Senior Manager, Animal Adoptions and Placement

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Placement Program Management (30%) 

• Develop, implement, and oversee the R&R Center’s Direct Adoptions Program, aligning with organization wide philosophies and making use of existing adoptability criteria and behavior alignment tools  

• Continually assess the direct adoptions program, with an eye for making high quality and expedient placements and ensuring a positive adopter experience 

• Collaborate across teams to foster a steady flow of information about dogs on course for placement, and a steady flow of dogs available for placement 

• Encourage and demonstrate collaboration across areas by participating in playgroups, behavior treatments, loading dogs for transport, and other handling opportunities, and maintaining up to date knowledge of dogs in care and ready for placement, as well as the processes and procedures of other teams 

• Work closely with R&R Center teams, Centralized Placement, and the Adoption Center to determine which avenues are appropriate for each dog, working to minimize behavioral or medical setbacks upon placement  

• Collaborate with Behavioral Sciences Team, Shelter Medical Services, and Centralized Placement to support the onboarding of new shelter partners; conducting facility visits when necessary to review and introduce the R&R’s rehabilitation program  

• Coordinate shadowing opportunities for partner shelters to enhance their understanding of R&R Center programs, and increase willingness to accept graduate dogs   

• Analyze adopter and transfer partner feedback, assessing their experiences and the success of the R&R Center program  

• Gather and review relevant medical, behavioral, and photo/video animal information and submit to Centralized Placement to facilitate partner placement 

• Work directly with adopters, as needed, to facilitate expedient and successful adoptions  

Transport Program Management (25%) 

• Develop, implement, and oversee the R&R Center’s Transport Program 

• Oversee all aspects of animal transport including, but not limited to partner relations and quality assurance, animal readiness, proper transport, fleet oversight and maintenance, appropriate animal handling, transport schedule, routes, emergency preparedness, etc.  

• Work closely with NYC teams daily, collaborating on which animals are ready for transport to the R&R Center, arranging those transports, and driving as needed 

• Ensure the safe and humane animal transport for long and short trips  

• Ensure all transport staff are properly trained and always maintain a professional appearance, clean and safe vehicles, and safeguard program assets and animals     

• Work collaboratively with other R&R Center leaders to ensure appropriate level of competent, engaged back-up transport assistance is available  

• Oversee and track the purchasing of supplies and proper maintenance of program assets including vehicles and inventory  

People Management (25%) 

• Provide direct oversight of Manager, Adoptions and Coordinator, Transport  

• Ensure team adheres to standard operating procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records of compliance activities   

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate employee recognition milestones and engagement initiatives  

• Arrange tasks and resources effectively to optimize workflow and ensure efficiency  

• Set clear, achievable team goals, inspiring and motivating team members to perform at their best  

• Facilitate ample and open communication within and across teams   

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

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

• Work with R&R Center leadership and the People Team to recruit, hire, and onboard new employees, and contribute to workforce planning  

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership and the Learning & Development Team to identify training needs and provide opportunities for professional development   

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%) 

• Work with R&R Center leadership to create, review, and update standard operating procedures and operational documents to align with all regulatory requirements  

• Gather quantitative and qualitative data to assess the success of the direct adoptions program, identify and address any bottlenecks in animal flow, and recommend changes to improve program outcomes   

• Prepare and present monthly reports on the performance and achievements of the placement and transport programs to R&R Center and Rehabilitation Services leadership   

• 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   

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 2 year of management experience  

• 3 years of experience working in an animal shelter, preferably in a hands-on animal care role 

• Professional or volunteer experience with animal adoptions is preferred 

• Community outreach and engagement experience is preferred 

• Experience writing and editing is preferred 

• Experience in photography is preferred 

• 5 or more years driving experience preferred 

• Experience in animal transportation or veterinary/animal shelter services 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, 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