Director Puppy Program

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC. • Santa Rosa, CA

4d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director Puppy Program provides oversight to Canine Companions puppy programs including its Regional Puppy Programs and the Correctional/Prison and College Specialty Puppy Programs. This position directs the development and implementation of policies, procedures, socialization, training and best practices for all the puppy programs to ensure the consistent achievement of goals that align with Canine Companions’ mission.

Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively while maintaining organization
• Ability to travel to regional centers for staff and workshop support; conferences and events to represent Canine Companions
• Ability to manage, network and motivate staff, volunteers, and clientele
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain detailed records and meet deadlines
• Experience with dog training and behavior, animal health, teaching, public speaking, and disability awareness and sensitivity.
• Prior dog handling and training experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Must have knowledge in canine learning theory and experience with canine behavior management and puppy development
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Oversee Regional Puppy Programs including providing functional supervision and training to Regional Puppy Program Managers and staff.
• Oversee all volunteer puppy raising education programs including but not limited to puppy raiser, puppy raiser leadership, and college and prison specialty puppy programs.
• Evaluate Regional Puppy Programs to ensure that they adhere to standardized national guidelines and procedures.
• Plan and organize puppy arrivals and turn-ins to meet regional and national needs, including availability for breeder selection and research studies.
• Oversee the distribution of puppies to regions with the collaboration of the veterinary department.
• Develop content for Puppy Program manuals, workshops, and communications.
• Evaluate and update Puppy Program materials to address puppy development and training goals in collaboration with the National Director of Canine Health and Research, the Director of Breeding and Puppy Program and the National Training Director.
• Create and distribute Puppy Program communications at the national level to ensure puppy raisers receive quality customer service and support to increase retention of puppy raiser volunteers.
• Coordinate and oversee regular meetings/conferences with all puppy program staff to address national topics and regional issues.
• Provide follow-up to address questions and issues.
• Represent Canine Companions and the Puppy Raising program externally. This includes within the service dog industry, donors and the general public. This includes hosting or speaking at events, conferences and for promotional and news media
• Manage changes and updates to the puppy raising program for both staff and volunteers.
• Implementation of new TIS systems, training and socialization protocols and practices.
• Collaborate with TIS to design and implement CRMs and online platforms to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Become a subject matter expert in all TIS tools related to the puppy program.
• Ensure inter-department collaboration between all areas of program including breeding, puppy, professional training and graduate as well as development and all volunteer programs.
• Act as a liaison between the Technology and Information Services Portal Team and the Regional Puppy Programs to set portal priorities for the Regional Puppy Programs.
• Develop and manage all online puppy program content, procedures, protocols and training materials for Regional Puppy Programs and communicate to regional puppy program staff.
• Assist with staff TIS training.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to produce Puppy Program marketing materials and assist in overseeing all puppy/marketing projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
• 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
• Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
• Support for both professional and personal well-being

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree