Director of Community Programs

KC Pet Project

Job Description

Position: Director of Community Programs
Department: Operations
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Category: Exempt; salaried
Supervises: Pet Support Operations Manager, Return to Home Coordinators, Keep Em’ Together Case Manager, and Community Programs Administrator.
Salary: $60,000-75,000
Schedule: 40+ hours per week, typically performed Tuesday-Saturday. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

This Director of Community Programs is responsible for the development and management of the community programs at KC Pet Project. This programming will encompass the Pet Support Center, call center, pet retention programs, and other related program expansion areas related to engaging community members and supporting pet owners. The ideal candidate would have a social services background and be forward-thinking, solution-oriented, and data-driven while embracing our “Solutions, Not Excuses” motto at KC Pet Project.
Duties and Daily Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement, and lead programs and pet owner support service expansion in alignment with KC Pet Project’s vision and our “Keep ‘Em Together, KC” initiative.
• Work extensively with the public to provide services and help as needed in an effort to keep pets in their homes.
• Increase community engagement, presence, and partnerships with outside organizations to serve pet owners and other community members.
• Conduct ongoing community outreach to pet owners in our communities to focus on the issues of spay/neuter and general pet wellness.
• Build relationships with other animal welfare organizations, community groups, community leaders, etc.
• Complete all data collection forms and ensure that data is entered accurately into the database.
• Plans and implements community events, collaborating with the volunteer department to recruit and train volunteers to support events and daily operations.
• Develop goals, objectives, and implement a Community Outreach Program.
• Maintain and promote cohesive working relationships between departments to ensure seamless integration of program efforts with other organizational activities, work with marketing and development staff on developing marketing, collateral and media opportunities.
• Provide leadership, accountability, and performance feedback for program staff.
• Manage hiring, training, performance management and disciplinary actions related to program staff.
• Provide regular coaching to staff in areas for improvement to elevate performance and support personal growth.
• Ensure staff follow safety guidelines and procedures and act as exceptional representatives of the organization to their clients.
• Assist in preparing the annual program budget, operate within budget, and collaborate with colleagues in effort to secure funding to support program activities.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned or needed.
Qualifications/Educational Background:
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a social service role or animal welfare outreach organization, including at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity. Experience should include leading customer or direct service-based programs with demonstrated success.
• Ability to work from Kansas City Campus for Animal Care, in the field, or at offsite locations as needed.
• Willingness to work around animals and activities related to their care –including medical and surgery-related activities, basic care, cat trapping, and more.
• Possess a level of comfort with, or a willingness to learn, basic animal handling and interaction with cats and dogs, in addition to other species, who have a variety of behavioral and/or medical needs.
• Experience working or volunteering in animal welfare or areas related to other social issues is required.
• Ability to approach conversations and interactions with staff, peers, and clients about sensitive topics in a calm and collected manner with the desire to find mutually beneficial resolution through collaboration.
• Must be a creative problem solver and have a curiosity for exploring data related to work activities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding and application of computer technology with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, database management and accounting software to efficiently accomplish work.
• Passion for the KC Pet Project’s mission, supporting pet owners, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter and community environment in a positive professional manner.
• Familiarity with Kansas City, MO or a willingness to spend time in the field learning about the community.
• Possession of valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Must be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
• Ability to provide conflict resolution in shelter and the field.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including, but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
• Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alterations available.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a full time job