Program Director-Animal Rescue

Submitted by Gia Thomas on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 10:20am
Reports To: 
VP of Programs & International Operations
Supervises: 
Animal Rescue Program staff
Job Location: 
Headquarters - Yarmouth, MA
Job Code: 
AIC006
Purpose: 

Identify, develop and oversee the implementation of strategies to globalise animal rescue programs and establish IFAW as the premier animal rescue and relief organisation worldwide.  Support the Programs in achieving IFAW’s animal welfare goals in the animal rescue program area.

Responsibilities: 
  • Develop and direct the animal rescue vision and plan together with the VP of Programs and International Operations (VP PIO), animal rescue team, Country offices and Program staff.
  • Work closely with the VP PIO, animal rescue management team, Country Directors and animal rescue country representatives in the ongoing identification of rescue opportunities within specific countries and geographies, the successful integration of animal rescue priorities, and the effective implementation of rescue strategies throughout IFAW.
  • Responsible for the animal rescue budget and, ensuring that all budgets are effectively planned, maintained and monitored, focusing resources appropriately to achieve optimum results.
  • Act as a spokesperson for animal rescue worldwide, representing the organization to, and building positive relationships with, NGO’s, politicians, Government officials, business representatives and other key contacts. Represent IFAW to supporters and major donors with a view to encouraging their continual and increasing financial support of IFAW.
  • Ensure there is excellent communication in all key animal rescue areas both within the rescue team, with the HQ Programs team, throughout IFAW and externally to relevant stakeholders.  Ensure regular and effective communication with the VP PIO, and produce regular reports and updates as required.
  • Act as senior/key media representative of IFAW animal rescue program, undertaking TV, radio, newspaper and other interviews on a wide range of topics as relate to IFAW campaigns.
  • Develop project management systems and practices to ensure that there is effective management of personnel time and resources and that decisions in support of animal rescue goals and objectives can be made rapidly and responsively, to take advantage of opportunities.
  • Network and create partnerships with similar groups and organizations world wide in pursuit of achieving the goals of animal rescue.
  • Maintain a broad (and often detailed) understanding of IFAW’s extensive campaign initiatives.  Identify and implement cross-programmatic strategies between Animal Rescue, and other IFAW programs.
  • Evaluate the animal rescue team effectiveness and progress towards the achievement of goals, facilitate team self-evaluation and learning and ensure the ongoing measurement of outcomes and results.  Supervise animal rescue staff and consultants ensuring that each person has a clear understanding of their goals and job responsibilities.  Ensure that the team functions harmoniously and that conflicts are resolved timely.
  • Ensure there is effective communication between IFAW’s Philanthropy and Communications departments and the animal rescue management team, ensuring that opportunities to achieve the rescue-related goals of these two departments are communicated and executed in a timely and efficient manner.
Requirements: 
  • Advanced degree in relevant biological science, veterinary science or similar preferred.
  • Excellent leadership qualities developed from a demonstrable track record of five years plus at a senior management level in a similar role.
  • Strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and good team management experience.
  • Solid experience in the field of animal welfare, including some combination of wildlife rescue, marine mammal rescue and disaster relief work.
  • High level of professionalism – the mix of dependability, initiative, industry and ability to make sound judgments, within agreed guidelines, that will earn respect and achieve success in chaotic, fast moving and high pressure environments. Ability to adapt to working in varied environments and to handle high or chronic stress situations.
  • Strong problem solving skills, able to effectively analyze problems and provide creative workable solutions.
  • Excellent organizational and team-building skills.
  • Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing. Ability to interact harmoniously and communicate effectively with people (both internally and externally) from varying educational, social and cultural backgrounds. Ability to communicate to the general public through the media and to act as a spokesperson where appropriate (requirement).
  • Good project management skills with an ability to manage a large workload and prioritize appropriately.
  • Able to work interdependently, optimizing the skills available within the team.
  • Proven competency with managing budgets of a complex nature.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Able and willing to undertake regular international travel.
Application Details: 

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Gia Thomas at Recruitus@ifaw.org.