Program Specialist; Shelter Operations Manager

Position: Program Specialist (Shelter Operations Manager)
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

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.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

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.

Under general direction the Program Specialist plans, directs, and supervises all of the activities of a major department or Citywide program or project with moderate visibility and impact; conducts studies and makes recommendations; monitors program compliance; represents the department in contacts with media, internal and external agencies, and organizations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This advanced journey level class in the professional series is populated with multiple incumbents. The Program Specialist is distinguished from the next lower class of Program Analyst in that the Program Specialist manages multiple programs or moderately visible programs with greater department or Citywide impact. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Program Manager in that the Manager is responsible for administration and management of programs and projects with high visibility and substantial Citywide impact.

This class is distinguished from the class of Administrative Officer in that the latter is responsible for all internal administrative functions for a department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by a department or division head. Some assignments require responsibility for direct or indirect supervision of lower level professional, technical, and clerical personnel. Some positions function as internal consultants and require coordination among multiple divisions in a department.

* 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…