Manager, Companion Animal Welfare & Policy

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:

POSITION:                 Manager, Companion Animal Welfare & Policy

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-Time

SHIFT:                        35 hours per week

LOCATION:                Provincial Office, in Vancouver, BC - Hybrid

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt           

WAGE:                        Salaried                                                          

CLOSING DATE:       October 15, 2024

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices.  Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website.  We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles. 

The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference! Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.

About the Position:

The Manager, Companion Animal Welfare & Policy (MCAWP) will engage in planning, implementation and evaluation of companion animal welfare science and policy, advocacy and prevention-oriented initiatives in conjunction with the Society’s mission and vision and consistent with the organization’s strategic plan. This includes contributing to the creation and implementation of a strategic operational plan for companion animal welfare and policy and fulfilment of key performance indicators for success in improving companion animal welfare across B.C.

Some specific duties:

Leadership & Administration (20%):

• Provides evidence-based strategic direction and implements companion animal welfare and policy initiatives for the Society, ensuring an atmosphere of regular and open communication with senior management, centre managers and staff/volunteers
• Develops annual strategic and operational goals and objectives that are consistent and flow from the strategic plan
• Manages and leads assigned direct reports including: recruitment/selection, onboarding/training, performance management and discipline/discharge
• Participates in budget planning for the companion animal welfare program, oversees and manages the assigned annual budget, reviews expenses, and maintains financial records

Companion Animal Welfare (30%):

• Conducts research and prepares evidence-based briefings and reports that inform the BC SPCA’s approach to non-shelter companion animal welfare policy
• Supports Science & Policy initiatives with the UBC Animal Welfare Program Chair in Companion Animals
• Monitors current and emerging trends in public policy relevant to animal welfare and prepares recommendations on behalf of the Society
• Supports the development of relevant program materials and associated training
• Participates as Science & Policy staff to oversee the research, development, and delivery of companion advocacy campaigns

Communications, Engagement & Liaison Work (30%):

• Serves as a liaison and resource to the community animal centres and between Provincial Office departments to inform and guide organizational advocacy initiatives
• Oversees, in conjunction with relevant departments, the development of web and print public awareness materials on animal welfare issues and advocacy campaigns

• Coordinates with Revenue Development and Communications departments in implementation of companion animal advocacy campaigns and Actions Alerts as needed

• Supports Government Relations in relationship-building with elected officials, animal welfare organizations, the veterinary community, animal industries and other sectors as needed
• Develops positive media relations and contacts for provincial companion animal welfare and policy issues
• Acts as a spokesperson and subject matter expert to the public through the media as it relates to area of responsibility
• Represents the BC SPCA at conferences, workshops, government stakeholder consultations and other stakeholder engagement and community events
• Speaks at internal and external events, and training sessions as appropriate

General and Committee-Based Work (20%):

• Serves on AnimalKind Dog Training Review Panel
• Serves on the BC SPCA Animal Welfare Committee and Research Subcommittee, ensuring policies and procedures are regularly updated and revised based on the latest scientific evidence; acts as liaison for researchers conducting companion animal-related research
• Participates on other internal and external committees as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications you need to have:

• Post-secondary education with relevant coursework in either animal welfare science, biology, natural or veterinary sciences or public policy plus a minimum of eight (8) years’ relevant experience, four (4) of which must be in a public advocacy role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the Employer. Relevant experience includes, but is not limited to:

• Communications, including media and public relations-related work;
• Building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders;
• Hands-on animal experience in a professional setting;
• Understanding of Canadian animal industries and the institutions that govern them;
• Project and program management, including budget planning and management;
• Contributing to strategic planning and setting/measuring goals
• Committee work;
• Supervision; and
• Working in or closely with non-profit organizations

• Graduate-level education would be considered an asset
• Proven interest in animal welfare and understanding of BC SPCA evidence-based position statements and standards
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; attention to detail
• Superior oral and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences (e.g., academic, industry, non-profits, media); confidence with public speaking; able to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner
• Excellent interpersonal skills and conflict management, particularly with reference to managing professional relationships and working to support staff and volunteers; ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience
• Research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and plan and prioritize a varied workload to meet fixed deadlines
• Proficient computer skills: in-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software and file sharing
• Ability to occasionally travel throughout the province and work flexible hours (i.e., occasional evenings and weekends), when required
• Access to reliable transportation
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please. 

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001