About the role
This is a unique opportunity to lead the RSPCA Cairns Animal Care Shelter, where you will be responsible for driving high-quality animal welfare outcomes through strategic planning, operational excellence, and meaningful community engagement. You'll lead a passionate team, foster strong relationships across departments and with external partners, and help grow the presence and impact of RSPCA in Far North Queensland.
• Champion animal welfare outcomes through strategic leadership and shelter operations.
• Develop and implement a localised strategic plan aligned with RSPCA Qld’s mission.
• Lead a high-performing team, ensuring best-practice animal care aligned with the RSPCA Five Domains model.
• Oversee staff and volunteer management including recruitment, training, and performance development.
• Coordinate and promote adoption, fostering, and paid services such as training classes and merchandise sales.
• Manage budgets, inventory, maintenance, and compliance in line with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and represent RSPCA Qld at community events, supporter days, and education sessions.
• Analyse trends, report on outcomes, and continually improve processes to meet strategic goals.
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and solutions-focused team culture as the organisation expands its regional footprint.
About you
You’re a natural leader with a passion for animal welfare and community engagement. You bring operational and people management expertise and are ready to take ownership of a vital regional hub. Your ability to build strong relationships, lead through change, and uphold high standards of care makes you an ideal fit for this role.
Your skills and qualifications may include:
• A bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field (preferred).
• A current driver’s licence (essential).
• Proven experience in team leadership and performance management.
• Strong understanding of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
• Knowledge of relevant animal welfare legislation and compliance requirements.
• Skilled in crisis management and WHS best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience in managing budgets, inventory, and reporting systems.
• Commitment to professional communication and collaborative teamwork.
• Customer service focus with the ability to engage positively with a wide range of stakeholders.
We welcome applicants with transferable skills from other industries who align with RSPCA’s mission and are eager to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare.
This role is a full-time, on-site position based at the Cairns Animal Care Centre. The successful candidate will be required to be present at the centre during all working hours to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure the well-being of the animals in our care.
Why Join Us?
• Work Your Way: Embrace a flexible working environment that adapts to your life.
• Comprehensive Support: Enjoy peace of mind with 8 weeks paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions! Plus, access to counselling and mental health services whenever you need.
• Perks Galore: From free on-site parking to exclusive staff discounts, novated leases, free pet vaccines, and 40% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! And yes, you can even welcome a new best friend with free animal adoption options.
• Grow with Us: Unlock your potential through expansive learning and development programs designed to elevate your career and skill set.
• Animal Interaction: Your days will be filled with countless opportunities to connect with the animals in our care—every moment here has a tail-wagging, heartwarming purpose.
• Purpose-Driven Impact: Join a mission-driven organisation where every task you embrace makes a real difference to the welfare of animals. Be a part of something that truly matters!
Interested?
Apply now, shortlisting may commence before the closing date, so apply today to be part of our mission!
Successful candidates will be subject to a Police Check. We conduct police checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and the animals in our care. Candidates may also be required to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
RSPCA Qld acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. RSPCA Qld is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
To discuss opportunities within the RSPCA Qld please contact the Recruitment team on [email protected].
RSPCA Queensland - Who are we?
At RSPCA Queensland, we’ve been the state’s leading animal welfare charity for nearly 140 years, dedicated to improving the lives of all animals—domestic, farmed, and native. Every year, we care for over 42,000 animals, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 96% of our lifesaving services.
We are also the only charity in Queensland with the power to enforce the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001) and investigate animal welfare concerns through our Inspectorate. Our team is on the front line to protect those who can’t speak for themselves.
Our mission? Together We Change Lives—and that includes yours. Join us and be a part of a team where every day is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of animals in need and improve animal welfare across Queensland.
