Program Specialist (Shelter Operations Manager)

The Program Specialist manages the planning and administering of multiple teams, including Animal Care Technicians, Foster and Rescue Teams, and Volunteer Teams. The position’s responsibilities may include:

• Budgeting, planning and coordinating staffing, equipment, and facility needs.

• Developing and implementing high-level, long-range strategies for reducing shelter population, decreasing length of stay, and increasing outcomes in program areas through advanced subject-matter expertise, research, and consultation with other industry experts and animal welfare organizations.

• Designing and implementing disease outbreak prevention and response protocols in coordination with the shelter’s veterinarians based on shelter industry standards.

• Reviewing non-medical euthanasia decisions based on behavior, public safety risk, exhaustion of placement options, and other considerations.

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures related to teams and programs under purview.

The following knowledge, skills and experience is preferred in the ideal candidate:

• Possess a deep passion for animal wellbeing combined with strong leadership and management skills.

• Experience in shelter operations, with a thorough understanding of animal care protocols, facility maintenance, and safety regulations.

• Experience in managing animal shelters or similar environments, with hands-on knowledge of animal behavior, health care practices, and humane treatment.

• Excellent organization skills for overseeing complex daily operations, managing multiple programs (including the Animal Care Team, Volunteer Program and Rescue and Foster programs), and making informed decisions to enhance the wellbeing of animals in the shelter.

• Exceptional communication skills to interact professionally with staff, volunteers, and the public while promoting a positive image of Animal Care Services and advocating for the needs of the animals.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identify areas for improvement, implement best practices, and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and operational efficiency.

• Plans, coordinates, and administers, a project or program with department or Citywide impact; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of professional, technical and clerical staff.
   
• Confers with department heads, division managers, members of professional staff, and other officials concerning the administrative needs and requirements related to the program or project; represents the program in contacts with news media, business and civic organizations, other City departments, and various outside public and private agencies.
   
• Interprets new policies, procedures, and regulations, and develops new or amended programs or projects as need dictates, monitors program objectives to assure compliance with State and administrative regulations and program guidelines.
   
• Conducts studies and surveys, performs research and analysis and prepares recommendations for department management; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcomes; creates and implements program policies and procedures; develops guidelines, forms and related documents.
   
• Reviews grant opportunities; compiles and analyzes information for preparation of grants, contracts and agreements; negotiates terms; implements, monitors and prepares reports on conduct and performance of grants.
   
• Identifies program, project or system enhancements; selects and coordinates installation of new and revised programs and systems.
   
• Provides exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
   
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration and governmental finance, budgeting, and accounting.
   
• Procurement methods.
   
• Research techniques, methods and procedures.
   
• Methods and practices of modern office management.
   
• Principles and practices of program management and administration.
   
• Technical report writing.
   
• Methods of analysis.
   
• Principles and practices of supervision.

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
   
• Customer service, including dealing with people under stress, and problem solving.
   
• Use of computers, computer applications, and software.

• Effectively plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive program with a broad scope and high degree of complexity.
   
• Supervise and direct professional, technical, and clerical staff.
   
• Analyze fiscal problems and make sound policy and procedural recommendations.
   
• Make effective presentations to public officials, committees, and outside agencies.
   
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
   
• Prepare technical and analytic reports.
   
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
   
• Make program or project changes based on analysis of results, new legislation, or departmental changes.
   
• Meet multiple deadlines.

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential's evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.