CDA-Animal Welfare Division Director (Program Management III).

Organizational Purpose

The purpose of the Division of Animal Welfare (DAW) is to advance the overall welfare of companion animals and livestock through the enforcement of animal welfare laws and regulations established by the Animal Protection Act and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. The division consists of the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) and Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) programs. The division’s mission is primarily regulatory in nature, conducting inspections and investigations into allegations of animal cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, and noncompliance with pet care facility requirements. The division initiates appropriate administrative and civil action when a violation can be substantiated. This division oversees the commissioning and training of qualified BAP agents and licenses and inspects businesses that fall under the authority of PACFA. This division serves as a resource for law enforcement agencies to address instances of criminal animal cruelty, mistreatment and neglect by coordinating investigations and providing veterinary expertise.

Major Objectives Of The Position

This position serves as the Director of the Division of Animal Welfare and provides the leadership, direction and oversight of the division programs and staff. This position ensures the successful enforcement of the animal welfare laws and regulations within the authority of the division programs and implements productive engagement with licensees, livestock producers, stakeholders and the public. Specific job duties of this position include managing the division operations and strategic planning, providing oversight on investigations and enforcement decisions, managing the division budget and personnel, and initiating outreach and communication efforts.

Daw Strategic Planning and Operations

• Responsible for the strategic direction and continuity of operations of the division; including strategic planning, implementation of new legislation, application of policies and procedures, and execution of administrative actions.
  • Implement a division strategic plan which includes priorities and measured goals that allows for program planning and resource allocation.
  • Track progress towards strategic goals and make adjustments to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Aid in the design and coordination of department-wide strategic planning.
  • Ensure program metrics are accurately tracked regarding licensing statistics, complaints received and disposition of completed investigations to analyze emerging trends and performance indicators.
  • Conduct a fiscal and impact analysis on proposed legislation and make recommendations to the Commissioner’s Office regarding the impact on the division and the public.
  • Oversee the implementation of new legislation to ensure compliance with deadlines and statutory requirements.
  • Implement statewide and department policies within the division and oversee the development and adoption of division policies, procedures, and training material.
  • All policies and procedures are effectively communicated to division staff and followed.
  • Identify and resolve inefficiencies or inconsistencies that impact the division's operations.
  • Review rules and ensure the rulemaking process is implemented transparently, incorporating stakeholder input.
  • Review and approve BAP agent applications and ensure the PACFA licensing is successfully administered.
  • Ensure program licensing and inception software programs are operational.
  • Ensure timely procurement of resources and services for division programs, including computers, vehicles, uniforms, PPE, trailers, and other equipment staff need to perform their duties.
  • Provide monthly reports and other communications to the Commissioner’s Office on division progress, emerging issues, and other important updates.
  • Contribute to department-wide decisions and initiatives as a member of the Sr. Management Team.

Oversight of Investigations and Enforcement Actions

• Provide the highest level of division oversight on investigations and enforcement actions, ensure investigations are accurately and thoroughly completed, and enforcement actions are appropriate and successful in addressing violations.
  • Ensure division staff have an accurate understanding of all laws, regulations, legal authority and enforcement actions with the program authorities.
  • Ensure legal actions or decisions are consistent and appropriate through consultation with legal counsel.
  • Maintain a consistent and efficient investigative process that includes complaint intake, case management, investigative procedures, report writing, review of investigative findings, and enforcement action.
  • Ensure investigations are accurate, objective, and completed in a timely manner.
  • Participate in the planning of complex investigations and support staff in the investigative process.
  • Ensure coordination and regular communication with the Commissioner’s Office, Division of Animal Health and Brand Inspection Division on investigations as necessary.
  • Review the findings of investigations that result in a significant enforcement action and either approve, reject, or modify any enforcement actions recommended by program managers.
  • Provide regular reports to the Commissioner’s office on investigative outcomes, including performance data and updates on investigations of egregious instances of animal mistreatment and neglect.

Outreach and Engagement

• Direct the division communication and outreach initiatives to ensure stakeholders are informed on matters related to the division's mission, statutory obligations, laws and regulations, and emerging issues related to animal welfare.
  • Represent the division at external meetings and events and deliver presentations.
  • Cook with the CDA communications director to disseminate important program updates and other key messages related to animal welfare.
  • Advance productive partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, animal welfare associations, agricultural associations, and veterinarians and animal shelters.
  • Ensure timely and responsive communication with the public, including compliance with open records requests, response to media inquiries, and responding to public inquiries.
  • Ensure educational efforts that proactively advance animal welfare are regularly implemented.
  • Maintain effective engagement with the PACFA Advisory Committee, BAP taskforce, and engage with stakeholders on various initiatives.

Supervision and Leadership

• Responsible for the supervision of program managers, as well as supporting all division staff to be successful in their positions. This includes establishing a positive team culture, providing resources and training, and leading initiatives that improve staff performance and development.
  • Establish an organizational structure to provide balanced and efficient workflows.
  • Hire all employees within the division or delegate the hiring process to program managers.
  • Develop performance plans of direct reports with established goals, provide honest and direct evaluations, and review and approve performance evaluations by second level managers of subordinate staff.
  • Succeed in resolving performance issues in a timely and constructive manner.
  • Provide direction and training to ensure staff is knowledgeable and competent in their job skills and duties.
  • Advance a positive culture that embodies the core values of the department and work-life balance.
  • Support the professional development of division staff.

Budget Management

• Responsible for ensuring programs have the necessary financial resources to cover personnel and operating expenditures, including the use of General Funds, Cash Funds, and grant funding.
  • Coordinate with the Commissioner’s Office in developing the division’s annual budget request.
  • Meet regularly with the chief financial officer and controller to monitor financial activity relative to budgets.
  • Manage revenues and expenses within the parameters of approved spending authority and institute appropriate measures to derive cost efficiencies, ensuring programs operate within budget.