Executive Director of Animal Services

ABOUT THE AGENCY

The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency (SASA) provides a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them. We protect, educate, and serve the public, developing programs to continuously improve the lives of people and animals within our community. The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established in 2009 and is made up of the cities of Modesto, Ceres, Patterson, Waterford, Hughson, and the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County. The Executive Director reports directly to the JPA Board

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an insightful and visionary leader with a service-focused mindset and strong supervisory and budget management skills. A commitment to cultivating a long-term organizational team culture focused on stability, collaboration, accountability, and trust is essential. As the Executive Director and subject matter expert in animal welfare, you will have a deep understanding of current animal service practices and regulatory requirements. As a proactive and hands-on contributor, you will be goal-driven and adept at implementing programs to advance the agency’s mission while forging strong partnerships with businesses, associations, and other stakeholders. In this role, you will lead by example with a positive presence, showing initiative, sound judgment, and a respectful, approachable demeanor. You will be an active problem solver who anticipates and responds to challenges, develops effective solutions, and swiftly resolves issues by engaging others when needed. 

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provide day-to-day leadership for employees through communication and demonstration of the organization’s Vision, Mission and Values

• Develop, recommend, and implement operating policies and procedures for the effective management of the agency

• Prepare and monitor the annual budget including expenditure control and revenue collection processes

• Oversee processes for recruitment, hiring, selection, evaluation, and discipline of employees

• Set and maintain standards for customer service including complaint resolution

• Speak before groups as required to educate the public regarding the animal service function

• Assess the animal care service needs of the community and report to the Board on the agency’s role and activities in fulfilling these needs

• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with Federal, State, and local agencies and private groups concerned or involved with animal related issues

•Represent the agency at various business or public gatherings and effectively advocate for SASA

• Develop and implement technology programs to improve the agency’s automation needs

• Draft, negotiate and administer animal control contracts with City Managers and legislative bodies