Adoptions Manager

Animal Welfare League of Arlington•Arlington, VA

3d•$60,000 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Adoptions Manager oversees all day-to-day operations of the Adoptions team, ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and values-aligned adoption experience for every person and animal. This role leads a dedicated team of adoption counselors and volunteers, drives open adoption practices, and partners closely with Behavior, Medical, and Communications staff to maximize placement outcomes. The ideal candidate is a people-first leader who brings both operational discipline and a genuine passion for community-centered animal placement. This is a full-time position that includes regular weekend, evening, and holiday shifts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
3+ years of professional experience in an animal shelter or animal welfare environment
Prior supervisory or team lead experience
Strong knowledge of animal care, animal behavior, and shelter operations
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and counseling skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
Comfort with conflict resolution and navigating difficult adopter conversations
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite
Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in fast-paced, emotionally charged environments
Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Genuine commitment to AWLA’s mission and values
Requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, walking/standing, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other equipment or machinery.
Will have exposure to injured and deceased animals, disinfectant solutions, and variable indoor and outdoor temperatures.
May assist in animal restraint and deal with distressed or dangerous animals, and could be subject to bites and scratches.
Requires manual dexterity to keep a strong animal on leash or operating a door while holding a strong animal on leash simultaneously.
May be required to lift heavy items or animals (upwards of 50 lbs) and be otherwise physically active.
Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals.
Also requires flexibility and adaptability to work with frequent interruptions.
Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife.
Upon hire, employees will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.

Nice To Haves

bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
experience with PetPoint or similar shelter database preferred

Responsibilities

Directly supervise Adoptions team staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development
Foster a team culture grounded in open adoption principles, empathy, and continuous learning
Conduct regular one-on-ones and team meetings; coordinate with volunteers supporting the adoptions department
Develop and maintain adoption standard operating procedures and ensure consistent implementation
Oversee the full adoption process from initial inquiry through placement, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for adopters
Ensure all animals have accurate, compelling website listings, appropriate kennel signage, and timely updates in PetPoint
Monitor PetPoint holds for accuracy and ensure animals are moved to appropriate stages efficiently
Collect, file, and track all bite disclosures; ensure disclosures are in each animal’s file and flagged in PetPoint
Collect and analyze monthly adoption data; provide regular reports to supervisor
Champion an open adoption model with all team members and volunteers, ensuring consistent application
Collaborate with Behavior, Medical, Foster, and Communications teams to align on placement decisions and animal readiness
Identify and develop creative programs and community partnerships to promote adoptions and support pet retention
Leverage social media, rescue partnerships, and local business relationships to increase adoption visibility
Manage scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across all shifts, including weekends and holidays
Oversee restock of adoption materials, filing of contracts, creation of adoption folders, ordering of tags and supplies
Support data entry and reporting as needed
Directly supervises Adoptions team staff and provides direction to adoption volunteers. Partners with the Foster & Transfer Coordinator on shared animals and cross-departmental workflows.