Manager, Volunteers and Foster

ASPCA • Full-time • Pawling, NY, United States • 1d ago

Manager, Volunteers and Foster at ASPCA summary:

The Manager of Volunteers and Foster at the ASPCA's Recovery & Rehabilitation Center oversees the daily activities of volunteers and fosters, ensuring effective recruitment, training, and engagement programs while promoting collaboration and communication. The role requires a passion for animal welfare, with responsibilities including scheduling, evaluating volunteer performance, and providing structured training opportunities. The manager serves as the primary point of contact for volunteers and fosters, fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing the Center’s capacity to care for animals in need.

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Manager, Volunteers & Foster at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

The individual in this role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the R&R Center’s volunteers and fosters. The Manager, Volunteers & Foster assists in the recruitment, training, and engagement of those who donate their time and talent in service of the ASPCA’s mission.

The successful candidate has a genuine appreciation for those who choose to help the R&R Center accomplish its goals. The person in this role enjoys working with people from a variety of backgrounds and is an open, honest, and direct communicator with an affinity for collaboration.

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming Launch 

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Functional Duties (85%)

Oversee the day-to-day functions of the R&R Center’s Volunteer Program

Participate in the recruitment and training of volunteers and fosters

Provide regular touchpoints and engagement opportunities for all volunteers and fosters

Engage and support an active pool of fosters willing to bring dogs, many with medical and/or behavioral needs, into their homes temporarily

Work closely with volunteers and fosters to determine how their skills and experience can be best put to use, acknowledging and celebrating their unique contributions to the organization’s mission

Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers and fosters, proactively checking in to maintain engagement

Arrange and assign volunteer tasks to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience that lessens the load for R&R Center staff and increases the R&R Center’s capacity

Collaborate across areas to determine where, when, and how volunteers can be most helpful

Collaborate with colleagues across all areas of the R&R Center to match animals with appropriate foster homes, based on the foster’s capacity and the animal’s needs

Schedule volunteer shifts to meet the needs of the R&R Center, adapting quickly as the volunteer pool’s availability and the Center’s needs change

Work alongside volunteers on their tasks, building a sense of belonging and inclusivity among volunteers and between volunteers and staff

Oversee foster drop-off and pick-up scheduling in collaboration with colleagues across areas

Gather and provide all needed foster supplies so that fosters and the dogs they bring home are set up for success from the outset

Facilitate communication between fosters and appropriate staff members to maintain a steady flow of animals into foster homes, and excellent and timely communication around medical and/or behavioral issues

Coordinate with fosters to collect photos, videos, and additional information for treatment and placement purposes

Build trust and open communication by directly addressing performance issues and/or safety concerns as they arise, leading with kindness and coaching

Actively listen to volunteer and foster suggestions and concerns, responding quickly and meaningfully, bringing suggestions to the Senior Manager, Volunteers & Foster, as appropriate

Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, providing kind and clear feedback when appropriate

Provide structured and equitable training opportunities for volunteers and fosters to increase their levels of responsibility as their skill and experience increases

Provide regular training for R&R Center staff to keep them informed of volunteer policies and procedures and to provide guidance for building strong staff-volunteer relationships

Coordinate R&R Center staff for volunteer or foster training presentations and shadowing opportunities

Provide volunteers and fosters with plentiful opportunities to be mentored, coached, and to train in new skills or interest areas

Seek out professional development and collaboration opportunities to continually improve and update volunteer and foster programs

Support the coverage of the Senior Manager, Volunteers and Foster in their absence.

Administrative and Operational Duties (15%)

Ensure volunteers and fosters understand and adhere to standard operating procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records of compliance activities

Assist in managing the volunteer and foster databases, as well as volunteer and foster materials to ensure they are current and readily available

Provide ongoing recognition and plan appreciation events for volunteers and fosters

Maintain a variety of communication avenues to meet the needs of R&R Center volunteers and fosters, keeping them informed and engaged, and providing full transparency around euthanasia decisions

Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings

Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses

Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believes in Team – that we are stronger together

Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred

2 years of experience working in an animal shelter

Experience managing paid staff or volunteers strongly preferred

Fear Free® Shelter Program certification (approximately 5 hours) required or completed within 60 days of hire

Qualifications

Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving

Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%of the time  
Available to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the program including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally

Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice

Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress

Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas

Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand

Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others

Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others

Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions

Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same

Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly

Strong and adaptable people manager

Artfully flexes management and coaching styles to best support diverse individuals

Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected

Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals

Sets a high standard by leading with transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles

Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly

Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships

Values training and education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities

Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces where it may be noisy and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible

Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer

Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies

Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time

Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects

Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Compensation & Benefits

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiringsalary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for this role is $70,000- $75,000 annually

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.

Keywords:

animal welfare, volunteer management, foster care, animal rehabilitation, non-profit management, community engagement, training and development, canine care, ASPCA