Regional Animal Services Manager

JOB TITLE: Regional Animal Services Manager
AGENCY: Regional Animal Services of King County
LOCATION: Kent, WA (King County)
FILING DEADLINE: April 20, 2025
SALARY RANGE: $147,890.29 - $187,459.38

THE POSITION
The Manager of Regional Animal Services oversees the multifaceted animal services on a regional level which includes program and policy development, employee and volunteer management and support, negotiating agreements with contracting cities and organizations, forming alliances with stakeholders and the public, representing animal services to County and City public officials and outside organizations, and ensuring compliance with State and County laws.

This position has authority over all regional animal programs and services, including shelter, veterinary, field and enforcement operations and pet partnership/pet licensing promotional programs and is primarily responsible for developing, planning, implementing, overseeing, directing and evaluating regional animal services for unincorporated King County and contracting cities. Other responsibilities include managing inter-local service agreements, supervising managers and other staff, budget development and monitoring expenditures. This position also represents the County on high profile animal services and control issues.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
• Plan, direct, organize, implement, administer and evaluate the overall activities of the Regional Animal Services Program for King County and contracting jurisdictions.
• Negotiate and maintain inter-local agreements with other jurisdictions and organizations for providing regional animal services and control.
• Act as primary liaison for animal services and develop and maintain positive working relationships with public agencies and officials, as well as community and animal welfare groups and organizations.
• Plan and develop both short- and long-range visions for capital and operational programs, policies and resources; assist in implementation.
• Identify problem areas and develop resolutions and enhancements to operations; monitor, evaluate and recommend methods for improving the efficiency of animal services.
• Provide information and participate in union bargaining and mediation activities.
• Conduct fiscal analyses and prepare cost projections, including budget administration.
• Supervise, train, and motivate staff and assist with labor relations issues, evaluating and documenting work performance formally and informally.
• Oversee the development and implementation of regional animal control field and enforcement programs, goals, and objectives, including training for animal control staff.
• Oversee the promotion of responsible pet ownership through animal licensing programs and promote services and public relations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a seasoned animal services industry professional and leader with direct experience providing both shelter and field oversight, has led and excelled in developing foster programs, and has worked in a union environment. A background or knowledge of veterinary services is helpful. The next Regional Animal Services Manager should be a compassionate, empathetic, ‘people person’ with solid communication and interpersonal skills necessary to promote a team-oriented working environment and a culture of accountability, responsiveness, inclusion and trust. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, hands-on contributor who is goal and solutions-oriented, and is capable of program implementation through collaboration, building strong relationships with businesses, associations and other key partners.

The ideal candidate also has a proven background successfully leading animal services and programs, possesses a positive presence and demonstrates initiative, is action-oriented, exercises good judgment, treats others with respect, and is open and approachable. This individual should be an active problem solver who anticipate and responds to problems in a timely manner, develops alternative solutions, and is able to bring resolution to issues quickly, involving others as needed. The selected candidate will have strong customer and community relations skills along with political acumen and a thorough knowledge of the legislative process. Solid financial abilities are necessary to build and maintain fiscal sustainability.

Key Attributes and Characteristics
• An excellent communicator projecting high integrity and ethical conduct, who cultivates productive relationships with elected officials, partner agencies, community groups, the public and County and department staff.
• An experienced strategist: Able to make and stand by difficult decisions and articulate those to audiences of all levels.
• An outstanding manager of people who will provide guidance and professional support to staff, offers regular feedback to employees, and serves as a mentor in providing training, development opportunities, and succession planning.
• A compassionate and empathetic individual with an understanding and awareness of the emotionally challenging environment that animal services can be, and motivates and inspires collaboration, is willing to listen, and makes decisions based on feedback, the needs of the community, and is willing to articulate those in a respectful and professional manner.
• A strong project and people manager who fosters innovation and creativity while leading with diplomacy, inclusivity, and a positive attitude.
• A strong commitment to equity and social justice with the ability to apply these principles in leadership, decision-making and service delivery.

THE COMMUNITY
King County is a county located in Washington State. The population was 2.3M in the 2020 census, making it the most populous county in Washington, and the 12th-most populous in the United States. King County is one of three Washington counties that are included in the Seattle metropolitan area along with Snohomish County to the north and Pierce County to the south.

For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rev3-King-County-RASM.pdf

To be considered, please complete the application and submit your resume, cover letter and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/4867196/regional-animal-services-manager. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed.

For additional information, please contact:
Frank Rojas
(510) 495-0448
Frank_Rojas@ajg.com
Website: https://koffassociates.com/

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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