CDA-Animal Welfare Division Director (Program Management III)

Who we are: Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal—your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry. Mission The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high‑quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment. Core Values and Wildly Important Goals Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect. CDA Wildly Important Goals: Expanding National and International Market Access Developing Agricultural Leaders Advancing the Colorado Water Plan Implementing the Beaver Strategy Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft 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. The 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. In addition, the division provides proactive outreach and education that contribute to the prevention of animal mistreatment and the betterment of animal welfare in Colorado. 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. The director 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 the position include managing division operations and strategic planning, providing oversight on investigations and enforcement decisions, managing the division budget and personnel, and initiating outreach and communication efforts. Primary Duties Strategic Planning and Operations Implement a division strategic plan with priorities and measurable goals, track progress, and adjust to ensure successful outcomes. Ensure program metrics are accurately tracked regarding licensing statistics, complaints received, and disposition of completed investigations to analyze emerging trends and performance indicators. Conduct fiscal and impact analyses on proposed legislation and make recommendations to the Commissioner’s Office regarding impacts on the division and the public. Oversee 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 materials. Identify and resolve inefficiencies or inconsistencies that impact the division’s operations. Review rules and ensure the rule‑making 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 Ensure division staff have an accurate understanding of all laws, regulations, legal authority, and enforcement actions with the program authorities. Maintain a consistent and efficient investigative process that includes complaint intake, case management, investigative procedures, report writing, review of investigative findings, and enforcement action. Participate in the planning of complex investigations and support staff in the investigative process. Coordinate and communicate with the Commissioner’s Office, Division of Animal Health, and Brand Inspection Division as necessary. Review 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 Represent the division at external meetings and events and deliver presentations. Coordinate 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, veterinarians, and animal shelters. Ensure timely and responsive communication with the public, including compliance with open‑records requests and response to media inquiries and 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 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 and provide honest and direct evaluations. Review and approve performance evaluations by second‑level managers of subordinate staff. Successfully resolve performance issues in a timely and constructive manner. Provide direction and training to ensure staff are 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 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. Initiate and negotiate contracts and/or cooperative agreements for division programs. Review and approve expenditures from division staff. Operate in accordance with department, state, and federal/IRS fiscal policies, controls, and procedures. Special Projects This position performs other duties as assigned and may be requested to lead or participate in meetings, workgroups, emergency response efforts, investigations, or general projects either department‑wide or statewide. These special projects may require travel, including overnight. Conditions of Employment Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with the ability to independently travel. Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours. Must be a resident of the state of Colorado at the time of application. Salary Range $4,106.77 – $4,928.31 Biweekly $8,898.00 – $10,678.00 Monthly $106,776.00 – $128,136.00 Annually Minimum Requirements Ten (10) years of professional program management with regulatory experience in animal welfare. The experience must include: Four (4) years of supervision that includes performance management and hiring/firing. Four (4) years of program management. Budget Management. Strategic planning and goal setting. Leading legal actions to enforce laws. OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years. Experience as listed above must be included in the ten (10) years. Preferred Qualifications Relevant years of state service. Experience working with State or Federal Agriculture Offices. Required Competencies Clear understanding and experience with animal welfare regulations. Knowledge of budget management. Ability to create strategic plans and goals. Clear understanding of legal processes in regard to animal welfare law enforcement. Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, reacting and adjusting quickly to changing conditions. Detail oriented. Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state. Work well under pressure. Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions. A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts. Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills. Proactive approaches to problem‑solving and strong decision‑making capability. Highly resourceful team‑player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently. Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr