The mission of the King County Animal Services program is to ensure humane treatment of animals and to protect the health and safety of the public. Reporting to the Division Director of the King County Records and Licensing Services Division, the Superintendent of Animal Services will provide strategic leadership in achieving the organization’s mission and directing the day-to-day operations of the King County Animal Services program. The Superintendent of Animal Services manages the overall planning, implementing, directing and evaluating services and operations. This position has the authority over all shelter, veterinary, field and enforcement operations, as well as the Pet Partnership, Pet Licensing Promotion and Animal Cruelty Prevention programs in the Animal Services and Programs Section while working effectively with the public, animal welfare groups, community groups, and city and county officials.
Job Duties:
Manage animal services in the County’s shelters including promoting animal adoptions, promoting spay/neuter programs to reduce pet over-population, and promoting positive animal handling and sheltering, and decreasing euthanasia.
Plan, develop and implement animal control field and enforcement programs, goals, and objectives and training for animal control staff.
Plan, develop, and administer the program’s operating budget ensuring that budget expenditures are within established guidelines.
Overseeing the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects, including individual, corporate, and/or foundation donors.
Promote community responsible pet ownership through animal licensing programs; promote services and public relations through citizen and professional organizations.
Represent division services to other jurisdictions and governments and oversee negotiation and administration of interlocal, interagency or other formal agreements.
Represent the County at hearings and public meetings on issues and problems related to all intergovernmental issues regarding animal welfare, sheltering policies and procedures, and other assigned functions.
Review and initiate King County and Washington State legislative changes affecting assigned functions; interpret applicable state laws, regulations and procedures for assigned functions.
Coordinate and respond to complex complaints concerning service delivery, including animal impounds and policies. Mediate and handle complaints and inquiries from citizens.
Plan, develop, justify and administer the section’s operating budget.
Oversee animal control fleet operations and maintenance.
Manage, direct and supervise the work of assigned staff.
Act as senior Public Information Officer for high profile Animal Control issues and other related animal services and programs.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:
We seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to the King County Executive and Council’s proposed mission, vision, principals and goals for reforming animal services. Candidates will have the ability to influence culture change, experienced in operating in an environment where there are high expectations of accountability, transparency and adherence to performance measurements and demonstrate an ability to meet high standards, demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities to manage a diverse body of employees in an environment that is dynamic and under a great deal of public scrutiny; and amenable to the idea that the program is currently evolving and will continue to evolve significantly in the next few years.
A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or other field related to the requirements of this position and five (5) years of management experience in a regulatory agency including experience dealing with human resource issues and resolving conflicts (or) an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates professional knowledge in the requirements listed below:
Demonstrated management experience: planning, assigning, scheduling and supervising the work activities of multiple professional and customer service support staff, including conducting performance appraisals; coaching and mentoring subordinates; recommending disciplinary actions; selecting new employees; planning for organizational changes; leading an effective high performance teams; and providing quality assurance.
Demonstrate effective, current management techniques and principles, including human resources management, labor relations, policy / program development and fiscal management.
Demonstrated leadership in linking performance management processes to effective realization of operational work plans for the work units.
Demonstrated success in driving measurable changes.
Knowledge of current trends in corporate and charitable giving, particularly in the areas of sponsorships, major gifts and planned giving.
Proven ability to develop work plans and performance measures, and analyze financial and performance data and develop recommendations.
Develop, analyze, advocate, implement and monitor policies and regulations to achieve the County’s mission.
Demonstrated experience preparing analytical reports addressing multiple and varied issues that may include: Annual and/or quarterly reports, special investigative or research reports, program evaluations, new program proposals, etc.
Demonstrated experience clearly communicating expectations/assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including complex policy and/or technical information, to audiences including line staff, management, elected officials, citizens, the media, the business community, and other jurisdictions.
Proven successful experience working with various organizations, public officials, and citizens to resolve complex issues. Must have awareness of and understand the possible need to balance decisions and actions in a political environment.
Proven success in business and systems development, implementation and maintenance.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer and database programs.
Ability to link the importance of inclusion initiatives to a strong business line operation.
Ability to work in a collaborative manner as a team member both internally and externally with staff, service providers, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships.
Knowledge of human resources principles and practices in selecting, managing, disciplining, providing performance feedback, coaching and motivating employees, and managing under multiple labor agreements.
Ability to balance assertiveness and diplomacy as well as strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to manage time, priorities and resources to accomplish multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Desirable Qualifications:
Additional consideration given to applicants who have:
Working knowledge of Washington State and king County regulations regarding division services including animal welfare functions.
Direct experience managing an animal control agency and/or animal shelter.
Knowledge of applicable ordinances for cities that contract for services.
Certified Animal Welfare Administrator
Successful experience in sponsorship development, major or planned gift fundraising preferred in excess of $1 million annually.
Salary:
$81, 895 - $103, 806 (annually)
To apply, go to http://www.metrokc.gov/ohrm/jobs/
