Animal Cruelty Case Specialist

Overview

This full-time, exempt position reports to the Criminal Justice Program Managing Attorney and is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). The role is remote within the United States.

The organization is dedicated to protecting animal lives and advancing their interests through the legal system by supporting criminal animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions, providing legal assistance and training, advocating for animal protection legislation, and supporting law students and professionals in the field of animal law.

Responsibilities

Case Support

• Receive and triage reports of animal cruelty and requests for case assistance from professional stakeholders and other sources via phone or email.
• Analyze and recommend which cases to pursue, gathering relevant facts from eyewitness accounts, media, and other sources.
• Generate and categorize cases; collaborate with Managing Attorneys to assign cases according to department protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using automated systems.
• Conduct internet research on potential and active cases, assist with research projects, and prepare materials for meetings, court proceedings, and case discovery.
• Follow up with stakeholders on case outcomes and maintain a system to track court proceedings.
• Manage grant processing for expert witnesses, forensic testing, and care costs in criminal cases.
• Provide guidance and assistance to law enforcement, animal control, veterinarians, and animal rescues on investigations, interview tactics, veterinary exams, protective custody, and large-scale rescues.
• Participate in crime scene and rescue deployments as needed, including hands-on scene processing, evidence collection, and logistical support.
• Support the Criminal Justice Program Case Response Unit as requested.

External Relationship Building and Outreach

• Build strategic relationships with prosecutors, law enforcement, animal control, veterinarians, and animal rescues to facilitate forensic and investigative support.
• Schedule and conduct outreach and training presentations for various disciplines including law enforcement, veterinarians, prosecutors, shelters, rescues, and social service agencies.

Internal Relationship Building

• Maintain intradepartmental relationships and act as a liaison to other programs.
• Create and maintain systems for sharing case work and outcomes across departments and facilitate dissemination of approved public-facing information.
• Provide in-house expertise on criminal justice cases, animal cruelty investigations, veterinary forensics, and animal rescue.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; or 5 years of equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in enforcement fieldwork operations, animal cruelty response, dispatch, or criminal case management.
• Demonstrated expertise in veterinary forensics or animal cruelty enforcement, including relevant certifications (e.g., Certificate in Veterinary Forensics, NACA certifications, FEMA certification, Property and Evidence Certifications, Police or Humane Officer certification).
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest standards of confidentiality, chain of custody, and ethical conduct.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Comfort speaking publicly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain composure and lead others during urgent or stressful situations.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Ability to travel frequently to conferences, trainings, meetings, and other events (estimated 5-7 events per year).

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting annual salary:
  • $71,509 for most U.S. locations.
  • $75,273 for candidates within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati, CA, and Los Angeles.
  • $79,036 for candidates within 25 miles of New York City and San Francisco.
• Salary is non-negotiable and determined by role and geographic factors.
• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and vision insurance (100% employer paid).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.
• 192 hours of paid time off.
• 19 paid holidays.
• One-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.
• Alternative work schedules available at manager’s discretion.
• One-time remote work allowance of $750.
• Annual professional development reimbursement up to $1,000.

Location

• Remote position based in the United States.

Additional Information

• This role is part of a collective bargaining unit with negotiated wages and benefits.
• Employment eligibility verification required in compliance with federal law.
• The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
• Offices and events are free of animal products and byproducts in alignment with the organization’s mission.