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SalaryPlease make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.
Summary:
The Director, Investigations plays a critical role in the ASPCA’s work providing assistance to law enforcement and prosecutors nationwide with animal cruelty and animal fighting investigations and cases. Reporting to the Senior Director, Investigations, and working in close coordination with the department’s Criminal Practice attorneys, the Director’s primary responsibilities include: cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with local law enforcement and other external stakeholders responding to animal cruelty and animal fighting in their communities; identifying and developing strategic cases that are aligned with organizational priorities and long-term objectives; working in collaboration with the department’s Criminal Practice attorneys to assist law enforcement build strong, legally sound cases; coordinating with other ASPCA teams (legal, forensic, behavioral, sheltering, operations/logistics, etc.) to assist with the execution of search warrants, including the identification of evidence and safe and humane removal of seized animals; preparing investigative, expert, and other reports, serving as fact and/or expert witnesses in hearings and at trial; conducting animal cruelty training; and networking at conferences to promote our work.
This direct assistance on cases, in conjunction with developing and providing strategic and targeted training on animal cruelty and blood sports investigations, is aimed at empowering communities to prevent and respond effectively to these crimes.
This remote-based position (which requires travel, as described below) is open to all eligible candidates based within the United States.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Case Work (70%)
Through rigorous application of case selection criteria and other case screening protocols, identify cases in which ASPCA resources may be strategically deployed to assist local, state and federal agencies respond to animal cruelty and animal fighting in their communities, both in response to requests for assistance and through proactive investigations.
Present timely, clear, and thorough written and oral briefings and updates on potential and pending cases to departmental and cross-departmental teams.
Identify resource needs for cases, including investigative, legal, forensic, behavioral, sheltering and/or operational, and effectively collaborate and coordinate with relevant teams.
Provide in-depth investigative assistance and subject matter expertise to law enforcement, animal services, and other agencies on approved cases.
Working in coordination with the department’s Criminal Practice attorneys, ensure all cases in which ASPCA resources are deployed are legally sound and meet ASPCA standards, including rigorous review of case files and search warrants.
Collaborate with other ASPCA teams on case planning.
Working in coordination with other ASPCA teams and subject matter experts, deploy on-scene on criminal cases and assist with the execution of search warrants, including evidence identification and humane handling and removal of seized animals.
Manage response team personnel and/or assume command positions during criminal case deployments as assigned.
Draft timely, clear, and thorough reports (investigative, expert, etc.)
Testify as fact and/or expert witnesses in hearings and trials, with legal support from the department’s Criminal Practice attorneys.
Maintain complete and up-to-date case files and records, including timely entry of case data into electronic database(s).
Assist other department investigators with animal cruelty and animal fighting cases as needed.
Work collaboratively with other ASPCA teams on criminal cases, including Legal, Media & Communications, and Development.
Training & Outreach (15%)
Assist department leadership with the development of a strategic and targeted cruelty case training program for law enforcement and other stakeholders (internal and external).
Develop high-quality presentation materials as approved by department leadership and deliver clear and effective presentations.
Represent the ASPCA and/or the department with professionalism in a variety of internal and external venues as assigned.
Strategy & Planning (10%)
Under the direction of department leadership, assist with developing and implementing a strategic vision for the department’s investigative function that is aligned with case selection criteria, maximizes the ASPCA’s impact, and furthers organizational priorities and long-term goals
Under the direction of department leadership, develop an area of focus (geographic, subject matter, etc.) that measurably advances departmental and organizational priorities and objectives.
In coordination with the department’s leadership and Criminal Practice attorneys, develop and/or improve SOPs, protocols, and practices to elevate the quality of investigations, the assistance provided to law enforcement, prosecutors, and other external stakeholders, and internal criminal case workflow.
In consultation with the Senior Director, Investigations, stay up to date on organizational priorities and ensure individual goals and areas of focus are aligned with those priorities.
Develop and cultivate strategic relationships with law enforcement and other external stakeholders responding to animal cruelty and animal fighting in their communities.
Other (5%)
Collect criminal case and other program data for internal and external reporting as needed.
Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities as approved/required.
Other projects and duties as assigned by the Senior Director, Investigations, or the department’s Vice President.
Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:
Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals
Education and Experience:
High school diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of relevant educational and/or professional experience required
Minimum 6 years of combined experience in criminal investigations in an enforcement capacity (traditional law enforcement, Animal Control Officer, cruelty investigator, etc.), at least 4 of which involved animal cruelty investigations required
Experience working in collaboration with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
Experience documenting crime scene and collecting evidence required
Animal handling and rescue required
Traditional law enforcement experience strongly preferred
Completion of the National Animal Cruelty Investigation School levels I-III strongly preferred
Attendance at the FBI National Academy or equivalent a plus
Qualifications
Working knowledge of federal and state criminal procedure
Working knowledge of federal and state criminal animal protection laws
Familiarity with animal welfare issues
General understanding of animal husbandry, animal behavior, and infectious disease control and prevention; ability to handle animals
Computer proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Proven ability to think strategically
Team player with proven ability to work collaboratively and build consensus
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong public speaking skills
Ability to excel in high-paced and high-stress situations
Highly organized and detail oriented
Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare issues
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of a dynamic and evolving team
Ability to be on call evenings and weekends
Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% of the time as needed
Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
Must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds
Training Requirements:
Training and certification in Incident Command System, National Incident Management, First Aid, Emergency Animal Sheltering; or State Animal Response Team (SART) certification; or the equivalent, within 6 months of hire.
“Low Stress Handling” University Silver-Level Certification is required within 6 months of hire
Compensation and Benefits:
The applicable target hiring range for this remote role is based on where the employee works, which for remote roles is the employee’s primary location of residence, and its respective cost of labor. We have organized the U.S. varying costs of labor index into three geographic zones. As a point of reference, below, we have included our ASPCA locations by geographic zone to illustrate what the hiring range would be in each of the following areas.
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiringsalary ranges for this role are set forth below and may be modified in the future.
Zone 1 (For example, Asheville, NC; Champaign, IL; Columbus, OH; Gainesville, FL; Miami, FL; Oklahoma City, OK; Overland, KS; Union, MO; Weaverville, NC): $96,000 - $102,000
Zone 2 (For example, Washington D.C.; Los Angeles, CA): $106,000 - $112,000
Zone 3 (For example, New York, NY): $116,000 - $123,000
For remote positions, you can view which zone applies to you based on your location. For questions regarding other locations not found on the list, please send an email to Careers@aspca.org for more information.
For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.
Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community:
If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Language:
Education and Work Experience:
High School Diploma (Required)
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.
About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.
The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.
The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.
At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.
