Director of Animal Care and Control ($90k to $110k)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A DIRECT HIRE POSITION AND WILLING TO RELOCATE

The Director of Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) is the senior leader of DACC, planning, organizing, managing, and supervising all aspects of the DACC. Under general supervision of the Associate Director, the Director of Animal Care &Control will ensure that field and shelter services are well-coordinated, effective, efficient, and in compliance with City of Detroit, State, and Federal regulations, as well as industry best practice. The Director will be responsible to ensure public safety, safe and humane sheltering, community education, and enforcement best practices are being implemented at all times. The Director will strategically plan for appropriate staffing to meet organizational and City goals, and ensure policies and procedures are in place and being followed.

The ability to coach people effectively to execute strategy and assignments in a timely fashion is required. The area of responsibility is wide, requiring competencies and knowledge of animal care and control best practices and various operational and administrative areas including Human Resources, Employee Relations, Budget and Finance, Information Technology, Facilities, enforcement of State statutes and City ordinances, and effective community engagement. The ideal candidate must be a proficient multi-tasker, possess exemplary leadership skills, be able to prioritize and redirect, and effectively lead in a diverse workplace. The ability to be quick thinking with outstanding problem solving and decision making skills is a must.

The Director must also have the ability to forecast and make recommendations to the Deputy Director and General Services Department senior leadership that will safeguard and augment DACC activities to secure long-term success. S/he must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with multiple stakeholders, including the Mayor's Office, City Council, other City of Detroit agencies, nonprofits, and external stakeholders. Experience in animal sheltering, animal control, and policy development is required.

Examples of Duties

The successful candidate must possess a professional demeanor, be outgoing and comfortable in a variety of social situations, including public relations, media events, community meetings and other events where s/he is representing DACC. Further, this individual also must have the following attributes:

• Operates with a high level of professionalism while instilling a high level of public confidence. Must be able to meet and deal with the public and public officials in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
• Experienced in facilitating a strong culture of openness, integrity, and employee engagement. Outstanding ability to work effectively in teams of diverse people and organizations.
• Gives people opportunities to grow and achieve. Promotes collaboration and teamwork. Champions new ideas. Trains and promotes from within where possible.
• Experience in building effective relationships with community leaders.
• Works in conjunction with key stakeholders in the implementation of comprehensive strategies.
• Proven track record in fundraising.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow through.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and prepare final reports to DHD Senior Leadership, Mayor's Office, City Council, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment while providing deliverables as assigned.
• Ability to adapt to change quickly with a positive outlook.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.

The successful candidate must possess a demonstrated knowledge of organizational and financial procedures for governmental agencies; a creative and dynamic approach to developing and nurturing community partnerships and fundraising opportunities; demonstrated skills in ensuring human resource excellence; and strong leadership abilities.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The preferred candidate will have experience in a senior level leadership position within an Animal Care & Control facility, including demonstrated experience working with organizational, political and community leaders, and front line staff.

JOB PREREQUISITES:
Must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis. Must have a Michigan driver's license and have access to a car throughout the workday.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
Completion of Emergency Preparedness training to include, but not limited to FEMA ISC 100, 200, 700 and 800 and others as required by department staff.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
The position will supervise the Veterinarian and others positions as defined by Associate Director and DHD Director.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Additional responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in related field is required.
• Five or more years' experience leading an animal care and control department of similar size and/or complexity is required.

EQUIVALENCY
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.