Director of Animal Care Services

Are you a transformational animal welfare leader who can rebuild trust, modernize operations, and lead meaningful change? If so, apply to be the City of Corpus Christi’s next Director of Animal Care Services.

The City is seeking a strategic, hands-on executive who can lead a complex animal care operation while implementing a comprehensive, community-driven improvement roadmap. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who excels in organizational turnaround, operational accountability, and humane animal care best practices.

Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi is a vibrant coastal city with a population of approximately 320,000 residents. Known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage, Corpus Christi is one of Texas’ largest cities and offers a compelling mix of urban amenities and relaxed coastal living.

Corpus Christi operates under a Council–Manager form of government. The Mayor and eight-member City Council serve as the legislative body, while the City Manager acts as the organization’s chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations.

Reporting to executive leadership, the Director of Animal Care Services provides overall strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the department. The Director will lead enforcement operations, shelter and adoption programs, veterinary services, and public outreach while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned animal welfare executive with demonstrated experience leading complex organizations through change. They are strategic yet hands-on, capable of balancing compassionate animal care with firm enforcement and public safety responsibilities.

Required Qualifications Include

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Animal Science, or a related field
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in a municipal or public sector animal shelter and field operations environment
• Five (5) years of executive management experience
• Senior-level experience in large or complex animal care organizations
• Valid driver’s license (Texas Class C or ability to obtain within 90 days)

Preferred

• Experience leading organizational reform or implementing operational assessments
• Master's degree, or specialized animal welfare certifications

The salary range is $162,178.19 - $190,797.87 depending on experience and qualifications.

For More Information On This Position, Contact

Jay Singleton, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment

***email_hidden***

Phone: View phone number on workus.org

This is a full time job

Contact Information

Job Contact Details

Name Jay Singleton

Title Senior Vice President

Telephone Number View phone number on workus.org

Email Address ***email_hidden***

Website

Closing Date: Monday, July 13, 2026

Posting Date: June 12, 2026

Closing Date: July 13, 2026