Animal Welfare Specialist

The Animal Welfare Specialist, under the supervision of the Animal Advocacy Lawyer and Government Relations Specialist (AAL), is responsible for offering technical, scientific, ethical, and strategic positive public facing guidance to the organization to ensure the WHS adheres to high animal welfare standards, while staying true to the mission of the organization. The Animal Welfare Specialist, under the direction of the AAL, is also responsible for working with the AAL to integrate internal and external animal advocacy initiatives and programming, to keep the organization a leading voice for animal welfare.

Reporting to the AAL, the Animal Welfare Specialist is expected to pursue the established responsibilities while also working collaboratively with the Education Department, Communications, as well as other department heads and staff as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Welfare

1. Establish and execute public education outreach campaigns and calls to action on a variety of animal welfare issues.
2. Conduct research on the latest wildlife, exotic and farm animal welfare issues and provide relevant content for the organization through their social media and published media platforms.
3. Develop and support animal welfare training for the education team and shelter staff.
4. Provide the CEO with talking points and key messages so they can be proactive in engaging media and other organizations.
5. Integrate and expand animal advocacy and animal welfare policies internally throughout the organization. This may include but is not limited to: Implementing humane pest control practices, developing humane food policies, establishing exotic pet adoption protocols, expanding Indigenous advocacy messaging (in collaboration with the One Health Department), donor relations, reviewing exotic pet husbandry practices, and more.
6. Assist the AAL in federal, provincial and municipal government relations issues as requested, including the preparation of research papers on specific issues as requested.
7. In coordination with the AAL and the Animal Protection Committee of the Board, prepare position statements to be adopted by the WHS as they relate to animal welfare and shelter activities.
8. Prepare content for the quarterly advocacy newsletter.
9. Proactively scan for actions/news/events/opportunities which may require for the WHS to produce statements, speak publicly on the issues, and/or post on web and social media. This includes, but is not limited to, research for potential speakers who can present topics at the WHS.
10. Schedule and plan speaker series presentations, and the annual animal welfare fundraiser.
11. Schedule and host recurring meetings with the Animal Compassion team of volunteers.
12. Other duties that arise in the day-to-day activities or as assigned by the AAL.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The following are mandatory qualifications and experience for this role:

1. Experience in a similar position.
2. Proven activity in moving animal welfare forward, and participating in animal advocacy activities.
3. Knowledge of Canada-wide animal welfare issues, world-wide would be an asset.
4. Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal political landscapes.

The following qualifications and experience are desired and would be considered assets:

1. Degree in animal welfare or related field.
2. Veterinary Technician certification.
3. Experience working in a non-profit environment.
4. Experience working within a shelter.
5. Experience with offering technical, scientific, and ethical guidance.
6. Experience in government relations.

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The WHS is committed to providing accessible employment, and ensuring that our recruitment, assessment and selection process is barrier free. If a candidate requires accommodation during the hiring process, Human Resources Services will work with the individual to meet their needs.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

The WHS values diversity and equality in its team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information and other employment opportunities, visit https://winnipeghumanesociety.ca/about-us/careers.