About the TeamPetSmart Charities is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the US and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
About the LocationHybrid Position:
This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity.
About the JobThis role is in our Canadian Home Office - Burlington, Ontario Summary · The senior manager of strategic initiatives is responsible for supporting the development & implementation of grant initiatives in alignment with PetSmart Charities of Canada’s (PCC) programmatic goals. Reporting to the Director of Veterinary Affairs, this role will support both of PCC’s program pillars, Supporting Pets & People and Connecting Pets & People. This role is responsible for creating a strategic vision for PCC grant impact and supporting PCC grant managers in execution of their grant portfolios. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent soft leadership skills, excellent networking and mentoring skills and a passion for making a positive impact in the animal welfare & veterinary industries. |
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Manage the development of major strategic initiatives, in partnership with the leadership of the Supporting Pets & People and Connecting Pets & People teams, by leveraging and expanding a network of strategic Canadian partners and stakeholders, overseeing key research to generate strategic insights, and helping to build actionable strategies to achieve PCC’s goals of creating and supporting pet families.
- Collaborate broadly across the animal welfare field and relevant industries, including veterinary universities, industry stakeholders and the animal care industry to generate catalytic funding opportunities.
- Act as Subject Matter Expert for animal welfare, access to care and sheltering issues, providing consultation and recommendations to Charities partners in Canada.
- Work closely with all program teams and PetSmart, ensuring alignment and effective communication across initiatives to drive PCC organizational goals.
- Serve as a key external spokesperson for Canada-wide grant programs and impact.
Program and Grants Management |
- Provide thought leadership and support grant managers in executing strategic initiatives that both improve lifesaving outcomes for animals in shelters as well as and supporting efforts that keep pets and people together in their communities across Canada.
- Lead development and implementation of tests, community surveying, research, and pilot programs to advance strategic priorities.
- Evaluate challenges in existing programs and services and collaboratively develop enhancements in collaboration with program leads and Canada grant managers.
- Advise policy and risk management strategies for PetSmart Charities of Canada.
- Identify and support priority outreach and communications opportunities to improve external stakeholder understanding of PCC brand and impact.
- Prepare and deliver written and verbal presentations on behalf of PetSmart Charities of Canada programs teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Industry Knowledge & Involvement - Engage in cross-sector strategic regional and national relationships that support animal welfare and access to care in Canada.
- Track industry trends and knowledge management, utilizing networks and expertise in animal welfare to provide input and recommendations for Charities’ strategies, policy, and risk management.
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of best practices and trends in social, environmental and cultural issues relating to animal welfare, reconciliation and access to veterinary care
- Develop and maintain knowledge of and adherence to pertinent legislation and regulations guiding the work of PCC.
External Representation - Represent PetSmart Charities of Canada externally as required to promote the mission, brand and strategic focus within the animal welfare sector.
- Serve as a primary contact for key partners outside of PCC scheduled grant programs; build consensus, create meaningful partnerships focused on mutual learning and respect, and generate impactful grant opportunities that build PCC’s ability to create strategic change.
Supervisory Responsibilities - This role has no direct supervisory responsibilities; acts a lead, however, on organizational strategy for Canada overall, requiring close collaboration and soft leadership for both Canada grants managers and strong communication with U.S.-based program leadership teams.
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Travel Requirements |
· 30-50% Experience, Education and Interests - Interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for supporting animal welfare, community engagement and supporting the people involved in animal welfare and at all levels.
- Understand key challenges associated with companion animal sheltering and access to veterinary care and desire to implement change programs to improve access.
- Personal values guided by equity and inclusion, especially for historically excluded communities, with an understanding of harm-reduction philosophies, trauma-informed care and/or participatory programming.
- A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organizational and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated success in leading strategic planning or project design.
- Demonstrated communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders from community to academic and policy-making levels.
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About the CultureAt PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.
Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.
