CHIEF ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER

Transcription

1 Announces a Recruitment For CHIEF ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER For THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS The City of Austin is seeking a progressive, visionary, state-of-the-art Animal Services professional with a passion for the delivery of animal care and welfare services to lead its Animal Services programs and initiatives and to continue and expand on the City s nationally-recognized successful efforts to reduce animal intake and increase live outcomes. This Recruitment Brochure provides background information on the City of Austin and the Chief Animal Services Officer position. It specifically outlines the important qualifications for the next Chief Animal Services Officer. The brochure was prepared following personal interviews with the Assistant City Manager, current Chief Animal Services Officer, employees of the Animal Services Division, the Animal Advisory Commission, Human Resources Department, and representatives of stakeholder groups who either work closely with the City s animal services programs or are interested in the work of the Animal Services Officer. Importantly, this Brochure for the Chief Animal Services Officer position will be used as a guide in the recruitment process, providing specific criteria by which applications will be screened and individuals selected for final interview and appointment consideration. Please Note: Identities of recommended candidates and interviewees for this position are subject to public disclosure and release in accordance with applicable regulations, practices, and Texas Open Records Act. Heidi Voorhees, President GovHR USA/Voorhees Associates 650 Dundee Road, Suite 270 Northbrook, IL TEL: FAX: Formal applications should be submitted to:

2 City of Austin, Texas PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT CHIEF ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER The City of Austin, (pop. 885,400), a world class city located in the Texas Hill Country and known for its lakes, parks, music and high tech/college town vitality, is seeking a progressive leader with a passion for animal welfare to serve as its next Chief Animal Services Officer. Under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Chief Animal Services Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of animal services to the Austin/ Travis County community including animal shelter operations, animal control activities and outreach and collaborative initiatives with a wide variety of stakeholders. The Chief Animal Services Officer will direct the operations of the Austin Animal Center, which takes in approximately 16,000 animals each year and is the largest No Kill open admission municipal facility in the United States. The Center was completed in 2011 and is a $12 million, 41,000 square foot facility with 120 full-time employees and approximately 200 volunteers. The center has an annual operating budget of $10 million and a $5.4 million capital budget. The Chief Animal Services Officer must be a strong leader, able to combine vision, creativity, and innovation in the development of collaborative and progressive programs that will achieve the City s goals. Experience in a No Kill/live outcome environment is highly desirable along with demonstrable experience in reducing intake through increased adoptions and prevention efforts. In addition, the Chief Animal Services Officer must have successful experience partnering with non-profit and private organizations that share Austin s goals and can assist in the achievement of those goals. The Chief Officer must possess strong communication and presentation skills with a record of success in developing collaborative relationships with city leaders, community organizations, advisory boards, and employees. In addition, candidates must possess well-developed analytical skills with the ability to assess programs/operations and address issues with creativity and innovation. Candidates must possess a bachelor s degree in public health, business administration, public policy or related field plus five years of progressively responsible management experience. Master s degree can substitute for two years management experience. Residency is preferable but not required. Starting salary range is $120,000 - $130,000+/- DOQ with excellent benefits package. Apply by January 23, 2015 to Heidi J. Voorhees, President, GovHRUSA, 650 Dundee Road, Suite 270, Northbrook, IL Apply to: Tel: ABOUT AUSTIN Austin, Texas has a population of 865,000, making it the 11 th largest city in the country. This vibrant and dynamic city tops numerous lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country s most popular, high-profile green and culturally dynamic cities was selected as the Best City for the Next Decade (Kiplinger), the Top Creative Center in the US (Entrepreneur.com) and #1 on the On Numbers Economic Index as the

3 Chief Animal Services Officer fastest growing economy. Austin continues to lead the country with its vision of being the Most livable City in the country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula I and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas, to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability. Since 1900, Austin s population has doubled every 20 years. AUSTIN CITY GOVERNMENT The City of Austin is a progressive, dynamic, full-service municipal organization operating under the City- Manager form of government. In December 2014, the Austin City Council transitioned to a 10-1 structure. The Council was elected from 10 single member districts, with a new mayor elected at large. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for a maximum of six years or two consecutive terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the city. The City Manager has responsibilities for guiding and directing day-to-day operations as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers. The City Council and City Manager are committed to their mission of delivering the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner. The organization s vision is to make Austin the most livable city in the country and the City Manager s resolve is to be declared the best-managed city in the country. AUSTIN ARTS, CULTURE AND EDUCATION Austin s arts and entertainment scene combines the best of world-class events with the hearty, community spirit of do-it-yourself art. Austin has its own professional symphony, ballet and opera companies; dozens of theaters presenting impressive old favorites or ground-breaking new drama; dance companies, vocal ensembles, and orchestras producing events year-round. Art museums, galleries galore and beautiful gardens replete with sculptures ease and please the eye with so many enticing shapes and colors. Austin is hailed as the Live Music Capital of the World, with hundreds of venues offering music of all genres and tempos. By the time spring rolls around, Austin is awash in arts festivals incorporating music, food, the great outdoors or the great club scene, and all facets of ethnic diversity and the arts. Each fall, the City hosts the world famous Austin City Limits music festival. Austin offers something for everyone, boasting ethnic diversity, economic opportunity and a diverse range of neighborhoods within and around the city limits. Newcomers can locate housing options to match nearly every lifestyle and near

4 City of Austin, Texas every employment center in the Austin area. The City embraces and personifies cultural and ethnic diversity. Its residents speak over 20 languages and the City s neighborhoods echo the cultural richness of its residents where Hispanics, African-Americans, Europeans, Asian/Pacific Islanders and other ethnic groups blend in a truly cosmopolitan city. The City serves as host to a multitude of cultural celebrations and festivals that reflect the diversity of its residents. Austin s public school system is rated among the best in the state of Texas, with outstanding environments, faculty and curriculums for grades K-12. Higher education opportunities also abound in the area at such notable institutions as the University of Texas, St. Edwards University, and Texas State University. With the high value placed on education by citizens and local industry, it is no surprise that more than 35% of the City s population have college degrees. ANIMAL SERVICES PROGRAMS AND POLICIES The Chief Animal Services Officer has direct supervision over the 120 full-time employees at the recentlycompleted 40,000 square foot, $12 million animal services center. The Chief Animal Services Officer reports directly to an Assistant City Manager, reflecting the City s commitment to the delivery of animal care and welfare services. The annual budget is $10 million with a $5 million capital budget for this year. In March 2010, the Austin City Council adopted an Implementation Plan that was the result of a comprehensive review of the City s animal services programs. The Implementation Plan called for a reduction in the animal intake and the achievement of a live animal outcome goal of 90%. The City and its partners have made significant progress on the implementation plan with a reduction in animal intake from 23,000 animals each year to 16,000 animals this past year. In addition, the city has exceeded its goal for live outcomes with a current rate of 94%. Animals can be brought to the shelter 24 hours a day and no animal is turned away. The City performs animal services functions for Travis County as well through a unique and very important partnership, expanding the City s service area to nearly 2,000 square miles. The Animal Services Center staff is assisted in its efforts by a cadre of more than 200 dedicated volunteers who provide an additional 26,000 hours of volunteer service to the center each year. There are more than 85 different animal rescue organizations in the greater Austin area, many of whom partner with the Animal Services Center. There are 35 specific recommendations with detailed implementation plans and costs outlined. Some of the recommendations are listed below: 1. Revise the mission of animal services 2. Consider outsourcing adoption programs to partner organizations 3. Continue in house sterilizations achieved in the current pilot program 4. Consider outsourcing offsite adoptions to organizations with core competencies in this area

5 Chief Animal Services Officer 5. Fund an additional half-time veterinarian and a full-time veterinary technician 6. Fund a behaviorist position to create programs to assist sheltered animals with behavior issues 7. Implement an owner surrender program that would require pet owners to schedule an appointment to drop off a pet 8. Enhance the foster care program 9. Enhance the spay street program, a neighborhood intervention program which targets at-risk breeds 10. Provide sterilization services at rabies clinics 11. Provide sterilization services for owned cats 12. Maintain an emergency care fund to assist animals brought to the shelter because of lack of money for needed medical care 13. Develop a feral kitten foster program 14. Relocate stray cats back to the community from where they came after spaying or neutering them 15. Organize a volunteer public relations task force that focuses on promoting the shelter needs 16. Create a PARVO prevention program that will reduce the death of puppies 17. Provide euthanasia list to partner rescue groups 18. Revamp the animal services website A full list of recommendations, their implementation details and costs can be found on the City of Austin website. KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The next Chief Animal Services Officer can expect to work closely with the employees, partner organizations, stakeholder groups and the City s Executive Management team, on the following projects and initiatives: Continue the successful implementation of the recommendations and plan adopted by the Austin City Council in March The Chief Animal Services Officer must carefully utilize limited resources in order to achieve the goals outlined in the plan. In addition, Austin s policy of taking all animals provides additional challenges in moving beyond the current 94% live outcome rate. Enhancing and further developing best practices in the delivery of animal care and welfare services, drawing upon leaders in the industry and ensuring that process evaluation and process improvement are integral to the management practices at the shelter and in the animal care services. Continue to build upon the relationships with partner organizations to assist in achieving the goals of the City. Develop creative, innovative programs to expand adoption opportunities and raise awareness of animal care and welfare issues. Engage partner organizations and the community in a transparent manner that inspires trust and cooperation. Engage in internal strategic planning, involving employees and volunteers in developing and communicating improved processes that reflect the best practices in animal care and welfare services.

6 City of Austin, Texas THE POSITION OF CHIEF ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER The Austin City Manager has established the goal for Austin to be the best managed city in the country. The Chief Animal Services Officer is a high-profile position serving a broad range of external customers and stakeholders. The Chief Animal Services Officer is expected to make frequent presentations to elected officials, community and business groups, and other City Department leadership and staff. Presentations need to be well researched and documented, concise, and understandable to diverse audiences. The City has identified 14 Executive Competencies that outline ideal performance. These are as follows: 1. Boundaryless Perspective the ability to think globally. 2. Command Skills leadership abilities including the ability to take unpopular stands. 3. Conflict Management the ability to step up to conflict and see it as an opportunity to find common ground. 4. Customer Focused dedication to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. 5. Decision Quality the ability to make good, timely decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment. 6. Diversity and Inclusion foster a healthy workplace free of discriminatory practice. 7. Drive for Results can be counted on to exceed goals successfully. 8. Integrity and Trust seen as direct, truthful and widely trusted. 9. Managing Vision and Purpose communicate a compelling and inspired vision or sense of purpose. 10. Motivating Others creates a climate in which people want to do their best. 11. Political Savvy can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly. 12. Priority Setting spends his or her time and the time of others on what s important. 13. Problem Solving uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. 14. Strategic Agility sees ahead clearly, can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately. The starting salary is $120,000 - $130,000+/- DOQ. Starting salary and compensation is negotiable, depending on qualifications, experience, and record of professional achievement plus an attractive benefits and retirement package. Education and Experience In addition to the Executive Competencies listed earlier, the following factors of education, experience, and management style have been identified as ideal attributes for the Chief Animal Services Officer to possess in order to function effectively and achieve a high level of success in the position. Candidates must possess a bachelor s degree in public health, business administration, public policy or related field plus five years of progressively responsible management experience. A Master s degree can substitute for two years management experience. Candidates must have a passion for animal care and animal welfare services and a desire to champion the cause of animal care and welfare to ensure the best possible environment for all animals.

7 Chief Animal Services Officer Candidates must be a recognized leader in the field of animal services/animal welfare with a demonstrated record of achievement and expertise in animal services, adoption programs, resources, and laws including a track record of implementing and successfully managing programs that save animal lives. Candidates must have demonstrated successful experience in developing and nurturing relationships with partner organizations, rescue groups and other advocacy voices, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively toward common goals. Candidates must have a systematic approach to shelter management, employing best practices and providing an optimum and efficient flow of animals through the shelter system to ensure rapid live outcomes. Candidates must show creative problem solving skills with the will and desire to be a national leader in animal care and welfare issues. Candidates must possess strong presentation skills with the ability to convey the Animal Services vision, mission, and needs to elected officials, stakeholder groups, City staff and the media. Candidates must have experience in evaluating structure, staffing, and operations, with a desire to maintain and enhance a highly responsive, productive, high-morale staff and workforce. Candidates must have strong leadership and management experience with the ability and desire to engage employees and volunteers throughout the organization, drawing upon their skills and abilities to reach the center s goals and objectives. Candidates must be highly adaptable public administrators, who can openly accept and work effectively in a climate of interaction, calling for timely and impartial administrative responsiveness in a demanding environment. Candidates must be completely comfortable interacting with the media, with the ability to convey the City s message in an understandable and coherent manner. Management Style/Personal Traits Have a demonstrated record of honesty and integrity and a passion for public service in general and in animal welfare services, particularly. Possess an open style, dealing with all in a professional, fair, straightforward, and responsive manner; be a positive motivator of staff, encouraging high morale and a can-do attitude. Possess strong management skills with the ability to engage and empower staff, keeping them informed of policies and procedures and involving them in the development of new policies and procedures. Be an effective leader and problem solver who thrives in a fast paced and highly visible work environment and who can effectively manage conflict in a professional manner. Be a strong advocate for the Animal Services programs and goals, one who clearly represents the needs of the organization to the community.

8 City of Austin, Texas Model respect for all opinions, demonstrating a strong receptiveness to new ideas. When emotions run high on an issue, be a good listener capable of focusing on the issues instead of personalities. Be confident and courageous in the face of criticism and inspire confidence in others. Be willing to make tough decisions, understanding that a decision may not satisfy all parties involved. Be a patient, resilient, and visionary leader with the ability to focus on the big picture and to anticipate, rather than react to problems and opportunities. Be sincerely appreciative and trusting of the contributions of employees to the efforts of the department. Have a sense of humor, with the ability to be self effacing and self deprecating. Identity of applicants and interview finalists may be subject to public disclosure in accordance with Texas Open Records Act.