Vice President, Learning Lab

Leadership and Relationship Building (35%) 

• Guide the overall direction of the Learning Lab to ensure alignment with ASPCA long-term goals and strategies, the work of teams across the organization, and the dynamic needs of the animal welfare field  

• With the VP of Rehabilitation Services and the Sr. Director of Shelter Behavior Education Programs, lead a strategic, multiyear evolution of the Learning Lab’s reach to a wider diversity of shelters and participants nationwide 

• Strategically increase visibility and standing of the LL and ASPCA internally and externally; distinguish the LL as an educational and networking leader in the field and the ASPCA as the leader in shelter animal behavior 

• Develop and diversify the LL's network and partnerships internally and externally to strategically advance the work; serve as an ambassador to recruit partners, maintain partnerships, encourage collaborations, and increase engagement in our educational offerings 

• Stay abreast of and proactively inform the department of relevant trends, new learning, and significant changes in the animal welfare community and across the ASPCA so that LL programs can nimbly respond 

• Ensure program development aligns with and supports departmental and org-wide strategies and goals 

• Develop relationships with other teams’ leaders and stay connected with their work to ensure coordinated impact 

• Advocate for professionalizing the field of shelter behavior through career pathways, CE and credentialing, and other advancement opportunities; generate excitement and secure commitment to action by engaging with internal and external animal welfare leaders 

• ASPCA leadership abreast of the impact and reach of LL programs 

• Identify barriers to participation in LL programs and lead the team in breaking them down 

Program Oversight and Departmental Management (35%) 

• Craft the program’s annual and multiyear strategic plans, consulting with the Learning Lab Sr. Director of Shelter Behavior Education Programs and Directors and submitting to the VP of Rehabilitation Services for approval 

• Identify new program resource needs, determine their financial cost, and articulate rationale to leadership 

• Create the annual departmental budget, supervise expense tracking and reporting, submit regular budget projections, and manage departmental spending throughout the year 

• Oversee departmental impact assessment and reporting; ensure results are shared in meaningful ways with stakeholders 

• Participate in department leadership level meetings and initiatives 

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the impact, needs, and challenges of LL educational and advising programs 

• Serve as a panelist, facilitator, or observer in educational programs on a regular basis; provide feedback and guidance for instructors, facilitators, advisors, and coaches 

• Monitor and maintain departmental standards for consistent and recognizable LL content, look, and methodologies (the "LL brand") 

• Ensure that as programs develop, inclusivity and accessibility are front and center  

People and Team Management (30%) 

• Cultivate a cohesive and collaborative LL team, with a culture based on ASPCA Core Values and behavioral competencies 

• Guide department staff in forming and maintaining healthy, productive relationships with other ASPCA teams  

• Espouse positive, people-centric management approaches that are in line with team and organizational Core Values; provide coaching for LL people managers 

• Ensure departmental programs are adequately staffed with skilled and knowledgeable team members; explain the rationale and budget for any new positions, approve job descriptions, and oversee the successful recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new staff 

• Manage and foster professional growth of direct reports; provide guidance and tools to ensure individual and team growth and success across all levels and functions 

• Supervise and provide guidance to the Administrative Coordinator as they support the team, educational events, and event participants 

• Provide constructive and supportive feedback to staff and conduct regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports 

• Complete quarterly goal reviews and annual performance evaluations; recommend salary changes and promotions, helping staff achieve goals and meet expectations; ensure all LL people managers to do the same 

• Ensure that all team members achieve and maintain essential credentials, certifications, and training 

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 

Qualifications: 

• A proven “connector” of people, teams, programs, and agencies 

• Thorough understanding of the animal welfare field, particularly shelter behavior and its role in an integrated care model of sheltering; eager to elevate shelter behavior programs and make a measurable impact in the field 

• Experienced, creative leader in group settings; able to create a positive, productive environment that encourages engagement in open discussions and collaborations 

• Strategic and critical thinker; ability to craft strategic plans aligned with the ASPCA’s mission and 10-year organizational objectives 

• Able to lead a growing team and oversee evolving programs 

• Strong leadership skills; can drive, guide, and support both individuals and teams to work together toward established goals 

• Flexible people- and team-management abilities; flexes management style to best support diverse individuals and teams 

• Excellent communication skills in all forums and contexts (in person, via video conference or phone, in writing, etc.); able to effectively engage with different personalities and groups; clarifies voice roles prior to leading difficult conversations 

• Innovative, creative and solution-minded; excellent problem-solving abilities and a positive attitude in the face of complex challenges  

• Ability to thrive in in a fast-paced, changing environment; works efficiently and calmly and can motivate their team to do the same 

• Ability to skillfully steer brainstorming conversations; provides direction while encouraging teams to innovate and explore new directions 

• Consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism when working with fellow leads and supervisors and when interacting with animal welfare colleagues across the country; cultivates productive, lasting internal and external relationships 

• Strong organization, time management, and info-tracking skills 

• Always treats people and animals with care and respect; must be a compassionate animal advocate and have a genuine interest in leading and interacting with people  

• The ability to work closely with behaviorally and medically compromised animals; must feel comfortable working in an environment where humane euthanasia is performed on a regular basis and leading respectful educational discussions about the role and performance of euthanasia in animal shelter settings 

• The willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of work time 

• Fluent in Internet usage and in the use of MS Word, Excel, Zoom, and virtual whiteboarding software; experience using relational databases such as AirTable, Filemaker or Salesforce required; familiarity with animal shelter software preferred  

Education and Work Experience: 

• BS or BA required 

• Minimum 5 years’ professional animal welfare experience including at least 3 years cultivating connections and collaborating with external shelters required 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience managing a team and a multifaceted program 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience leading or facilitating group meetings or group learning experiences required 

• Experience overseeing budget development and management required 

• Formal training or experience in application of adult learning principles preferred 

• Experience developing and implementing an educational curriculum preferred 

• Agency-approved media training required within 90 days of hire