Animal Program Specialist

SPCA Westchester•Briarcliff Manor, NY

About The Position

The Animal Program Specialist oversees the daily operations and growth of the Dog Day Out (DDO) program and manages animal biographies, adoption profiles, photographs, videos, and in-shelter marketing materials. Working with internal teams, volunteers, foster families, and community partners, the specialist helps give shelter animals greater visibility and more opportunities to find homes. The position coordinates volunteer participation and dog outings, maintains program records and supplies, and creates engaging, current content that highlights each animal. The schedule is Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.

Requirements

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 with 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

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 volunteers based on dogs’ needs, volunteer experience and abilities, and planned activities.
Coordinate dog releases and returns with shelter staff, ensuring volunteers receive appropriate equipment, information, and safety guidance.
Maintain accurate program records, monitor participation and outcomes, and use program data to identify improvements.
Manage program equipment and supplies, communicate with participants, and develop a pool of regular and advanced volunteers.
Work with behavior and medical teams to determine whether dogs are appropriate 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 high-quality photographs and videos that showcase animals’ personalities, 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 tell each animal’s story.
Collaborate with the Marketing team to share compelling animal content and improve adoption visibility.