Director, Animal Sanctuary & Service Dog Training Programming

American Humane is seeking an experienced Director, Animal Sanctuary & Service Dog Training Programming. This position will be hybrid out of Palm City, FL.

American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.

We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives from our No Animals Were Harmed® program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary : The Director, Sanctuary & Military Affairs Programming will provide leadership and oversight to the facilities and programming related to American Humane’s Sanctuary and the Lois Pope Life Center for Military Affairs, including the organization’s Pups4Patriots program.

As the Sanctuary is being renovated and made ready for animal residents, the Director will be responsible for ensuring the vision for the property is being realized and will oversee contractor and vendor work.

As the leader of the Sanctuary, the Director is responsible for developing and maintaining good relationships with various donor and stakeholder groups and managing staff, vendors, operations and programming at the Sanctuary.

While overseeing the organization’s Military Affairs programming, the Director will provide support and supervision to program staff.

The Director will coordinate with the Program Manager, Military Affairs to travel as needed to supervise or participate in programmatic activities at various Pups4Patriots training sites and event locations and will be responsible for budget management and compliance.

The Director will be responsible for working collaboratively with program and organizational leadership to establish the Sanctuary as the flagship, residential location for the P4P program.

The Director is also responsible for working collaboratively with leadership to create a temporary or permanent home for rescued animals, managing the flow animals and ensuring their welfare and wellbeing as they enter, stay, and leave the property.

Over time, the Director will lead the development of a Humane education curriculum and volunteer program at the Sanctuary and will ensure trainings, events and other activities at the Sanctuary are well coordinated.

The Director is expected to travel locally to develop and maintain strong community relationships and educate the public on the Sanctuary’s purpose, work and educational / volunteer opportunities.

Responsibilities : Sanctuary (55%) : Maintain, grow and promote Sanctuary-based programming that reflects the AH mission and meets the needs of our community and supporters.

Ensure that the welfare of animals living on property is the top priority in all aspects of work and community engagement.

In collaboration with executive and program leadership, manage and coordinate the flow of animal residence into and out of the Sanctuary, ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal, state and local laws and regulations and best practice.

While the Sanctuary property and facilities are under construction, manage contractor and vendor work to ensure projects are being completed as agreed upon and in a timely and cost-effective manner, keeping leadership abreast of any changes or issues.

Responsible for Sanctuary stewardship and community outreach activities. Serve as a spokesperson for the Sanctuary, engaging with neighbors and local community groups to build good will and educate the community on what the Sanctuary is and what we are trying to accomplish.

Develop the flagship P4P training location at the American Humane Sanctuary. Over time, develop Humane education programming at the Sanctuary, including in-person educational opportunities for local groups to experience, from partners and funders to school children.

As Sanctuary programming becomes more established, work with the Sanctuary Care Manager and other staff to develop and implement a volunteer program to provide individuals or groups with opportunities to help support the care of animal residents or participate in our programmatic work.

Must work collaboratively with Executive leadership and the Development and Events teams to host donors and fundraising events at the Sanctuary as well as attend other P4P events in Palm Beach or elsewhere.

Create and maintain a safe and positive working environment, in line with American Humane’s Core Values, for all Sanctuary staff, volunteers and patrons.

Work collaboratively with AH program directors on related program activities happening at the Sanctuary to ensure work is being conducted in a manner consistent with programming in other locations, in particular the Pups4Patriots and Rescue programs.

Military Affairs (35%) Develop the flagship P4P training location at the American Humane Sanctuary in Palm City, FL. Working collaboratively with the Program Manager, provide direction and operational oversight for American Humane’s Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs and its programming across the country, reflecting the mission and values of American Humane.

Responsible for ensuring sound fiscal management of programs and for working in conjunction with the Development and Business Development departments to ensure revenue growth for the Center and its programs.

Accountable for working collaboratively with the Program Manager to provide quality assurance and efficient service delivery for the Pups4Patriots (P4P) service dog training program at all sites across the country.

Manage service dog trainers / agencies and mental health providers to deliver highly trained service dogs to qualified veterans / first responders.

Work with the Program Manager to identify recruitment opportunities to reach qualified veterans and first responders. Travel as needed to training locations for monitoring to ensure American Humane standards are being met throughout the training process.

Work with Events and Development to identify and provide P4P teams to act as ambassadors at donor and AH events. General (10%) : Work collaboratively and cross functionally with communications, marketing and development and the VP, Program Development, to ensure promotion of the program activities and deliverables for funders and other stakeholders are met, including : Provide stories, data and content for use on website, appeals, funding proposals, projects and general public information.

Assist with completion of donor and grant proposals, as well as providing deliverables, working collaboratively with the development team.

As coordinated by the legal department, draft Director’s Report for AH Board of Directors in advance of board meetings for both the Sanctuary and Military Affairs programming.

Work collaboratively with leadership to develop and track the annual program budgets. Manage day-to-day program revenues and expenses to ensure growth and sustainability, coordinate with CFO for budget forecasting, for both the Sanctuary and Military Affairs programming.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities : Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field preferred. 5+ years successful program and facilities management experience, with substantive experience working in or leading a service dog training program, animal sanctuary, animal shelter and / or similar type programming.

Substantive understanding of federal, state and local animal welfare laws with ability to ensure compliance requirements are being met.

Hands on experience working with a broad range of animals preferred. Experience working with veterans or service members a plus.

Possess the vision, drive and experience to advance the growth and development of the Sanctuary property and programming.

• Demonstrates commitment to animal welfare and the mission and work of American Humane. Excellent management skills and business acumen;
• nonprofit experience beneficial. Adept at balancing multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;

active listening. Program budget management experience. Strong public speaking and public relations skills. Conducts oneself with high level of professionalism and responsiveness.

Operates with a high level of discretion, maintaining confidentiality and using sound judgment. Adept at building collaborative relationships and demonstrating diplomacy.

Highly detail-oriented, able to operate in an environment with competing priorities and shift focus quickly and easily. Growth-oriented and dynamic, self-disciplined.

Demonstrated ability to provide effective and timely decisions. Proficient in MS Office Suite, including Teams Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;

able to quickly learn and adapt to new software or database systems. Direct reports : Sanctuary Care Manager Program Manager, Military Affairs Program Coordinator Independent Contractors providing service dog training services and mental health services nationwide.

Additional staff and volunteers as the Sanctuary and Pups4Patriots programs grow. Job Details : Title : Director, Animal Sanctuary and Service Dog Training Programming Type : Full-Time Location : On site in Palm City, FL Compensation : $90,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience Physical demands and work environment : Position will be based at the American Humane Sanctuary in Palm City, FL, no exceptions.

Flexibility for occasional remote telework may be possible based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion. Must be comfortable working around and with a range of animals, in particular dogs.

Exposure to potential animal hazards such as animal bites and zoonosis. Local and national travel required, local travel estimated up to 20%, national travel estimated 10-20%.

Some weekend and evening work required for events or operating needs. While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to : Sit for extended periods, Stand, bend, stoop, and kneel, Look at and work on a computer screen for extended periods, Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, video screen and in person.

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals.

Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values : Compassion Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.

Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.

Respect for All Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms. Loyalty to Mission Staying focused on our purpose and our mission our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.

Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.

Honesty, Integrity, Trust Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space. Powered by JazzHR