Animal Shelter Director

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Works under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer to provide executive-level leadership and technical guidance to management, staff, and volunteers in the quality care of sheltered animals at the Memphis Animal Shelter (MAS) using well-defined policies with regard to kennel operations, treatment of animals, and standards for cleanliness, sanitation, adoption, and euthanasia. Ensures that an environment of public health and safety is maintained by providing an effective and efficient program of animal collection and impounding. Formulates and monitors the department operating and capital budget. Establishes and maintains performance measures to support the budget and attends meetings and hearings to provide supporting documentation. Administers community outreach and volunteer programs and promotions. Strives to fulfill the Memphis Animal Services Mission. Implements the strategic goals and objectives of the organization and provides leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s annual goals and objectives. Develops, documents, and maintains appropriate standards of procedure for all core functions of the organization. Establishes effective working relationships with Advisory Board members, managers, staff, volunteers, and vendors. Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external agencies, especially animal welfare organizations. Monitors animal welfare issues and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Networks with local, regional, and national animal shelters, animal welfare organizations, and rescue groups in establishing partnerships. Leads the development of community educational programming to promote public safety as it pertains to animal welfare, as well as responsible pet ownership and addressing pet overpopulation in Memphis. Manages MAS staff in collaboration with Human Resources and in accordance with established policies to include recruitment, hiring, orientation, performance management, maintenance of job descriptions, and the disciplinary and termination process, as well as organizational assessment and delivery of employee training needs to upgrade the level of technical knowledge including workplace health and safety and on-the-job injury. Determines the most effective deployment of staff and develops appropriate work schedules. Partners with the City of Memphis Communications Office in shaping protocol for all communications representing the MAS and maximizes public relations opportunities to enhance the image of MAS in the community. Represents MAS in public meetings held quarterly and delineates positions affecting MAS policy. Assures the organization’s mission, programs, and services are consistently presented with a strong, positive image. Cultivates and maintains sponsors for shelter events and promotions; and develops, implements, and oversees fundraising projects and participates in writing and in grant development. Manages the City’s and County’s dog licensing and renewal system in coordination with area veterinary clinics; coordinates the assignment, delivery/collection, and documentation of tag issuance; and monitors the monthly sales reports from the veterinary clinics to ensure compliance and accuracy.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing with staff, management, and other outside agencies. Requires the ability to operate general office equipment such as a personal computer and telephone.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work is performed in an office and animal shelter environment. Travels occasionally to make field visits/inspections and to meetings across the City.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, animal science, veterinary sciences, or a related field and ten (10) years of experience preferably with a government or non-profit agency to include managing humane euthanasia standards and practices; supervising and training ten or more staff including managers (for a minimum of 5 years); implementing personnel policies including health and safety practices and on-the-job injury program requirements; developing and writing policies; developing and adhering to an established budget; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Applicable experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. Must have demonstrated skills in the collection and the use of data for decision making and resource allocation; and demonstrated skills and applied knowledge in the allocation of animal sheltering resources in a municipal climate of high demand. Active involvement in related professional organizations desired. Must have some experience with vendor contract administration and public relations with demonstrated skills in animal advocacy activity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Specific knowledge of animal shelter operations issues and standards; city, state, and federal laws that affect the care, adoption, and treatment of shelter animals; government structure and processes, the various City, County State and Federal agencies that have jurisdiction over areas of animal welfare and public safety; and grant writing experience preferred. Ideal candidate will have good communication skills, both orally and in writing; success in leading a complex organization; ability to organize and motivate staff; ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities; initiative to work independently, set and accomplish goals and meet deadlines.

The City Charter requires that City Employees must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. The City Charter requires that City Employees, with the EXCEPTION of “first responders”, must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from their date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. As defined by Tennessee House Bill 105, "first responder means paid, full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel and dispatchers of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service departments."

The City of Memphis is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Office of Talent Management at talent.management@memphistn.gov.

Division: Executive

Additional Information

Compensation

• Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 125,000
• Pay Basis: Yearly