Job Description: Interim Executive Director
The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) is seeking an Interim Executive Director to manage SEAACA’s operations and services. SEAACA is an animal control and sheltering Joint Powers Authority providing effective and comprehensive animal directed programs for the animals and residents in the communities served. It is the goal of the authority to continue its history of excellence and maintain the ethical values of the agency as services are provided.
Monthly Salary Range:
$10,800.00 to $14,040.00.
Generous Benefits Package:
(Benefits are optional)
- Paid vacations.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid sick days.
- Paid personal days.
- 16% Agency Contribution to 401(a) Retirement Saving Plan.
- 100% Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.
- 100% Paid disability.
- 100% Paid Employee Assistance Program.
- 100% Paid life, accidental, death and dismemberment insurance.
Status:
Exempt.
Reports To:
Board of Commissioners.
Opening Date:
December 22, 2025.
Deadline To Apply:
January 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PT).
The Mission:
SEAACA's Mission Statement:
"The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, SEAACA, was established in 1975 to answer the community's needs for responsible animal care and control services. With the support of its Board of Commissioners and dedicated staff, SEAACA is committed to providing programs for the caring of abandoned and unwanted pets, reuniting lost pets with their families and matching new homes for adoptable pets. SEAACA promotes responsible pet ownership by providing educational information, insuring access to spay or neuter services at a reasonable cost and insisting people accept the fact their pets are members of the family."
History And Philosophy Of Communities Served:
In October of 1975 the cities of Downey, Norwalk, and Pico Rivera signed a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) establishing the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). SEAACA was formed as an alternative to the escalating cost of animal control services and to improve the service levels provided by private and public animal welfare agencies.
In 1984, Bell Gardens, Montebello, and Paramount joined SEAACA as member cities. In 1987 South El Monte and in 1988 Santa Fe Springs also joined SEAACA.
In addition to these member cities, SEAACA currently extends contract services to the cities of Bellflower, Buena Park, La Palma, Lakewood, South Gate and Vernon. SEAACA currently serves approximately 811,876 residents in fourteen (14) cities.
October 16, 2025, marked the significant milestone of fifty (50) years of quality animal care and control services for SEAACA.
SEAACA is an independent public entity governed by a policy board (Board of Commissioners) comprised of a representative from each of the eight member cities. The Board of Commissioners is advised by an Administrative Committee comprised of the City Managers/City Administrators of the member cities.
The Position:
The Executive Director (ED) has full administrative authority and oversees the direction of SEAACA's operations including field, care center, veterinarian clinic, and licensing programs/services. This exempt position reports directly to the Board of Commissioners and works with the management team to develop policies, short-term and long-term strategic goals, and manage SEAACA's resources. The ED serves as the liaison between SEAACA and the public and ensures quality animal care and public services are provided in accordance with SEAACA's mission, goals, and management philosophy.
Examples Of Essential Functions:
- Serves as liaison between the Board of Commissioners, management and support staff, and volunteers.
- Directs all aspects of the constant humane treatment and handling of sheltered animals, including ensuring high-quality standards of animal care, handling, and sanitation with the shelter are adhered to and veterinarian treatment is consistent with protocol at all times.
- Effectively manages resources, people, and dollars for the maximum benefit to the authority.
- Directs and oversees the unrepresented management/supervisory team by setting priorities, positive and open communication, team interaction, and tracking outcomes.
- Oversees preparation and execution of departmental budgets on an annual basis, to include projected income and expenses.
- Monitors revenues and expenses in relation to the annual budget; authorizes the purchase of equipment and supplies in accordance with established purchasing policies and procedures.
- Maintains a liaison with representatives of other CA animal control organizations, federal and state agencies, community groups, and officials of contract cities.
- Ensures constituent complaints are resolved concerning the level of service provided.
- Promotes the agency's goals, animal and customer care, and management philosophy to veterinarians, vendors, the general public media, and other animal welfare-related organizations.
- Designs, develops, and implements programs to inform the public; maintains communication with the community; and promotes responsible pet ownership.
- Designs and implements programs to work with Adoption Partners and the public to facilitate adoptable animals into forever homes.
- Maintains a working knowledge of state and local laws pertaining to animal care and control.
- Directs and supervises management staff in the performance of their respective responsibilities.
- Communicates pertinent information to staff and management.
- Negotiates and manages contracts/grants required for the daily operation of the authority.
Qualifications:
Knowledge And Abilities:
- Possession of good analytical skills, including the ability to identify and resolve issues and to solve problems within existing resources.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including residents, community groups, rescue (social media), adoption partners, Elected Officials, City Managers and staff, plus other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage problems which may be controversial at times and to deal effectively with media attention.
- Leadership skills should include but not be limited to: demonstrated track record in managing and training staff; experience in managing in a government service system; participation in tracking strategic planning; leadership in enforcing laws and ordinances; building moral and decision-making.
- Strong knowledge of computers and management reporting is also an essential skill.
- Ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy in a wide variety of public contact situations.
- Should be goal-oriented, reliable in meeting deadlines, well-organized and a consensus builder.
- Should be type of leader that sets the tone for excellence and models desired behaviors.
- Ability to demonstrate high emotional intelligence.
Education And Experience:
- Bachelor's degree with major course work in Animal Care, Veterinary Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Safety, or a related field; plus five (5) years of management-level experience.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible, related management or administrative experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
- Experience in Animal Care and Control and/or Animal Welfare is preferred.
- Some of the five (5) years can include a management level at a non-profit organization of equivalent size and complexity of SEAACA or management-level government leadership in an organization of equivalent size and complexity of SEAACA.
- Relevant volunteer experience in leadership and/or management roles will be considered.
- Animal handling experience is desirable.
- Experience in working with a constituent or elected Board or Commission is essential.
- Experience in dealing with the implementation and enforcement of local and state laws and ordinances is important.
- Must be able to pass any required drug test, maintain a valid driver's license, and maintain the confidentiality of any information encountered.
Application:
Please supply your resume and letter of interest to one of the following:
- Email to: Employment@seaaca.org.
- Mail to: 9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241 (Attention Administration).
- Drop off: During business hours (9777 SEAACA Street, Downey, CA 90241).
The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
