CDA-Animal Welfare Division Director (Program Management III).

Organizational Purpose The Division of Animal Welfare (DAW) advances the overall welfare of companion animals and livestock by enforcing the Animal Protection Act and the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. The division conducts inspections, investigations, and prosecutions related to animal cruelty and neglect, and provides educational outreach to prevent mistreatment. Major Objectives of the Position As Director of the Division of Animal Welfare, the incumbent leads the division’s strategic planning, operations, investigations, outreach, budgeting, and staff development to ensure effective enforcement of animal welfare laws and engagement with stakeholders. Primary Duties DAW Strategic Planning and Operations Implement a division strategic plan with priorities, goals, and measurable outcomes; track progress and adjust plans as needed. Ensure program metrics—including licensing statistics, complaint intake, and investigation dispositions—are accurately tracked and analyzed. Conduct fiscal and impact analyses on proposed legislation and recommend impacts to the Commissioner’s Office. Oversee implementation of new legislation, ensuring compliance with deadlines and statutory requirements. Develop, adopt, and communicate division policies, procedures, and training materials. Identify and resolve inefficiencies or inconsistencies impacting division operations. Implement a transparent rule‑making process incorporating stakeholder input, approve BAP agent applications, and administer PACFA licensing. Maintain the operational readiness of licensing and inception software systems. Procure resources and services—including equipment, vehicles, uniforms, and PPE—to support staff duties. Provide monthly reports and communications to the Commissioner’s Office on division progress, emerging issues, and other updates. Contribute to department‑wide decisions and initiatives as a member of the Senior Management Team. Oversight of Investigations and Enforcement Actions Ensure staff possess a thorough understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and enforcement authority. Maintain a consistent investigative process covering complaint intake, case management, procedures, report writing, findings review, and enforcement action. Support complex investigations and coordinate with the Commissioner’s Office, Division of Animal Health, and Brand Inspection Division as needed. Review significant enforcement action findings and approve, reject, or modify recommended actions. Provide regular investigative outcome reports to the Commissioner’s Office, including performance data and updates on egregious incidents. Outreach and Engagement Represent the division at external meetings, events, and in presentations. Collaborate with the CDA communications director to disseminate program updates and key messages. Forge partnerships with local law enforcement, district attorneys, animal welfare associations, agricultural associations, veterinarians, and shelters. Respond promptly to open‑records requests, media inquiries, and public communications. Implement educational initiatives that proactively advance animal welfare. Engage with the PACFA Advisory Committee, BAP task force, and other stakeholder groups. Supervision and Leadership Establish an organizational structure that ensures balanced and efficient workflows. Hire employees within the division or delegate hiring to program managers. Develop performance plans for direct reports, conduct evaluations, and review subordinate evaluations. Resolve performance issues promptly and constructively. Provide direction and training to ensure staff competence; cultivate a positive culture reflecting core values. Support professional development of division staff. Budget Management Coordinate with the Commissioner’s Office to prepare the division’s annual budget request. Monitor financial activity relative to budgets with the CFO and controller. Manage revenues and expenses within approved authority; pursue cost efficiencies. Negotiate contracts and cooperative agreements for division programs. Approve and oversee division staff expenditures. Ensure compliance with department, state, and federal fiscal policies and procedures. Special Projects The Director may be assigned special duties, including leading or participating in meetings, workgroups, emergency responses, investigations, or statewide projects that may require overnight travel. Benefits Flexible retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans. Medical and dental health plans. Employer‑subsidised Health Savings Account ($60 per month). Paid life insurance and optional additional coverage. Paid short‑term disability and optional long‑term disability coverage. 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals. BenefitHub state employee discount program. Employee Wellness program (State of Health). Work‑life programs, including flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, and professional development. Salary Range $4,106.77 – $4,928.31 Biweekly $8,898.00 – $10,678.00 Monthly $106,776.00 – $128,136.00 Annually (appointments typically at or near the minimum) Minimum Qualifications Ten (10) years of professional program management with regulatory experience in animal welfare, including: Four (4) years of supervisory experience with performance management and hiring/firing. Four (4) years of program management, budget management, strategic planning, and goal setting. Leading legal actions to enforce laws. Education and Experience Combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned, equal to ten (10) years, including the experience listed above. Preferred Qualifications Relevant years of state service. Experience working with state or federal agriculture offices. Conditions of Employment Valid Colorado Driver’s License and ability to travel independently. Work may require outside of regular business hours. Must be a resident of Colorado at the time of application. Hybrid position: at least two (2) days per week in the Broomfield Office. Required Competencies Clear understanding and experience with animal welfare regulations. Knowledge of budget management. Ability to create strategic plans and goals. Understanding of legal processes related to animal welfare law enforcement. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public‑speaking skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and juggle multiple priorities. Detail oriented and strong organizational skills. Strong relationship‑management and community‑representational skills. Proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts. Excellent negotiation and consensus‑building skills. Proactive problem‑solving and strong decision‑making capability. Resourceful team‑player with ability to work independently. Equal Opportunity The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities. All qualified applicants will receive employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans). For more information on our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, visit our EDI homepage. #J-18808-Ljbffr