Manager, Care & Enrichment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Functional Duties (35%) 

• Maintains working knowledge of all Care & Enrichment daily protocols, working with the Senior Director, Care & Enrichment to ensure protocols are clear, concise, and up-to-date 

• Maintains working knowledge of all relevant regulatory requirements, and keeps accurate records of compliance activities 

• Oversee the cleaning and prepping of animal holding area and associated tasks, the provision of enrichment, and the feeding and watering of animals to ensure their daily needs are met  

• Arrange daily animal care and enrichment tasks to optimize workflow and ensure efficiency 

• Assist in training and overseeing volunteers as they perform animal related tasks, particularly when directly handling animals, and communicating respect and gratitude for volunteer support 

• Collaborate with behavior and veterinary team members, working together to ensure open and ample communication, excellent care, and close monitoring of every animal in the shelter 

• Together with the Care & Enrichment Technicians, creatively problem solve and take appropriate initiative to solve day to day issues  

• Provide continual feedback to the Senior Manager, Care & Enrichment to improve processes and minimize barriers to efficient work and high-quality animal care 

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of daily care and enrichment SOPs, representing the interests of the Care & Enrichment Technicians and working with the behavior and veterinary team to ensure integration  

• Audit data entered by Care & Enrichment Technicians on a daily basis to ensure it is accurate, informative, and appropriate to be read in a court of law if internal records were subpoenaed  

• Assist in choreographing animal movement into and out of the shelter in a seamless and low-stress manner   

• Perform repeated daily checks of animal holding areas, spot cleaning, feeding, watering, and providing enrichment as the need arises, or appropriately delegating the same 

• Hold team huddles at regular intervals throughout the day to determine progress on tasks, who needs additional support, and shape the remainder of the day accordingly  

• Develop, implement, and execute strategies to keep animal care and enrichment equipment and supplies organized, efficiently located, and in good repair 

• Monitor the inventory and conditions of animal care and enrichment supplies, requesting additional supplies before stock is depleted  

• Perform daily rounds to ensure all animals are in appropriate seized enclosures, and to evaluate the condition of every enclosures, noting any safety or integrity concerns, bringing them to the attention of the Manager, Facilities  

People Management (50%) 

• Clearly and concisely explain the reasoning behind each protocol, garnering buy-in from Care & Enrichment Technicians and ensuring protocols are used as intended  

• Oversee the Care & Enrichment team’s daily cleaning, handling, enrichment, monitoring, and documentation 

• Provide regular trainings, keeping Care & Enrichment team up to date on advances in the field and proficient in protocols 

• Work alongside the Care & Enrichment Technicians, assisting in daily care and monitoring adherence to all relevant protocols 

• Provide instant, kind, coaching when a deficiency in any aspect of job performance is noted 

• Ensure team adheres to standard operating procedures, protocols, and set clear, achievable goals 

• Directly and immediately address conflict and concerns as the arise, ensuring difficult conversations are productive, respectful, and meaningful  

• Practice delegation for growth, giving direct reports appropriate stretch opportunities to develop new skills 

• Monitor and evaluate employee performance, fostering growth by providing coaching, regular and timely feedback, and formal appraisals 

• Evaluate staffing levels and training needs, providing feedback to the Senior Director, Care & Enrichment on a regular basis  

• Regularly recognize team members accomplishments and provide healthy work-related engagement opportunities  

Operational and Administrative Duties (15%)  

• 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    

• Review time off requests and weekly hours worked for Care & Enrichment Technicians  

• 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 

Education and Work Experience 

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

• Minimum of one year of experience leading a team, directly or indirectly 

• At least two years of experience working in an animal shelter in a hands-on role 

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

Language 

• English (required) 

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  

• Able to work a flexible schedule, 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 leader 

• Artfully flexes 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 and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible  

• Work occurs in noisy environments  

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

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

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

Compensation and 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 hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.      

The target hiring range for this role is $68,000 - $73,000 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 visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.