

Compensation

This role is structured at approximately 35 hours per week at $23/hour to start.

As Hugs For Harry continues to grow, there is strong potential for expanded hours, increased compensation, and advancement into a senior leadership position.

To Apply

Please email your resume and a brief note about your experience working with dogs, along with references.

Final Note

If you’ve ever been the person who sat quietly with the dog no one else noticed, we would love to hear from you.

Email:

Alexandra@hugsforharry.org

Why This Role Matters

Some of the dogs who come to us will never leave.
They are older. Or deeply bonded. Or simply need a place where they can feel safe for the rest of their lives.
This role helps ensure that every dog in our care experiences dignity, calm, and kindness—every single day.