The client is seeking a transformational, strategic and hands-on executive to serve as Director of Animal Care Services, with responsibility for rebuilding trust, modernizing operations, and leading meaningful animal welfare improvements. This role leads a complex animal care operation and implements a comprehensive, community-driven improvement roadmap focused on humane animal care and organizational turnaround.
Working with executive leadership, the Director provides overall strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the department. Key responsibilities include directing enforcement operations, shelter and adoption programs, veterinary services, and public outreach, while ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The Director is expected to balance compassionate animal care with firm enforcement and public safety responsibilities.
The ideal candidate is an experienced animal welfare executive who has led complex organizations through change, demonstrating both strategic leadership and practical involvement in day-to-day operations. Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field; eight years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal or public sector animal shelter and field operations environment; five years of executive management experience; and a valid driver’s license (with an expectation to obtain the required class within a defined timeframe). Preferred qualifications include experience leading organizational reform or operational assessments, as well as a master’s degree or specialized animal welfare certifications.