Manager, Best Friends Advisory Consultant- LAAS

Location: Los Angeles, CA region - LAAS shelter system

About the role

This is a leadership and management position within Best Friends Animal Society where the Manager, Best Friends Advisory Consultant - LAAS (ME) works within Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) as a consultant to advise prioritized, lifesaving efforts. The ME is responsible, in collaboration with the Senior Manager, Best Friends Advisory Consultant - LAAS and onsite leadership team, for advising the general management of a partner organization's training and implementation of the 3-year LAAS, Best Friends, and ASPCA plan. The role focuses on creating systemic change and achieving safety, efficiency, and lifesaving impact for LAAS shelter workers and animals.

Emphasis will be on implementing and training core shelter proven practices based on the 3-year plan across the six local LAAS shelter locations. The consultant will also assist in creating awareness and buy-in within LAAS staff, volunteers, and broader stakeholders. This position spends 95% of the time working at one or more of the six LAAS shelter locations (can vary daily) with 5% remote or reporting to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles. The ME manages the day-to-day work and integration of Best Friends' additional advisory consultants, volunteers, and mentors working at LAAS locations.

Responsibilities

• Work onsite at all six LAAS shelters for approximately 3 years in a leadership position, collaborating with LAAS to create systemic change and achieve project goals.
• Direct consultation of shelter and field lifesaving operations; plan, implement, facilitate, engage, monitor, and evaluate lifesaving programming.
• Continuously evaluate and monitor all lifesaving programs for proven strategies and continuing education to attain organizational goals and achieve no-kill by the scheduled deadline.
• Implement and communicate the operations plan with specific metrics and goals for Best Friends and LAAS.
• Act on written recommendations to address gaps and collaborate with external partners to achieve no-kill in the community.
• Work within the operations budget and LAAS budget to facilitate resources appropriately to achieve goals within LAAS constraints.
• Identify areas where additional support is needed and coordinate with Best Friends staff to ensure success and sustainability of the project.
• Manage communication within the assigned agency and with stakeholders to ensure regular updates and training for staff and volunteers.
• Assist in creating, updating, and implementing standard operating procedures in compliance with laws and ordinances for all LAAS locations, including performance management oversight for Best Friends staff and volunteers.
• Manage communications within Best Friends, ensuring progress and challenges are shared and lifesaving goals are tracked.
• Work with the Senior Manager to extend updates to other communities and LAAS stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for content (stories, videos, pictures, testimonials) and marketing to showcase progress on local and national platforms.
• Oversee data collection for key performance indicators (KPIs) and shelter programs, including shelter and field stats, and update HERO and KPIs accordingly.
• Build relationships in the LAAS and broader LA community to improve awareness, grow partnerships, and increase brand exposure for Best Friends.
• Establish and track key quantitative and qualitative success metrics, ensuring alignment with mission impact and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with LAAS teams and volunteers to implement strategic direction for the LA project.
• Advance the measurement and collaborative progress of identified tasks and services in the LAAS plan.
• Elevate programming stories and achievements for promotion and increased industry credibility.
• Provide feedback and tactical guidance to maximize value toward Best Friends' LAAS shared plan and goals.
• Stay abreast of external changes in animal welfare and community support systems.
• Build key relationships with LAAS stakeholders, community partners, city officials, and other key stakeholders to increase strategic partnerships.
• Generate ideas and content topics on animal welfare industry-related thought leadership for Best Friends leadership and board communication channels.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of manager-level or higher shelter leadership and management experience, including overseeing large-scale shelter operations and staffing, preferably in municipal shelter operations across multiple locations.
• Familiarity and knowledge of the Los Angeles Animal Services system.
• Experience utilizing statistical information to inform programming and operational success, including change management strategies.
• Proven attention to detail with advanced organizational and time management skills.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to act decisively in difficult and fast-paced situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team-oriented, upbeat, energetic, tactful, and diplomatic.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Experience supporting, engaging with, and developing relationships with volunteers and donors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software and Asana, or willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Work at a computer for extended periods with repetitive typing, arm, and hand motion.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Bend, stoop, reach, climb, twist, crawl, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a shelter environment with cats and dogs, including organizations that are not yet no-kill.
• Exposure to and ability to safely and humanely engage with dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
• Ability to drive transports with animals.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to be covered by Best Friends’ vehicle insurance.
• Ability and means to regularly travel to various locations on a flexible schedule.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.

Pay

This position’s hiring range is $90,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, plus benefits, an annual premium, and a monthly cell phone stipend. Relocation assistance may be available.

Schedule

This is a limited-duration position lasting no more than 3 years from the start date.

Benefits

• Great benefits package.
• Annual premium.
• Monthly cell phone stipend.
• Relocation assistance (if available).