What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations position at Big Dog Ranch Rescue?
Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations
Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR)
Palm Beach County, Florida
About Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Big Dog Ranch Rescue is one of the nation's largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue organizations, dedicated to rescuing dogs, advancing animal welfare, and developing innovative programs that create lasting change for animals nationwide.
Through a newly funded statewide initiative, BDRR is launching Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline, a centralized reporting and case-management program designed to assist citizens, support law enforcement, and improve the identification and referral of animal welfare concerns across the state.
Position Overview
The Director of Statewide Animal Welfare Hotline & Investigations will lead the development, management, and operation of Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline. This individual will oversee complaint intake, case review, investigative research, referral coordination, and statewide agency engagement.
The ideal candidate will possess strong investigative, analytical, and organizational skills and be capable of evaluating complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, commercial breeding operations, animal fighting, hoarding situations, fraud, regulatory violations, and other animal welfare concerns.
This role will serve as a central liaison between the public, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and regulatory agencies.
Key ResponsibilitiesHotline Operations
● Oversee the daily operation of Florida's Animal Welfare Hotline.
● Review, triage, and assess incoming complaints and reports.
● Develop and implement intake protocols, case management procedures, and reporting standards.
● Ensure complaints are handled professionally, confidentially, and efficiently.
● Manage case tracking and follow-up processes.
Investigations & Case Development
● Conduct preliminary investigations and fact-gathering related to reported animal welfare concerns.
● Review supporting documentation.
● Research applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
● Analyze complaints to determine jurisdiction, severity, and appropriate referral pathways.
● Prepare detailed investigative summaries and case reports for review and referral.
Statewide Referral & Agency Coordination
● Develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide directory of animal welfare enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
● Establish standardized referral protocols for routing cases to the appropriate local, state, or federal authority.
● Build and maintain relationships with:
○ Animal Control Departments
○ Sheriff's Offices
○ Municipal Police Departments
○ State Attorneys
○ Veterinary Boards
○ Wildlife Agencies
○ State Regulatory Agencies
○ Federal Enforcement Agencies
○ Animal Welfare Organizations
● Coordinate referrals and facilitate communication among agencies when necessary.
● Develop escalation procedures for complex, multi-jurisdictional, or high-priority cases.
Data Management & Reporting
● Maintain accurate records and case files.
● Track complaint trends, referral outcomes, and enforcement activity.
● Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual program reports.
● Identify emerging animal welfare issues and recommend strategic responses.
● Utilize data to improve hotline efficiency and statewide impact.
Program Development
● Assist in the continued development and expansion of the hotline program.
● Create investigative protocols, training materials, referral guides, and decision trees.
● Identify opportunities to improve reporting, response coordination, and public engagement.
QualificationsRequired
● Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
● Minimum of five years of experience in investigations, law enforcement, regulatory compliance, legal services, animal welfare, or a related field.
● Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
● Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
● Ability to evaluate complex information and make sound recommendations.
● Experience managing sensitive and confidential information.
Preferred
● Experience conducting investigations or case reviews.
● Background in law enforcement, prosecution, regulatory enforcement, compliance, or animal welfare.
● Knowledge of Florida animal welfare laws and regulatory frameworks.
● Experience working with government agencies, animal control departments, shelters, or rescue organizations.
Technology & Innovation
The ideal candidate will be highly proficient with technology. Experience implementing technology-driven workflows and reporting systems is strongly preferred.
Desired Characteristics
● Mission-driven and passionate about animal welfare.
● Strong attention to detail.
● Excellent judgment and discretion.
● Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
● Self-motivated with strong problem-solving abilities.
Impact
This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead one of Florida's most significant animal welfare initiatives. The Director will play a critical role in connecting citizens with the appropriate authorities, improving statewide coordination, and helping ensure animal welfare concerns receive proper review and attention.
About the Organization:
We are a high-impact, fast-growing national non-profit committed to a mission that
changes lives. This job is not for you if:
● You require a strict 9–5 schedule
● You get overwhelmed easily or dislike unpredictability
● You prefer a quiet desk job with limited interaction
● You need hand-holding or hate dogs (seriously, don’t apply)
What We Offer:
● Competitive salary: $80,000–$100,000/year, based on experience
● Health and dental benefits
● A flexible, mission-driven work environment where you can grow and thrive
The chance to make a meaningful difference every day and save dogs lives
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
● Ability to bring (1) dog to work with you to work
● Dental insurance
● Employee discount on dog boarding, dog training, and vet bills
● Health insurance
● Paid time off
● Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
● Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (Preferred)
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $80,000