Pet Resource Program Manager

Loudoun County

4 days ago

Salary: $64k – $108k/yr
Location: Leesburg, VA, VA
Department: Management
Seniority: Manager
Closing date: Today
Source: GovernmentJobs

Description

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.

Loudoun County Animal Services resolves to serve our community by promoting public safety and the compassionate treatment of all animals through humane education, community outreach, sheltering, and law enforcement.
Join Loudoun County Animal Services as our first-ever Pet Resource Program Manager! At Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), we believe the bond between people and their pets is worth protecting. When families face financial hardship, animal behavior challenges, housing instability, or other life complexities, access to the right resources can make all the difference in keeping beloved pets safe, healthy, and at home with the people who love them. We’re looking for a compassionate, creative, and community-minded leader to help us turn that belief into action.

As our inaugural Pet Resource Program (PRP) Manager, you’ll have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our community’s pet support services. Working alongside our dedicated team and a network of community partners, you’ll help strengthen existing programs, develop innovative solutions, and remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing the support they need. Your work will help preserve the human-animal bond, prevent unnecessary shelter surrenders, and build a more equitable safety net for people and their companion animals.

What makes this opportunity special?
This is more than a program management position. It’s an opportunity to build, grow, and shape services that directly affect the lives of people and animals in our community. You’ll help lead initiatives focused on pet retention, pet food access, intake diversion, emergency housing, and other resources that help families navigate difficult circumstances without having to give up a beloved companion.

You’ll oversee existing programs while exploring new approaches to community-based support, working collaboratively with partner agencies, and helping LCAS reach people who may not otherwise know where to turn for assistance. You’ll also help us understand what’s working, identify unmet needs, and use data and community feedback to guide the future of our programs.

A key priority during your first year will be developing meaningful performance measures and program goals, including for LEASH, our award-winning safe haven program for pet owners experiencing crisis. You’ll analyze existing intake and retention data, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop long-term strategies that respond to the real needs of our community.

Who will thrive in this role?
We’re looking for someone who understands that supporting animals often means supporting the people who love them. You approach challenging situations with empathy rather than judgment, recognize the impact of trauma and systemic barriers, and believe that effective services begin with listening to people and meeting them where they are.

The ideal candidate brings experience in human services, animal welfare, or a related field; training and experience in trauma-informed practices; and a working knowledge of community-based safety-net programs. Familiarity with the Pets for Life model and its emphasis on relationship-based, non-judgmental, equitable service delivery is especially valuable.

Where and how you’ll work
This position is primarily based at our Leesburg facility, with fieldwork anticipated as community services develop and expand. Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet community needs, and participation in Loudoun County’s annual Point in Time count is part of the position.

Interviews are expected to begin in early December, with flexible start dates, and this position will be open until filled.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience
Bachelor’s degree; three (3) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred.Successful candidates will undergo background checks including fingerprinting, NCIC, criminal, credit and DMV checks, and must pass pre-employment physical exam including drug screening and TB test. Valid driver’s license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification). A rabies pre-exposure vaccination series will commence immediately upon hire unless proof of prior vaccination is provided. Candidate should not have unmanageable allergies to, or fear of, common companion animal species, including cats, dogs, reptiles, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Additionally, candidates:

Will be required to obtain certification in Incident Command System 100, 200, 700, and 800 within 6 months of hire.
Will be required to obtain certification in Fear Free handling within 6 months of hire.
Will be required to obtain Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health First Aid (Youth and Adult) certifications within 12 months of hire.
May be required to work any shift, to include evenings and weekends, and may be called in to work outside of normal office hours.
May be exposed to contagious diseases and parasites; exposed to noxious fumes and chemicals; and work in environment with inherent dangers such as fractious animals, fall hazards, loud and repetitive noises, and zoonotic disease as well as exposure to unpleasant smells.
May experience client reactions and the need to deal with emotions associated with euthanasia and pet loss.

Skills

Program Management