Animal Program Specialist

SPCA Westchester•Village of Briarcliff Manor, NY

12d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The Animal Program Specialist helps shelter animals connect with the community and potential adopters by overseeing the Dog Day Out (DDO) program and creating and maintaining animal marketing content. The role manages daily DDO operations and program growth, supports positive volunteer experiences, and works with internal teams to increase animals’ visibility and opportunities for adoption. The position creates and updates animal biographies, adoption profiles, photographs, videos, and in-shelter marketing materials. It gathers information from staff, foster families, volunteers, and DDO participants, and collaborates with the Marketing team to share compelling animal content. The role requires strong organization, communication, judgment, and a commitment to animal safety and welfare. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. SPCA Westchester is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless, abused, and abandoned animals and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect through education and enforcement of humane laws.

Requirements

Comfort handling dogs of various sizes.
Ability to remain calm and attentive when working with animals in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing engaging animal biographies and communicating effectively with volunteers and staff.
Comfort using spreadsheets, scheduling platforms, and other computer-based systems.
Good judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to animal safety and welfare.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a variety of teams.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with dogs, such as in dog walking, daycare, boarding, a veterinary clinic, or an animal shelter.
Experience in program coordination, volunteer management, animal care, community outreach, marketing, or a related field.
Experience with animal photography, video, or digital content creation.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and continued growth of the Dog Day Out program, including applications, volunteer onboarding, scheduling, dog assignments, and follow-up.
Match dogs with appropriate volunteers based on dogs’ needs and volunteers’ experience, abilities, and planned activities.
Coordinate daily dog releases and returns with shelter staff and ensure volunteers receive appropriate equipment, information, and safety guidance.
Maintain accurate program records, monitor participation and outcomes, and use program data to identify opportunities for improvement.
Manage program equipment and supplies, communicate with participants, and develop a reliable pool of regular and advanced volunteers.
Work with behavior and medical teams to assess dogs’ suitability for outings and communicate relevant safety considerations.
Build relationships with volunteers and community partners to increase DDO participation and awareness.
Identify opportunities to expand the program through local businesses, corporate groups, universities, and other community organizations.
Create and maintain accurate, engaging animal biographies and adoption profiles across online platforms and in-shelter materials.
Take photographs and videos that showcase each animal’s personality, strengths, and adoptability.
Keep animal profiles, biographies, photographs, and cage cards current as new information becomes available.
Gather information and content from staff, foster families, volunteers, and DDO participants to help tell each animal’s story.
Collaborate with the Marketing team to share animal content and improve adoption visibility.