Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is a charitable initiative of the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation (WALF). The PetSpace represents the extension of Founder Wallis Annenberg’s philanthropic body of work dedicated to improving the wellbeing of people and communities with an additional direct focus and widespread support for animal welfare in Los Angeles, the surrounding regions and throughout the world.
Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community center which at its core is an interactive space for pet adoptions of animals brought in from overcrowded area shelters, some with the most extreme medical needs. Overall, Pet Space is equipped with a veterinary care facility, vaccines, and spay/neuter; dog training classes; pet adoption; and animal rehoming services.
PetSpace is also an education center, and a leadership institute. Overall, Annenberg PetSpace (PetSpace) focuses squarely on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and science of that relationship.
The Director of PetSpace serves as an effective, impactful and dynamic liaison between the staff and WALF board of directors ensuring that Annenberg PetSpace is advancing its core mission while providing exceptional organizational leadership. The director is expected to oversee day to day operations on site and model the values of the WALF and be a senior partner to the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation (WALF) leadership to accomplish Wallis Annenberg’s vision to address best practices in animal welfare and adoptions and foster a national platform for tackling issues of importance that relate to the well-being of a community and the significant role that pets play in human wellbeing through its Leadership Institute, animal care & adoption program.
The Director will provide exceptional organizational leadership and management to approximately 45 committed staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Responsible for strategic leadership and day to day oversight of all aspects of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace operations with direct report to the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation’s Chief Operations and Strategy Officer.
2. At the invitation of the VP of WALF Board, present at bi-annual meetings of the Board of Directors and some committees of the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation which could include the audit and investment committees.
3. Working with the WALF leadership team refine and execute strategic plans to deliver desired outcomes, realigning as necessary.
4. Create a positive collaborative working environment with WALF Leadership and Core Operations team members.
5. Oversee the development of a leading education program for local, regional, and national audiences.
OPERATIONS
1. Oversight of operations of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace including supervision of key staff, budget, partnerships, & programming, and of relevant facilities/infrastructure.
2. Work with WALF leadership & Director of Finance to develop annual operating budgets; monitor expenses & income, ensure accurate forecasting throughout the fiscal year, and take appropriate action to maintain the fiscal health & sustainability of PetSpace.
3. Adhere to a wide range of city, county, state, federal regulations that govern operations of community spaces such as PetSpace including oversight of veterinary activities.
4. Cultivate and nurture community support for Annenberg PetSpace including strategies for earned income.
5. Work in alignment with the WALF leadership to provide guidance to the marketing team on overall public relations strategies and messaging as they relate to PetSpace.
6. Develop and cultivate Annenberg PetSpace’s core values among staff and stakeholders; ensure that position statements are developed, and associated actions are integrated into daily operations.
7. Work with WALF facilities and infrastructure team to ensure best practices in all aspects of facility operations.
8. Oversee the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of Annenberg PetSpace programs and services.
9. Recruit and manage the Leadership Institute Fellows and help identify future areas for scholarly research on the human-animal bond.
10. Work with Medical and Animal Care teams to maintain a leading and innovative animal care program that meets and/or exceeds applicable regulatory requirements and professional standards.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
1. Be responsible for the development, implementation, and operation of the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership role in the field of Animal Welfare and Education -- including partnerships, convenings, and events.
2. Exert leadership and maintain an in-depth understanding of all aspects of current aging companion animal issues.
3. In concert with WALF leadership, serve as the “face” of PetSpace and represent Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in local, regional, and national meetings, advisory panels, committees, oversight bodies and professional organizations.
TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
1. Provide staff leadership and work with WALF Human Resources to recruit, hire, and mentor the PetSpace team. Provide oversight of staff development and promote professional growth opportunities.
2. Create a positive collaborative working environment with all PetSpace staff ensuring that outstanding customer service is delivered to all partners, guests and potential adopters.
3. Perform related duties as required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise paid, contracted, and PetSpace team staff to ensure the smooth operation of programs, services, events, and meetings.
Education, Skills, and Experience
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Bachelor’s degree, Advanced degree preferred.
2. 10+ years related experience in animal welfare, zoos/aquaria, shelter type facilities.
3. Must possess an unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
4. A demonstrated record of setting priorities and leading nonprofit organizations to success.
5. Proven business acumen and the ability to lead collaboratively in an environment that is highly visible.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Deep understanding of the mission/vision/goals of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace as approved by the board of directors.
2. Keen understanding of the changing dynamics of animal welfare and sheltering, familiarity with best practices, or has the capacity to develop needed acuity.
3. Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
4. Critical thinker who can quickly analyze complex issues and exercise sound judgment.
5. A goal-driven leader who maintains a high level of productivity and confidently motivates and mobilizes employees to meet high standards.
6. An empathetic leader who remains accessible to PetSpace members and the community.
7. An innovative problem solver and critical thinker with the ability to find solutions, resolve complaints, and thrive in a setting with significant programs, events, partnerships, and projects and public interactions.
8. A proven relationship-builder with excellent interpersonal and management skills.
9. Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
10. Culturally aware and mindful of cultural sensitivities among the community with the ability to build rapport with a diverse workforce, membership, guests, and partnerships in multicultural settings.
11. A commitment and connection to the mission of Annenberg PetSpace to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.
12. Computer-literate to include software proficiency among various applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).
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