Chief Animal Protection & Investigations Leader

Humane Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 82,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Colorado seeks a Director of Animal Protection to lead strategic priorities in animal protection, cultivate partnerships with law enforcement and animal control, and guide professional education on cruelty investigations and welfare laws.

The role oversees staff, budgets, program development, and rigorous case management, collaborating with Development for fundraising and impact reporting.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of animal cruelty laws, investigation principles, and evidence collection.
• Experience leading training for law enforcement, animal control, and other partners.
• Ability to independently manage complex initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain Colorado cruelty investigator certification within 120 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in animal protection and investigations.
• Cultivate partnerships with animal control, law enforcement, prosecutors, and veterinarians.
• Develop systems, budgets, protocols and best practices for investigations.
• Lead staff, recruitment, training, coaching, and regulatory compliance.
• Support fundraising through impact stories and donor engagements.
• Oversee organized case files, documentation, data, and records.

Skills

Animal cruelty laws

Investigation principles

Evidence collection

Case preparation

Training delivery

Microsoft Office

Database systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Equivalent experience accepted

Tools

Case-management systems

Job description

Humane Colorado seeks a Director of Animal Protection to lead strategic priorities in animal protection, cultivate partnerships with law enforcement and animal control, and guide professional education on cruelty investigations and welfare laws.

The role oversees staff, budgets, program development, and rigorous case management, collaborating with Development for fundraising and impact reporting.