Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Clare Southgate

Cochrane,AB

Summary

Outgoing, confident, and friendly individual with exceptional interpersonal skills. Thrives in high-pressure environments and possesses a strong drive, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine eagerness to learn and embrace challenges. Demonstrated a track record of taking on roles of increasing responsibility, earning recognition for leadership abilities, effective communication, and mentoring expertise. Honored as the Leader of the Year at the Calgary Humane Society in 2016 for outstanding contributions.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Contract Dog Obedience Trainer

Calgary Humane Society
02.2025 - Current

Conducting training classes and private behaviour consultations.

Programs Manager

Cochrane and Area Humane Society
08.2024 - 01.2025
  • Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.

Branch Manager - Community Animal Centre -

BCSPCA (Term Position)
06.2023 - 08.2024
  • Responsible for implementing the BC SPCA’s strategic directions at a local level
  • Developed a high-performing team through targeted recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
  • Elevated staff morale and productivity by introducing system of rewards and recognition for outstanding performance.
  • Spearheaded community outreach programs, reinforcing branch's commitment to social responsibility and building community ties.
  • Continuously monitored branch performance against key performance indicators, taking corrective actions as needed to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
  • Oversaw daily operations for streamlined efficiency, ensuring timely execution of tasks and optimal resource allocation.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through appraisals and feedback sessions to facilitate continuous development of skills and knowledge base within the team.
  • Managed branch financials including budgeting, and expense tracking for accurate reporting and decision-making support.
  • Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by enhancing service quality and resolving client issues promptly.
  • Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
  • Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization''s goals.
  • Established strong relationships with local organizations, fostering collaboration and expanding volunteer opportunities.
  • Managed and tracked volunteer hours and progress to support accurate documentation.

Foster and Community Support Coordinator

Cochrane And Area Humane Society
01.2022 - 06.2023
  • Responsible for the management and daily operations for all aspects of the foster care program
  • Responsible for coordinating animal intake
  • Contributing to the annual strategic work plan, in line with the vision and direction of the society
  • Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
  • Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs related to animals.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.

Animal Behaviour Counsellor

Cochrane and Area Humane Society
12.2019 - 01.2022
  • Performed daily behaviour modification work on dogs requiring further work before adoption
  • Conducted adoption meets for dogs with behaviour challenges
  • Offered training to volunteers on aspects of canine behaviour
  • Maintain a database of behaviour modifications for dogs in our care

Animal Care Specialist

Cochrane And Area Humane Society
12.2019 - 09.2020
  • Providing daily care for an animals in the shelter (Feline, Canine, Small Animals)
  • Administering daily medications and treatments for animals in our care
  • Working diligently within hygiene and quarantine protocols when caring for all animals in the shelter

Team Lead of Behaviour

Calgary Humane Society
08.2017 - 11.2018
  • Provided media "animal of the week" interviews
  • Responsible for the behaviour team budget and ensuring responsible spending throughout the year
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
  • Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
  • Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
  • Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
  • Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
  • Managed schedules, accepted time off requests and found coverage for short shifts.

Team Lead of Adoptions

Calgary Humane Society
07.2016 - 08.2017
  • Responsible for leading and managing the adoptions team at the Calgary Humane Society
  • Responsible for staff development, scheduling, training and leadership focus in addition to supporting senior management in the implementation of new initiatives
  • Responsible for overseeing and managing the remote adoptions program
  • Responsible for implementing and managing adoption events
  • Produced monthly statistics and end of year reports
  • Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.

Senior Classroom Instructor

Phoenix Education Foundation
04.2014 - 07.2016
  • Responsible for designing and implementing an outreach education program for homeschool students
  • Responsible for organising volunteers for projects within the school and beyond
  • Facilitated fund raising events at the school to raise money for environmental causes both in the province and across the world
  • Managed classroom environment conducive for learning to meet maturity level and interest of students.
  • Facilitated learning through imagination, sensory activities and age-appropriate activities focusing on growth and development.

Customer Convenience Manager

IKEA
04.2013 - 04.2014
  • 15 direct reports
  • Conducted annual reviews, hiring and terminations for all staff under my care
  • Personally responsible for: ensuring a high level of customer service and convenience to all IKEA visitors, resolving customer issues, staff development and engagement, and proactive customer service

Sales Co-Worker

IKEA
05.2011 - 04.2013
  • I worked on the sales floor, assisting customers, ensuring stock was clean and filled, providing a high level of customer service
  • During this period of employment at IKEA I was seconded to work in communications and interior design
  • I was in charge of managing and delivering the project of rebuilding the children’s and family department of the IKEA store
  • This project required management of 15 staff, and a specific timeline requiring the juggling of multiple priorities
  • The project was completed on time and lasted 8 weeks

Education

High School Diploma -

Sheredes School
Hoddeston, Hertfordshire, UK

Access To Higher Education Certificate - General Studies

Hertford Regional College
Ware, Hertfordshire, UK

Skills

  • Strategic Decision Making
  • Experienced with Office 365 Applications
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Program development
  • Customer service

  • Staff management
  • Budget management
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Process improvement
  • Volunteer management

Accomplishments

  • Leader of the Year, Calgary Humane Society, 2016
  • Employee of the Month, Calgary Humane Society, 03/01/17
  • Learning and Leading Through Change, IKEA, 2013
  • Mental Health First Aid for people working with youth, 2015
  • Level C CPR, 10/01/18
  • Peer Supporter, BC SPCA, 2023-2024
  • Communication mentor, BC SPCA, 2023-2024

Timeline

Contract Dog Obedience Trainer

Calgary Humane Society
02.2025 - Current

Programs Manager

Cochrane and Area Humane Society
08.2024 - 01.2025

Branch Manager - Community Animal Centre -

BCSPCA (Term Position)
06.2023 - 08.2024

Foster and Community Support Coordinator

Cochrane And Area Humane Society
01.2022 - 06.2023

Animal Behaviour Counsellor

Cochrane and Area Humane Society
12.2019 - 01.2022

Animal Care Specialist

Cochrane And Area Humane Society
12.2019 - 09.2020

Team Lead of Behaviour

Calgary Humane Society
08.2017 - 11.2018

Team Lead of Adoptions

Calgary Humane Society
07.2016 - 08.2017

Senior Classroom Instructor

Phoenix Education Foundation
04.2014 - 07.2016

Customer Convenience Manager

IKEA
04.2013 - 04.2014

Sales Co-Worker

IKEA
05.2011 - 04.2013

High School Diploma -

Sheredes School

Access To Higher Education Certificate - General Studies

Hertford Regional College
Clare Southgate