Director of Animal Services

The Position

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The Director of Oakland Animal Services is an at-will executive management position reporting to the City Administrator. This role leads the operations of an open-admission animal shelter and Animal Control Division, ensuring the humane treatment of animals and high-quality public services. The Director oversees all shelter activities, including intake, adoption, animal care, and lifesaving programs funded by Friends of Oakland Animal Services, which contributes over $1.2 million annually.
Key responsibilities include managing a diverse staff, including, but not limited to Animal Control Officers, Veterinary professionals, Animal Care Attendants, and Administrative Personnel. The Director is also responsible for the shelter's volunteer program, which has over 200 active volunteers, and oversees public-private partnerships that enhance service offerings beyond city-funded resources. They plan, organize, and direct shelter operations, develop policies and procedures, manage budgets, and work closely with community partners to promote animal welfare initiatives.

The Director designs and implements outreach efforts to engage the public in shelter activities and collaborates with external agencies and nonprofits to provide veterinary care, adoptions, and programs for specific animal populations such as cats, dogs, and small animals. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal regulations, overseeing animal control enforcement, and addressing concerns regarding animal welfare.

In times of emergency, the Director leads responses, coordinates with city departments (i.e., Police Department) and manages civil or criminal actions related to animal incidents. They also advocate for the shelter’s budget needs, working to secure additional funding to enhance programs and operations.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for Director of Oakland Animal Services will have experience across a broad range of animal welfare organizations, including government-funded and nonprofit sectors. Familiarity with model lifesaving programs and innovative approaches to animal welfare is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to implement best practices in shelter management. They should also have a strong track record of building and sustaining successful public/private partnerships, leveraging resources from organizations like Friends of Oakland Animal Services to enhance shelter services. This candidate will be adept at bridging the public and nonprofit sectors to expand programs and opportunities for animal care and community engagement.

Additionally, the Director must have a deep understanding of the core services provided by a municipal shelter, ensuring that Animal Control Officers and Veterinary staff are well-supported. Strong emotional intelligence is necessary, as the role involves navigating highly charged, emotional situations while keeping staff and volunteers motivated and resilient. Empathy for both the staff’s challenging work and the public’s concerns is crucial to building a responsive and compassionate shelter environment.

Moreover, the ideal candidate must be skilled in strategic planning, capable of making sound decisions with limited resources while still maintaining high standards of care. They should possess an ability to develop innovative solutions for expanding shelter services and ensuring financial sustainability through partnerships and fundraising. They will be an effective, empathetic communicator, able to build strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including the local community, city departments, and external animal welfare organizations.
Oakland Animal Services has seen a significant increase in dog intake, particularly large breeds, driven by the housing crisis and other economic factors, as well as a growing population of cats due to the shortage of spay/neuter resources. The ideal candidate must effectively manage these rising demands by developing innovative strategies to address overcrowding while maintaining high standards of care with limited resources.

To View the Full Recruitment Brochure Please Click Here

Minimum Requirements for Application

The following qualifications are guidelines, as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling positions in this classification.

Education : Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, animal husbandry, public administration or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred particularly in the field of business administration or veterinary sciences.

Experience : Seven to ten years of upper-level management experience providing services to the public is required. Direct experience in animal services and animal control is preferred.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining the background and experience that makes you the ideal candidate electronically through the city's online applicant portal.
Applications will be accepted through December 3, 2024. Resumes received by November 4, 2024, will receive first consideration.
The Process
The process for the Director position will begin with the screening of applications, resumes, and cover letters by the Human Resources Management Department. The most qualified candidates will be contacted to arrange a screening interview, which will determine who advances to the interview phase. Interviews will be conducted - likely with a panel of external stakeholders familiar with the position and with internal representatives. The most highly qualified candidate will be selected for this critical position and will serve at the pleasure of the City Administrator.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $176,742.00 - $265,112.88 annually. Benefits include generous medical insurance, life insurance, automobile allowance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, management leave, public sector retirement (CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 classic member; 2% @ 62 new PEPRA member), and voluntary deferred compensation. Click on the link for the city’s 2024 Benefits Matrix

To View the Full Recruitment Brochure Please Click Here

The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:

• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation

* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements

Closing Date/Time: 12/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Oakland

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