Executive Field Rep, Conformation - Raleigh Office

The "mission" of the Representative as the "face, eyes, and ears" of the AKC is to be the ultimate advisor/mentor for current and future generations of judges, show chairs, and exhibitors which, in addition to many other responsibilities, is an enormous task. This is achieved by dedication to the organization and satisfaction in ensuring constituents are treated with the highest quality customer experience, knowing that the majority are to be attended to with appreciation as volunteers. The care of our customers is a central responsibility.
The Executive Field Representative provides information to the office staff of factual, first-hand reporting regarding the conduct of shows, rule and policy compliance by clubs, and observations of judges' abilities. Treating and being treated with dignity is essential.
*This position is based in Raleigh, NC and will require being onsite in our Raleigh office when not traveling.
Primary Job Duties

• Attend assigned shows (approximately 120 events annually), club meetings, seminars/workshops, and annual staff meetings.
• Observe judging and provide helpful feedback and meaningful reports on judges' abilities. Discuss exceptional or noted procedural shortcomings with judges; provide documentation of discussion for judges' files. By the conclusion of each assigned show, the Executive Field Representative must have completed a written report and discussed it with each judge observed in a mentoring tone. This position provides one with the privilege of enhancing Judges' careers by sharing procedural and breed knowledge that ultimately results in a more accomplished and confident Judge.
• Work with the department and HR to ensure consistency in the application process.
• Interview prospective and approved judges; provide timely, relevant written feedback to office staff. Serve as advisor to new breed applicants and to approved breed applicants, working with others in the department to ensure necessary consistency of interviews, observations, etc. in this nationwide hobby/profession.
• Recommend changes in show layout, arrangements, sites, and entry limitations. Explain rules, policies, etc., to exhibitors, show committees, superintendents, and show secretaries. Observe the conduct of show for rule/policy compliance; suggest helpful cures and advise of fines/warnings where necessary.
• Report electronically to the AKC website the group and BIS results for every event attended.
• Stay current with AKC rules and policies; make suggestions for revisions.
• Review and study breed standards; observe dogs and judging; have discussions with exhibitors, handlers and breeders in order to improve knowledge of each unique breed.
• Ongoing training in person, virtually and online will blend the Executive's significant dog knowledge with the ability to build positive relationships while de-escalating challenging encounters.
• Passion for success is achieved by educating and nurturing each customer segment.
• Work in the Raleigh, NC office when not traveling during the week.

• 20+ years of experience required. Strong background as a dog show judge, exhibitor and/or handler. Extensive experience with all-breed and specialty clubs,
  show chairperson, delegates, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of AKC rules and programs.
• Uses email and the internet. Needs average word processing and spreadsheet software skills. Should be able to navigate
  through a PowerPoint (or equivalent) presentation.
• Executive Field Representative must be accessible, visible, and customer-service-oriented to fulfill their obligations at
  shows and in conjunction with events.
• They must be capable of analyzing potential or true emergencies and quickly provide suggestions for a resolution to clubs.
• This position demands a great deal of self-discipline as the employee may often deal with some challenging participants.
• The ability to function under minimal supervision is imperative.
• Communication skills are also very important. An Executive Field Representative must be able to write concise and
  meaningful reports accurately and describe events, appearances, and dogs. In face-to-face communication, the
  Executive Field Representative must be able to suggest, recommend, and critique with tact, diplomacy, and caring.